Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

5.00

17 reviews

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Group Camping California

Quick Facts

4,961 ft

Price

$135 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens Calaveras Big Trees State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,961 ft

Price

$135 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens Calaveras Big Trees State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

$135.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee ranges from $135 to $200 per night depending on the specific group site reserved. An additional reservation processing fee of $8.25 applies.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$200.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(209) 795-3840calaverasbigtreessp@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwell-maintainedsites

"Users generally praise the campground for its seclusion, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. The Lower Group Campsite, in particular, receives high marks for its spaciousness and privacy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

Driving directions: Take State Route 4 heading east from the town of Arnold, California. Follow the highway until reaching the entrance for Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The Group Campsites are located within the park boundaries.

Access to the campground is paved and generally accessible year-round. However, occasional closures due to snow or inclement weather may occur.

Nearby places

Arnold (approx. 4 miles), Murphys (approx. 16 miles), Angels Camp (approx. 25 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Arnold (approx. 4 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

Summer arrives gently in this mountain paradise, bringing pleasantly cool days averaging 63°F that invite exploration, while evenings dip to a crisp 39°F—perfect for campfire storytelling. The shoulder seasons paint the forest in golden light and autumn colors, offering fewer crowds and spectacular photography opportunities. Winter transforms the grove into a hushed wonderland where snow may dust the giant sequoias' shoulders, though accessibility can be limited during heavy snowfall. Each season reveals a different facet of this timeless forest, from spring's wildflower carpets to summer's warm, resin-scented afternoons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Pleasant summer temps (~63°F days, 39°F nights); peak season in June–Aug.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Shoulder season is mild but fewer specifics on fall foliage or conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers nature exploration but can be variable with snowmelt and conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but snow can cause closures; cold nights expected.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Typically peak season aligns with summer months, especially June through August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but closures may occur due to snow during winter months.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

Nestled among ancient giants, Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground invites you to gather your favorite people in one of California's most awe-inspiring settings. Choose between two thoughtfully designed group areas: the Lower Group Campsite, embraced by ferns and forest shadows, or the Upper Group Campsite, where sunlight filters through the canopy overhead. Both sanctuaries offer a perfect blend of wilderness immersion and modern conveniences, creating an ideal basecamp for groups seeking to reconnect with nature and each other beneath the protective boughs of millennium-old sequoias.

The Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground is designed for large groups, offering facilities to accommodate gatherings such as family reunions or organizational trips. It caters exclusively to group camping needs.

Historical SignificanceSince the mid-1800s, visitors have made pilgrimages to stand in humble reverence before these botanical titans, the giant sequoias of Calaveras. These trees have witnessed centuries pass, surviving ice ages, fires, and the march of civilizations. The park serves as both a living museum and a testament to early conservation efforts, preserving not just the trees themselves but the stories they hold—from Native American heritage to the Gold Rush era explorers who first shared tales of trees so large that dance floors were built on their stumps. Today, the park continues its legacy as a bridge between our modern world and the ancient rhythms of the natural world.

Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives gently in this mountain paradise, bringing pleasantly cool days averaging 63°F that invite exploration, while evenings dip to a crisp 39°F—perfect for campfire storytelling. The shoulder seasons paint the forest in golden light and autumn colors, offering fewer crowds and spectacular photography opportunities. Winter transforms the grove into a hushed wonderland where snow may dust the giant sequoias' shoulders, though accessibility can be limited during heavy snowfall. Each season reveals a different facet of this timeless forest, from spring's wildflower carpets to summer's warm, resin-scented afternoons.

ElevationPerched in the sweet spot of the Sierra Nevada's western slope, the campground sits at an elevation where mountain air stays refreshingly cool and giant sequoias thrive in their natural habitat. This mid-elevation paradise offers the perfect balance—high enough to escape valley heat, yet accessible without the challenges of extreme altitude.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to shafts of golden light filtering through a cathedral of giants, where sequoias older than memory reach skyward with bark as thick as a small car. The campground immerses you in a diverse tapestry of Sierra Nevada ecosystems, from the cinnamon-barked giants to graceful sugar pines and aromatic incense cedars. Lucky visitors might spot a black bear foraging for acorns at dawn, while mule deer ghost through the understory at dusk. Steller's jays provide a raucous soundtrack, and if you're still, you might glimpse a pine marten or hear the haunting call of a spotted owl echoing through the twilight forest.

