(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground campground
California

(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
20 campsites
Open in maps

20

Total Campsites

Campground

19

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground

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 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. 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.

  • 20 total campsites listed.
  • 19 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (17).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground photo 2
(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground special

Perched about two miles west of Lake Alpine in the Stanislaus National Forest, Lodgepole Campground delivers the kind of breathtaking Sierra Nevada scenery that keeps campers coming back summer after summer. True to its name, the campground is shaded by tall lodgepole pines, their straight trunks framing views of granite peaks and alpine meadows that seem pulled from a postcard. Lake Alpine itself is the main draw — a sparkling high-country lake perfect for kayaking, swimming, and fishing for brook and rainbow trout. A short drive or pleasant walk along the road gets you to the lakeshore and its boat launch. Beyond the lake, trails fan out into the Carson-Iceberg and Mokelumne Wilderness areas, opening up a world of backcountry hiking, wildflower fields, and the kind of deep mountain silence that recharges the soul. At roughly 7,300 feet in elevation, the season here is relatively short. Snow typically clears by late June and returns by October, so the prime camping window falls squarely in July, August, and early September. Sites are popular with both tent campers and small RVs, and weekends fill fast once the road opens for the season. Reserving ahead is strongly recommended. Bring layers — even in midsummer, nights at this elevation carry a crisp mountain chill that makes a warm sleeping bag essential.

Campsite Inventory

20 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

17total sites

17

Reservable

0

Accessible

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC

2total sites

2

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Condition Rating

Basic

Driveway entry

Back-In

Driveway length (ft)

38

Driveway surface

Gravel, N/A

Max guests

50, 6

Max vehicle length (ft)

20, 26, 28, 29

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Shade

No, Yes

Site Access

Drive-In

Site length (ft)

20, 24, 26, 28

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

209-753-6350

Email

Alpinegvcpa@gmail.com

Getting There

From Angel Camp, drive 50 miles east on Highway 4.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground.

How do reservations work for (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground?

Reservation availability for (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground?

(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (17), GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (2), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground located?

(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground is in California. Coordinates: 38.4773, -120.0242.

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