Spicer Reservoir Campground

Ebbetts Pass

Spicer Meadow Reservoir, CA
Spicer Meadow Reservoir, CA

Spicer Reservoir Campground

Ebbetts Pass


Spicer Reservoir Campground

Spicer Reservoir Campground is on the shore of Spicer Meadow Reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest. The beautiful forest and lake setting attracts anglers and kayakers, hikers and nature lovers.

A boat ramp is near the campground. With a 10 MPH speed limit on the lake, anglers can enjoy great fishing without the disturbance of water skiers or jet skis. The northeast arm of the lake is limited to non-motorized boating, making it popular with fly-fishermen, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders.

Spicer Reservoir Campground has 62 first-come, first-served campsites. All the sites are available for tent camping and for RVs up to 50 feet in length. Some sites are close to the water while others are spread farther back among trees. Spicer Reservoir Campground is 9 miles off Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road, and Bear Valley Village with stores and restaurants is only 13 miles away.

A half mile from the main Spicer Reservoir Campground is a popular Group Campground.

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Spicer Reservoir Campground Basics
Spicer Reservoir Campground Location: Turn off Highway 4 at Spicer Reservoir Rd. 22 miles east of Arnold and 6 miles west of Lake Alpine. Then 9 miles to the campground
Elevation: 6,400 feet
Miles/Driving time: Stockton - 102 miles, 2:20
Campground Open: Late-May through October, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 60
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 Royal Elk Park Management for Stanislaus National Forest
Calaveras Ranger District: (209) 795-1381

Reservations
No Reservations: Spicer Reservoir Campground campsites are all first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 50 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $30 per night
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 1:00 PM

Spicer Reservoir Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Attractions near Spicer Reservoir Campground:
  • Enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking.
  • Use the boat launch ramp near the campground.
  • Bear Valley Adventure Company has kayak and bike rentals.
  • Visit Bear Valley for shops and restaurants.
  • Head over to Union and Utica reservoirs for fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
  • Drive up the road to beautiful Lake Alpine.
  • Hike in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
  • Explore the many local hiking trails.

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Spicer Reservoir Campground Group Site

Spicer Reservoir Group Camp is located on the west shore, overlooking the lake. Excellent group camp amenities include tables, fire pits, a covered food preparation area, a campfire circle and parking. The campground can accommodate up to 60 people. Maximum RV size is 28 feet.

Reservations are taken beginning January 1 of each year at 9:00 AM: (209) 296-8895
Fee: $140 per night

Spicer Group camp at Spicer Meadow Reservoir, near Spicer Meadow Campground, CA

Spicer Reservoir Group Campground


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. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

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.



Spicer Reservoir Campground at Spicer Meadow Reservoir, CA

Spicer Reservoir Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2023 - 2024

  • Friendly camp hosts.
  • Restrooms well-maintained.
  • No bear boxes.
  • Some spacious campsites, others too close together.

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Visitors camping at Spicer Reservoir Campground in the Stanislaus National Forest don't have to travel far to find great adventures.

  • 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.
  • Enjoy fishing in the Stanislaus River and nearby lakes such as Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir.
  • 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.

Set Out on Adventure

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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 - Spicer Reservoir Campground for any campground updates.




map of campground locations by Spicer Meadow Reservoir, including Spicer Reservoir Campground along with  Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir, CA.