North Lake Fall Camping Adventure in the High Sierra
Hi friends! If you're searching for the perfect camping experience in California's Eastern Sierra, look no further than North Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this secluded spot offers breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and some of the most spectacular Fall colors you'll find in the region. The golden hues of the aspen trees that surround the campground, the tranquil sound of a babbling brook, and the towering peaks of the High Sierra make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike. Whether you're setting up camp, exploring the nearby trails, or capturing the beauty of North Lake with your camera, this magical location has something for everyone. This travel guide will take you through my North Lake camping adventure, offering tips on how to plan your own, complete with recommendations for hiking, photography, and nearby attractions.
Fall colors at North Lake in the High Sierra
First light of sunrise at North Lake during Fall
Location
North Lake Campground is located in Inyo National Forest, just a short drive 20-mile drive from the charming town of Bishop, CA. Tucked away at an elevation of around 9,500 feet, North Lake is part of the Bishop Creek Canyon area, a picturesque location that draws adventurers seeking solace in the high country. The drive to North Lake itself is an adventure, as you'll navigate a narrow dirt road that hugs the cliffside, offering panoramic views of the Sabrina Basin and the quaint mountain town of Aspendell below. While the road is passable with most vehicles, my Toyota 4Runner made the journey smooth and an unforgettable part of the experience.
From Bishop, it’s an only 30 minutes to North Lake, though you’ll want to take the drive slow once you hit the dirt sections of North Lake Road. Patches of the dirt road can get rough, and there are spots where the cliffside drops off dramatically, so plan accordingly if you're not a fan of heights!
Toyota 4Runner along North Lake Road lined with Fall colors
North Lake Campground with peak Fall colors
North Lake Campground
North Lake Campground is a peaceful oasis, offering just 11 first-come, first-served campsites, making it an intimate and quiet place to camp. It’s located right next to North Lake, allowing for easy access to some of the most iconic High Sierra scenery. The campground itself is primitive, with no piped-in water, no trash service, and no RV or trailer access. You'll need to pack in and pack out all your trash, and there are no reservations, so arriving early, especially during peak Summer & Fall season, is essential.
Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-proof food storage locker—essential for storing food and scented items safely in black bear country. Despite the minimal amenities, the campground is close to several high-elevation trails that take you deep into the rugged Sierra wilderness. You’ll wake up surrounded by the golden glow of aspen groves and the sounds of streams flowing through the grounds, with trailheads just steps from your tent.
Hiking the North Lake Loop in the Eastern Sierra
Fall colors at the trailhead for Lamarack Lakes & Piute Pass
Hiking Trails
North Lake serves as a gateway to some of the best hiking in the Eastern Sierra. Here are a few must-explore trails nearby:
Lamarck Lakes Trail: With the trailhead located at the campground, this trail offers a moderate 4.5-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet. You’ll climb through aspen groves, cross bubbling creeks, and be rewarded with stunning views of Upper and Lower Lamarck Lakes surrounded by dramatic granite cliffs.
Piute Pass Trail: For a more challenging adventure, the Piute Pass Trail is an 9.5-mile round trip hike with a significant 2,000-foot elevation gain. Sharing the trailhead with the Lamarck Lakes Trail, this hike also starts at the North Lake Campground, taking you through the John Muir Wilderness, where you're met with alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and awe-inspiring mountain peaks.
Grass Lake Trail: At about 2.5 miles round trip, this is a shorter, relatively easier hike perfect for a quick nature escape. It offers scenic views of Grass Lake, surrounded by high-alpine beauty. Combine it with the Lamarack Lakes Trail for a 3-mile loop and 700 feet in elevation gain.
North Lake Loop: A perfect choice for photographers and those wanting to experience the iconic views of North Lake, this trail is a gentle 1-mile loop that hugs the shoreline, showcasing the stunning colors of Fall.
Peak Fall colors before sunrise at North Lake
Peak Fall colors at sunset at North Lake
Astrophotography at North Lake with the Milky Way
North Lake Photography
North Lake is a dream come true for photography connoisseurs, especially during the Fall season. Ever since Apple made the location famous with its MacBook High Sierra OS wallpaper, photographers and content creators have been flocking to North Lake’s eastern shoreline each October for a chance to capture the iconic Autumn scene. This spot peaks with Fall colors for only a week or so, which varies from year to year depending on weather. The ideal image photographers seek contains golden aspen lining the lakeshore with a vibrant channel of red and orange hues flowing down the slopes above the lake. A dusting of snow on the mountain peaks is a huge plus, adding some wonderful contrast to the reddish rock and fall foliage. And don’t be surprised to hear photographers yearning for some clouds in the sky to add more unique elements to the composition. Below are some photo tips and notes to consider for capturing North Lake at different times of day...
