General Mokelumne Wilderness Information and Permits

Day Use Permits

  • Is there a Fee for a Day Use Permit? No.
  • ​Maximum group size: 12 people for day-use.

No permits are needed for day hikes in the Mokelumne Wilderness. Day hikers are not permitted to camp overnight. Please follow Leave No Trace guidelines and practice low-impact recreational practices.

Overnight Permits

Permits are required year-round for overnight use.

  • Where can I camp with a General Mokelumne Wilderness permit? 
    • Anywhere in the Mokelumne Wilderness OUTSIDE of the Carson Pass Management Area which is considered the Winnemucca, Round Top, and Fourth of July Lakes and surrounding areas. 

    • Choosing a Camping spot: Select a spot at least 200 feet away from water. Please do not cause resource damage.  Stay in an existing tent pad. Practice Leave No Trace techniques.

    • Snow Camping: Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing information. 

  • When and where can I obtain an Overnight Camping permit? 
    • ONLINE = Self-Issue
    • IN-PERSON = The Amador District office on Silver Drive in Pioneer, CA is open for in-person visits. ​Office hours for the Amador District office are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed on federal holidays and weekends).
  • Is there a Quota or a Fee? No. 
  • Maximum group size: 
    • 8 people for overnight use. If you have a larger group than is permitted, reduce the number of people, split the group to visit different areas, or visit an area which permits larger numbers. You are not permitted to camp or travel within one mile of a related group.
  • Only one permit is required per group and must remain with someone in the party at all times.
  • Each permit is good for one trip only.
  • You must enter at the trailhead designated on your permit. 
  • Campfires & Camp Stoves - Campfires are NOT allowed anywhere in the Mokelumne Wilderness (Forest Order 03-23-10). The Campfire permit covers your camp stove and lanterns and must be carried to use an “on and off” switch style gas camp stove.

Related Camping Restrictions:

  • EMIGRANT LAKE : Camping within 300 feet of Emigrant Lake is not permitted to protect and promote the restoration of the shoreline. Camping within 300 feet of the shoreline is only permissible when there is snow on the ground. Make sure you do not dig down and cause resource damage. Pack out all waste and TP.
  • WOODS LAKE offers day use hiking but not overnight backpacking around the lake. This Lake is a developed area with a developed campground, day use area, and has privatly-owned recreation residences. Overnight camping is only allowed at the Woods Lake developed campground.

Trailhead Parking - Fees

Concession Operated Mokelumne Wilderness related Day Use Areas 

  • Fee: $10.00 per vehicle per day.

  • Facilities include: The Woods Lake Day Use and Trailhead areas which are now under concession management by Royal Elk Park Managment.
    • ​The  interagency America the Beautiful passes (Golden Age) DO NOT APPLY to concession facilities with standard amenity fees (which are typically our day use sites).
    • The Royal Elk Park Management concessionairre has developed its own Season pass for the facilities it operates.  

Forest Service Operated Mokelumne Wilderness related Day Use Areas  

  • Fee: $5.00 per vehicle per day.
  • Facilities include: Carson Pass, Carson Pass Overflow and Meiss Trailheads. 
    • ​​Interagency Annual, Senior, and Access passes (America the Beautiful) ALLOW the holder to park for FREE at the Eagle Falls, Carson Pass, Carson Pass Overflow and Meiss Trailheads.
  • Winter months -  A Snow Park permit to park is required for parking at Carson Pass and the Meiss Trailheads from November 1 through April 30. Please have the permit placed on dashboard of vehicle.