Highland Lakes Campground
Ebbetts Pass

Highland Lakes, CA
Highland Lakes, CA

Highland Lakes Campground
Ebbetts Pass


Highland Lakes Campground

Highland Lakes Campground is located next to the two Highland Lakes, 6 miles off Highway 4 near the summit of Ebbetts Pass. The access road in places is steep and narrow. Situated at 8,600 feet, the Highland Lakes Campground can sometimes be under snow until mid-June. The two lakes have a speed limit of 5 MPH and motorized boats are discouraged. The lakes are most popular for fishing. Surrounding trails are favorites with horseback riders and hikers.

A unique feature of the lakes is that one drains into the Mokelumne watershed while the other drains to the south into the Stanislaus River watershed. Trails lead up from the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus to Highland Lakes.

The 35 campsites at Highland Lakes Campground can accommodate tents and small RVs or trailers. Water is sometimes a problem at the campground and it is best to call ahead to be sure water is available.


Highland Lakes Campground Basics
Highland Lakes Campground Location: Turn off Highway 4 at Highlands Lake Rd. 13 miles east of Lake Alpine. Then travel 6 miles on dirt road to the campground
Elevation: 8,600 feet
Miles/Driving time: Angels Camp - 68 miles, 2:02
Campground Open: Late-May through October
Opening date may be hampered by snow
Number of Sites: 35
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 Stanislaus National Forest
Calaveras Ranger District: (209) 813-6008

Reservations
No Reservations: All campsites at Highland Lakes Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 16 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $12
Check-in, check-out: Any time, Noon

Highland Lakes Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water (usually)
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Attractions near Highland Lakes Campground: Fish in the Highland Lakes. Try Fishing at Kinney Lakes. Hike a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Head down to Lake Alpine for boating, fishing, and swimming. Hike on trails into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Go horseback riding. Go to Bear Valley Adventure Company for kayak and bike rentals.


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 usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate



Highland Lakes Campground near Ebbetts Pass, CA

Highland Lakes Campground

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Visitors to Highland Lakes Campground in the Stanislaus National Forest have a wide range of activities and attractions up and down Ebbetts Pass.

  • 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 Pacific Crest Trail or along the Arnold Rim Trail and various others leading off Highway 4.
  • 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 over Ebbetts Pass to beautiful Kinney Lakes or all the way down to quaint Markleeville.

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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 for kayaking and fishing.
  • 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 - Highland Campground for any campground updates.