Lago di Cama

Lago di Cama is a small alpine lake above the village of Cama, in the Val Cama side valley of Val Mesolcina, in Italian-speaking Graubünden, Switzerland. It sits at roughly 1,265 m above sea level and can only be reached on foot, which makes it a full-day hike rather than a quick stop.

Where is the lake?

Val Cama belongs to the Moesano region and to the municipalities of Cama and Verdabbio. The lake lies in a grassy basin closed in by the rock walls of Pizzi Martel and Campanile. The Alp de Lagh farm stands next to it, and the Capanna Righetti-Fibbioli hut is close by.

How do you hike to Lago di Cama?

The trail starts at the hamlet of Ogreda, above Cama, where there is parking at the edge of the forest. The turn-off from Cama is marked only by a small yellow sign reading "Val Cama – Lago di Cama", and it is easy to miss, so watch for it.

From there the path climbs steeply through dense woods of chestnut and old beech. Expect 2.5 to 3 hours of walking with no technical difficulty. White-and-red waymarks lead all the way to the lake, maintained by the Pro Val Cama association.

Can you get there by public transport?

Partly. Take the train to Bellinzona or Thusis, then a postbus runs to Cama. Check timetables before you travel, as they change with the season.

What will you see up there?

Emerging from the trees, you enter a bowl of meadows and rock with a quiet little lake at its centre. On the shore is Alp de Lagh, a mountain farm rebuilt between 2004 and 2009 that makes goat cheese. From mid-June to the end of September the Capanna Righetti-Fibbioli and the Miralago refuge are open for food and a rest.

You can continue to little Lake Sambrog at 2,076 m. That stretch is rough in places, and the full round trip takes about 5 hours, so it suits experienced walkers.

When should you go?

June to September is best, when the huts are staffed and the trail is clear of snow. Start in the morning: with 2.5 to 3 hours each way, you keep a margin to get back before dark. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water and a warm layer, since the basin is cooler than the valley floor.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to the lake?

No. Leave the car at Ogreda by the forest edge and walk the rest.

How long is the ascent?

Between 2.5 and 3 hours one way. The trail is steep but not technical.

Is there food at the lake?

Yes. From mid-June to the end of September the Capanna Righetti-Fibbioli and the Miralago refuge are open, and Alp de Lagh makes goat cheese.

Where is Lago di Cama?

In Switzerland, in the canton of Graubünden, in Val Cama, a side valley of Val Mesolcina near the village of Cama.