Lake Alpine sits at 7,300 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada, where this Forest Service campground provides access to alpine fishing and paddling. The entrance road shows rutting from snowmelt but remains passable for most vehicles. Sites accommodate RVs up to 46 feet and include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault restrooms with potable water available.
The campground operates both individual sites and a group area that holds up to 50 people with 20 vehicle spaces. Thirty overflow sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis at $25 per night. Cell phone reception is nearly nonexistent throughout the area. Campers exploring places to camp around Stanislaus National Forest will find this location works well for those prioritizing lake access over connectivity.
Description
Overview
Lodgepole Group Campground is located just two miles west of Lake Alpine in northern California. The campground affords breathtaking views of the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest. Campground may open earlier and close later on a first come first serve basis as weather (snow level) allows. This information will be posted on this page as soon as it becomes available. The current dates for reservations have historically allowed for comfortable camping, but please take into consideration the high alpine location when making a reservation. It is possible to have snow, rain, mud, and overall cold/wet conditions any time of year.
Recreation
Lake Alpine provides a wide variety of recreation opportunities. Hike, bike, or ride a horse on Bear Valley, an accessible trail that winds along the lakeshore to the community of Bear Valley. It connects with the historic Emigrant Trail, the route pioneers once traveled via covered wagon to settle in California. Interpretive programs are offered by Forest Service rangers during the summer months.
Facilities
Campsites with room for up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles per campsite. Picnic tables, campfire rings, toilets are available. Hot showers and laundromat available at nearby Lake Alpine Lodge. No electricity or hook-ups. Pets are welcome. Firewood, camping and fishing supplies, food, and apparel is available in the general store at Lake Alpine Lodge.
Natural Features
Lodgepole Campground is situated on a large, flat plain, not far from a creek. It sits at an elevation of 7,290 feet, within the Stanislaus National Forest in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. The forest lies between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped peaks and California's Great Central Valley. A wide variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including marmots, squirrels, coyotes, deer and many birds.
Nearby Attractions
A restaurant, bar, general store, and boat rentals can be found at nearby Lake Alpine Lodge. The immediate area is suited for forest and wilderness recreation. A short car ride away is Big Trees State Park, Grover Hot Springs, Mercer Caverns, Mountain Adventure Seminars, and the wine country of Calaveras County.
Fee Info
Fees will NOT be waived for things like changes in weather, or naturally occurring wildlife in the area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public Campground(lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground is located in California
Directions
From Angel Camp, drive 50 miles east on Highway 4.
Address
STANISLAUS
CA
Coordinates
38.477308 N
120.024175 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 47 min from Stockton, CA
- 2 hrs 5 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 13 min from Sacramento, CA
