The Pacific Crest Trail, which runs 2, 663 miles from Mexico to Canada, shares half of the lake with the Rim Trail and brings an influx of "through hikers" (the ultra-serious lean visitors who routinely make 20 plus miles a day).

BBC: Lost in paradise

If you car camp, you'll have more options (think coolers packed with all sorts of delicacies and cast iron pans for campfire desserts), but if you decide to make it a longer excursion (think a few days on the Appalachian Trail or along the Pacific Crest Trail) light is the way to go.

NPR: Forget The Granola: Camp Cooking Goes Gourmet