Lake Alpine Campground
Stanislaus National Forest

Lake Alpine, CA
Lake Alpine, CA

Lake Alpine Campground
Stanislaus National Forest


Lake Alpine Campground

Lake Alpine Campground (AKA West Shore) is one of the most popular camping destinations along the Ebbetts Pass corridor. Situated next to the beautiful mountain lake, campsites are within walking distance of fishing, swimming, and boating. A boat ramp is nearby along with a small store and restaurant at Lake Alpine Lodge.

The speed limit on the lake is 10 MPH. Lake Alpine's water can be very cold and swimmers should use extreme caution. Children should wear life jackets. In the summer various programs are provided for visitors, including evening campfire programs and weekly activities for children.

As soon as Lake Alpine Campground opens in late May, sites begin to fill up. Reservations are now available during peak times. All the campsites are suitable for tents and small RVs or trailers.

Note that on the reservation website Lake Alpine Campground is called West Shore Campground



Lake Alpine Campground Basics
Lake Alpine Campground Location: Off Highway 4, fifty miles east of Angels Camp
Elevation: 7,300 feet
Miles/Driving time: Stockton - 100 miles, 2:05
Campground Open: Late-May through October, as weather permits
Number of Sites: 25
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2, fee for 2nd vehicle
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Lake Alpine Campground Inc. for Stanislaus National Forest
Calaveras Ranger District: (209) 795-1381

Reservations
Reservations available: Reservations can be made for camping dates during peak season, usually mid-July through September. At other times when the campground is open, sites are first come, first served.
Booking Window: Reservations taken up to 6 months in advance of your arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet (Not all campsites are the same. Confirm on the reservation website that your RV/trailer/vehicle will fit in the chosen campsite)
Accessible Sites: #2 and 3
Fees: $30 per night
Reservations: Lake Alpine Campground Reservations
or call 1-877-444-6777
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Lake Alpine Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets, tap water; no hook-ups
Showers: Nearby at Lake Alpine Lodge
Dump Station: No
Attractions near Lake Alpine Campground:
  • Enjoy Lake Alpine for boating fishing, and swimming.
  • Hike on nearby trails into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
  • Make the hike to the top of Inspiration Point or hike around the lake.
  • Visit Lake Alpine Lodge for supplies and its restaurant.
  • Drive down to Bear Valley for shops and restaurants.
  • Head up Ebbetts Pass, touring Mosquito Lakes, Pacific Grade Summit, and the dramatic eastern side of the pass.


General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate




Campsite at Lake Alpine Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Lake Alpine Campground

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Visitors Lake Alpine Campground in the Stanislaus National Forest find a wide range of activities and attractions.

  • Enjoy fishing in the Stanislaus River and nearby lakes such as Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir.
  • Take advantage of great OHV routes at places such as Rattlesnake Creek and Black Springs.
  • Spend the day kayaking at one of the many lakes.
  • Take off mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Drive down to Bear Valley for intereting shops and restaurants.
  • Set out on hiking trails such as the path up to Inspiration Point or along the Arnold Rim Trail and various others leading off Highway 4.
  • Take a scenic drive over Ebbetts Pass, perhaps as far as Markleeville.

Places to Visit

  • Tour historic Murphys.
  • Picnic at White Pines Lake and tour the Logging Museum.
  • Drive out to Spicer, Union, and Utica reservoirs.
  • Visit Quyle Kilns, 4 miles east of Murphys.
  • Tour Mercer Caverns and Moaning Cavern.
  • Try some wine tasting at Ironstone Winery.

    Check Stanislaus National Forest - Lake Alpine Campground for any campground updates.



Lake Alpine map,  showing Lake Alpine Campground and other campgrounds, CA.