USDA Forest Service · California

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

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Sites
8
Hookups
8 with water, 8 no hookups
Season
June 5 to October 4
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Showers
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
7,398 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
NFSR 07N05Y · asphalt · moderate degree of user comfort
Lake
Stanislaus National Forest
Nearest town
Bear Valley
Phone
(209) 753 6350
Activities
Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Day Use Area, Disc Golf, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Kayaking, Motor Boat, Mountain Biking

About

Overview

Backpackers' Campground is located on the East end of Lake Alpine, CA. All sites are walk-in tent sites. Cars cannot be parked in camp, parking is available on the adjacent street.

Backpackers' Campground is located in the Calveras Ranger District, in a timbered setting near several trailheads.

Campground may open earlier and close later 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 recreational opportunities: fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, OHV trails, swimming, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. Interpretive programs are offered by Forest Service rangers during the summer months.

Facilities

Campsites with room for up to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles per campsite. Picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets are available. Hot showers and laundromat available at nearby Lake Alpine Resort. 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

SIlver Valley Campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet on the east end of Lake Alpine within the Stanislaus National Forest. The forest lies between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and boasts gorgeous views.

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.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January39°22°0°55°11 of 11
February38°22°6°52°11 of 11
March40°24°6°67°11 of 11
April45°26°3°59°11 of 11
May57°34°15°68°9 of 11
June69°44°26°85°3 of 11
July80°52°40°89°0 of 11
August79°51°46°88°0 of 11
September71°45°34°79°0 of 11
October62°35°18°77°7 of 10
November48°30°7°67°9 of 10
December39°24°4°59°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.