Hidden high-country retreat: Woods Lake Campground near Carson Pass
Woods Lake Campground sits tucked into the Mokelumne Wilderness of California’s Northern Sierra at 8,200 feet elevation, roughly 63.5 miles east of Jackson via Highway 88, then about 2 miles south on Forest Service road just west of Carson Pass. It’s a first-come, first-served operation open roughly May through mid-October, weather permitting. Nights are always chilly here—bring a warm coat even in summer, and expect high demand in July and August. Your best bet is arriving midweek when you’re more likely to snag a spot.
The campground has about 25 tent-only sites with vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. Bear boxes are on-site for food storage, though bear canisters are strongly encouraged above 8,000 feet. Camping typically runs about $28 per night, with $5 day-use fees available if you just want to hike.
Late June through early October is ideal to avoid lingering snow and ensure the road stays passable. The Round Top–Winnemucca Lake Loop starts right at the campground trailhead and covers 4.2–6.6 miles depending on how far you push. You’ll gain about 1,200 feet climbing from 8,200 to roughly 9,400 feet, which takes 4.5–5 hours for the main loop (longer if you extend toward Fourth of July Lake or Round Top Peak itself at 10,381 feet). The clockwise route—ascending to Round Top first, then descending via Winnemucca Lake—works well. You’ll pass Lost Cabin Mine relics along the way, and Winnemucca Lake is known for vibrant wildflowers in June and July.
Dogs can come along on leash; just pack out their waste. Hiking poles help navigate the snow and muddy sections common into summer. Acclimatizing before tackling the higher summits is smart planning. This isn’t a destination for convenience seekers, but if you’re willing to brave the high elevation and limited access window, you get dramatic alpine beauty, challenging terrain, and genuine solitude—genuinely hard to find this close to the Bay Area.