Sunrise: Sunrise is definitely the most popular time of day to photograph since the lake waters are glassy and the lighting is soft, so you’ll want to arrive early (VERY early) to nab a spot along the eastern shore. There are several great spots to compose a beautiful photograph, but they fill up quickly during peak Fall season, especially on weekends. I’d recommend arriving while the stars are still out, at least an hour before sunrise...even then you most certainly won’t be the first out there. Get your tripod set up right away to claim your spot. Ideally your view will have some reeds and/or rocks in the foreground to anchor your shot, as well as plenty of water visible for reflections. Nab plenty of long-exposure photos before sunrise when the lighting is soft. Once the sunlight starts to hit the peaks, you’ll be able to grab some grab some beautiful shots of the aspenglow creep down the hill, but the higher the sun gets, the more blasted out the mountainside gets...this is also when the majority of the photographers take off. Use this opportunity to move around and take photos from other angles, and try zooming in on details that are getting that first hint of daylight.
Midday: During the middle of the day, you’ll encounter more tourists wandering around looking for the Fall colors than photographers. The lighting can be harsh, but the bright colors of the foliage are incredibly vibrant. If you’re up in the mountains on a multi-day trip like I was, midday can be a great time to visit to familiarize yourself with the area and find the ideal spot to set up for your sunrise shoot the next morning. It’s also a great time to wander around the North Lake Loop Trail and take photos of the landscape from different angles.
Sunset: The sun will set behind the peaks in front of you, so many of the details will be backlit while the sun is still up...not always ideal for photography. But once the sun falls behind the peaks, you can capture some beautiful shots of North Lake, especially if there are clouds in the sky and a sunset “burn” presents itself. The fish can be incredibly active at dusk, which in one sense can ruin the glassy reflections, but it’s quite a sight to see hundreds of little trout breaching the lake surface for an evening meal.
Night: If you're into astrophotography or you just enjoy stargazing, the lack of light pollution makes North Lake a fantastic location for capturing the night sky, shooting stars, and the Milky Way on clear nights. Make sure to set up your tripod in an area you can access easily when it’s pitch black out, and make sure you have the lake in frame to get the stars reflecting in the water.
When setting up for photography at North Lake, always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles—stick to designated paths, avoid trampling vegetation, and respect the space of others. Fall attracts large crowds of photographers, so be mindful of others when setting up in popular areas, and do your best not to get in another photographer’s framing. Use red light flash lights to get set up in the dark, and then turn them off as quickly as you can to minimize ruining other photographers’ long exposure shots.
Eastern Sierra Fall colors in the Sabrina Basin & at Cardinal Village
Eastern Sierra Fall foliage along South Fork Bishop Creek
Nearby Points of Interest
Lake Sabrina: Just down the road from North Lake, Lake Sabrina is another must-visit spot. Its deep blue waters framed by towering peaks make for a beautiful photo opportunity and a peaceful place to relax.
Cardinal Village: This charming, historic village offers a small general store and café, making it a great spot for a quick snack or a hot-cooked meal after a morning hike.
South Lake Road: Driving along South Lake Road offers more Fall foliage and sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada. The South Fork Bishop Creek runs along this scenic drive and offers several fantastic Fall foliage views.
Intake Two: A scenic fishing, hiking, and camping spot right off Highway 168, this small lake along the Bishop Creek is surrounded by colorful aspens.
Toyota 4Runner surrounded by Fall colors near North Lake
Toyota 4Runner
For this trip, my Toyota 4Runner quickly became more than just a mode of transportation—it was part of the adventure. With its off-road capabilities, the 4Runner handled the rough, narrow dirt road to North Lake with ease, providing a smooth and secure ride. The 4Runner’s ample cargo space allowed me to store all my camping gear, photography equipment, and snacks, while the all-wheel-drive gave me peace of mind when navigating the rugged Sierra terrain.
North Lake Campground - campsite #1
My Camping & Photography Gear
I get so many questions about what equipment we use on our adventures, so below I’ve listed out the gear we used on our North Lake camping adventure. 😊
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Hiking through an aspen grove along the North Lake Loop
Know Before You Go
• Seasons and Closures: North Lake is generally accessible from late Spring to early Fall, but the road can close with the first heavy snow, usually by late October or early November. Highway 168 just beyond Aspendell/Cardinal Village also closes for Winter. Always check road conditions before you go. North Lake Campground typically closes towards the end of October each year. This year (2024) it closes October 21st. Check out the official Inyo National Forest website for more information.
• Wildlife: This is black bear country, so always use bear boxes provided at the campground to store your food and scented items. Please also refrain from approaching or feeding wildlife. Deer is abundant here, so be extra cautious while driving.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no trash services at the North Lake Campground, so you’ll need to bring all your waste out with you. Be sure to leave your campsite as pristine as you found it.
• What to Pack: Temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the evenings, so dress in layers.
• Fall Colors: Fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra can vary depending on temperatures, precipitation & wind, so keep an eye on local weather reports for real-time updates.
• Leave No Trace: Please remember to Leave No Trace Principles and Mountain Manners on your adventures here to keep this wonderful area pristine.
Top 10 Eastern Sierra Fall Photo Spots
South Fork Bishop Creek
Sagehen Summit
Vibrant Fall colors on the west shore of North Lake
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in the Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit of my Fall camping adventure at North Lake, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
First light of sunrise hitting Fall foliage along North Lake
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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