Home › California › (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground
(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — California · Stanislaus National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Stanislaus National Forest |
| Location | California · Stanislaus National Forest · 38.47731, -120.02417 · Map |
| Sites | 19 public sites counted from the federal listing — 17 standard nonelectric; 2 group standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 19 sites Water hookups at 0 of 19 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 19 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 19 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 50 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 16 sites · 30 ft: 13 sites · 35 ft: 4 sites · 40 ft: 3 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Fees will NOT be waived for things like changes in weather, or naturally occurring wildlife in the area. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 1:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 19 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 209-753-6350 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
From Angel Camp, drive 50 miles east on Highway 4.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest Service(Lake Alpine) Backpackers
1 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest Service(Lake Alpine) Pine Marten
2 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSandy Flat - Utica Reservoir (Stanislaus NF)
4 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceUnion West - Union Reservoir (Stanislaus NF)
4 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground
California · Stanislaus National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | California · Stanislaus National Forest |
| Fees | Fees will NOT be waived for things like changes in weather, or naturally occurring wildlife in the area. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 50 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 19 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232343 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.