Geological RegionSet within the western slopes of the mighty Sierra Nevada, this campground occupies a geological sweet spot where ancient volcanic soils and perfect climate conditions converge to nurture the world's largest trees. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in granite and greenery—a testament to millions of years of mountain building, glacial carving, and the patient work of forests reclaiming the land. Here, where Pacific storms meet mountain barriers, the unique combination of elevation, precipitation, and soil creates one of the only places on Earth where giant sequoias naturally flourish.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out ends at 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Lower Group Campsite allows up to 60 guests while Upper Group Campsite accommodates 40.

Groups

The Lower Group Campsite accommodates up to 60 people and allows for 20 vehicles, while the Upper Group Campsite accommodates up to 40 people with a limit of 15 vehicles. Both sites are designed for tent camping and include large, open areas for setting up tents.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe group campground consists of two large areas: Lower Group Campsite and Upper Group Campsite. Lower Group Campsite accommodates up to 60 people, while Upper Group Campsite accommodates 40.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the official Calaveras Big Trees State Park website or by contacting the Visitor Center at (209) 795-3840.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly mentioned, reservations recommended.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not provided.

AccessibilityThe campground provides handicap-accessible bathrooms and shower stalls, catering to visitors with disabilities. There is also an ADA Group Tent Site designation for some areas.

Site SizeThe pad length is 30 feet for both Upper and Lower Group Campsites, as per official data. Sites feature standard widths and large, open areas for group camping.

PrivacyUser reviews highlight the secluded nature of the sites: "You are away from other campsites. Away from highway and secluded." The Upper and Lower sites are the only two within the immediate area, ensuring privacy.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Lower Group Campsite for larger groups and Upper Group Campsite for smaller gatherings. Both sites offer similar amenities.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground are centered around exploring nature and enjoying the serene environment. The park itself offers additional recreational opportunities, such as hikes through the Giant Sequoia groves and educational programs at the Visitor Center.

Wildlife viewingActive bears are present in the area, though no encounters were reported during reviews. Campers are advised about proper food storage to avoid wildlife issues.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are active in the area; proper food storage is critical. Occasional icy or snowy conditions may impact accessibility during winter.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

Food Storage RequiredFive bear lockers are provided at Lower Group Campsite; availability is less at Upper Group Campsite.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced, but specific times are not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital is Mark Twain Medical Center in San Andreas (approx. 30 miles). Police and ranger services are available within the park.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground includes trash and recycling facilities for campers, though specific locations or pickup schedules are not detailed.

Water Featuresnull

Camp HostA campsite groundskeeper is available daily to assist with food storage advice and general queries.

Weather at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

Reviews

5.0

17 reviews

Top-Rated

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally praise the campground for its seclusion, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. The Lower Group Campsite, in particular, receives high marks for its spaciousness and privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include seclusion from other campsites, clean and well-maintained facilities, and the presence of helpful rangers and groundskeepers. "Book this campsite," writes one user,...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are noted in the provided reviews.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking the Lower Group Campsite for its privacy and extensive facilities. Proper food storage is advised due to active bear presence.

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not specify seasonal trends or variations in camper experiences.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Book this campsite. It comes with 5 bear lockers, plenty of bathrooms (handicap bathroom) and showers. $1.25 for 5-minute shower. Rangers clean bathrooms every morning." - Shemainee Carranza. "You...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Lower Group Campsite is highlighted for its 60-person capacity, 20 parking spaces, and seclusion. The Upper Group Campsite accommodates up to 40 people with 15 parking spaces and shares some...

Based on 17 reviews