(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground
Campground · California · 19 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 19
- Bookable sites
- 46 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 50
- People per site
- 7,338 ft
- Elevation
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.
The facts
- 19 bookable sites
- 20 sites in total, including non-bookable
- Vehicles up to 46 ft
- Up to 50 people per site
- Loops: A, LODB, LODG
Site types
- 17 Standard Nonelectric
- 2 Group Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Management
Amenities
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.
20 campsites at (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 33 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 10 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 42 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 11 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 12 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 26 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 13 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 28 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 14 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 46 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 15 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 33 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 16 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 29 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 17 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 18 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 19 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 33 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 2 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 20 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 33 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 3 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 6 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 28 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 7 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 36 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 8 | A | Management | Back In | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 9 | A | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 35 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| B001 | LODB | Group Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | 30 ft | 50 | |
| A001 | LODG | Group Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | 30 ft | 50 |
Getting there
38.47731, -120.02417 · 38°28'38.3"N 120°1'27.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 7.6 | 6.9 | 6.3 | 4.1 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 2.2 | 4.1 | 7.1 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Fees will NOT be waived for things like changes in weather, or naturally occurring wildlife in the area.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground
- Can you reserve a site at (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground?
- Yes, (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground have?
- 20 sites in total, of which 19 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground?
- 46 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground.
Camping near (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground
- (Lake Alpine) Silver Tip Campground 0.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- (Lake Alpine) West Shore 0.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- (Lake Alpine) Backpackers 1.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- (Lake Alpine) Pine Marten 1.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- (Lake Alpine) Silver Valley Campground 2.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Sandy Flat - Utica Reservoir (Stanislaus NF) 3.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lodgepole Group Campground less than 0.1 mi · Campground
- Silvertip Campground 0.5 mi · Campground
- Highway 4 0.6 mi · Facility
- Backpacker's Walk-In Campground 2 mi · Campground
- Silver Valley Trailhead 2.1 mi · Facility
- Lake Valley Trailhead 2.1 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 209-753-6350
- Email Alpinegvcpa@gmail.com
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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