How much does camping cost at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground?

Camping fees at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground range from $135-$200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground?

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground is open Typically peak season aligns with summer months, especially June through August.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground?

Yes, Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground?

Fire policies at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground: Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground have?

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground?

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground?

Popular activities at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

4.41

17 reviews

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Group Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,961 ft

Price

$135 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Camping: All campsit...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on Calaveras Big Trees State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,961 ft

Price

$135 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Camping: All campsit...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on Calaveras Big Trees State Park Official Website

Get Directions

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.

Group Site Fee$200.00

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Reserve California

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

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).

Weather at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

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

Summer brings average highs around 60–65°F and evenings near 35–40°F. This is the most reliable access window and peak season for group reservations. Long daylight hours support hiking and ranger-led programs. Late summer can bring smoke or fire restrictions. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and fall color, though access becomes less predictable. Winter snow may dust the sequoias but can limit road access during heavy storms. Spring wildflowers appear as snowmelt recedes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Most reliable access window; highs ~60–65°F and long daylight support activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Typically peak season aligns with summer months, especially June through August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping: All campsites are open as of May 15th.

About Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground offers two secluded group sites beneath giant sequoias at 4,961 feet in the Sierra Nevada. The Lower Group Campsite accommodates 60 people, the Upper holds 40. Both include flush toilets, showers, bear lockers, and fire rings. Fees run $135–$200 per night. Reviewers consistently rate it 5 stars for privacy and cleanliness.

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 Significance

Visitors have traveled to see the Calaveras sequoias since the mid-1800s, when Gold Rush explorers spread word of the massive trees. The park preserves both the groves and stories from that era, including accounts of dance floors built on sequoia stumps. Early conservation efforts established the area as a protected space. The sequoias themselves predate European contact by centuries.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings average highs around 60–65°F and evenings near 35–40°F. This is the most reliable access window and peak season for group reservations. Long daylight hours support hiking and ranger-led programs. Late summer can bring smoke or fire restrictions. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and fall color, though access becomes less predictable. Winter snow may dust the sequoias but can limit road access during heavy storms. Spring wildflowers appear as snowmelt recedes.

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 SceneryThe campground sits within a mixed-conifer forest dominated by giant sequoias, sugar pines, and incense cedars. Both sites are secluded from the main campground and highway, surrounded by ferns and forest understory. Black bears are active in the area. Bear lockers are standard equipment. Mule deer, Steller's jays, and occasional pine martens appear in reviews and park records. The forest floor varies between shaded areas beneath the sequoias and openings where sunlight reaches through the canopy. Western slopes of the Sierra create the volcanic soils and precipitation patterns that support the sequoias.

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.

Scenic ViewsPartial shade and forested vistas dominate the views from the campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are mentioned for the group campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Visitor Center and park museum provide educational opportunities, but these are general to the park and not specific to the group campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 layoutTwo large group areas make up the campground. Pad length is 30 feet at both Upper and Lower sites. The sites are separated from each other and from the main campground, with open areas for group setup. Rangers and groundskeepers maintain the facilities regularly.

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.

Best CampsitesLower Group Campsite earns specific recommendations from reviewers for its privacy, capacity, and amenities. One camper writes simply, "Book this campsite." The site accommodates up to 60 people and sits away from both the highway and other camping areas. Upper Group Campsite holds 40 and offers similar seclusion with more sunlight filtering through the canopy.

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Amenities available

The Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground offers a comprehensive selection of amenities tailored for group camping experiences. "The Lower Group Campsite accommodates up to 60 people and includes 5 bear lockers, handicap-accessible bathrooms, showers, a sink with mirror for grooming, and a sink for dishes," as per user reviews. Showers operate at $1.25 for a 5-minute duration. There are flush toilets, and the bathrooms are cleaned daily by rangers. The Upper and Lower Group Campsites share some facilities, such as sinks and restrooms. Both sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water spigots; however, these are recycled water spigots rather than primary drinking water sources. Both sites are equipped with partial shade and gravel driveways. Rangers and groundskeepers regularly check in with campers, offering advice and ensuring food is properly stored due to active bear presence (though no encounters were reported). Firewood availability is not explicitly mentioned.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

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 viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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.

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

Cell CoverageNo explicit mention of cell phone service quality or availability.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

17 reviews

Recommended

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is a strong point, with ADA-accessible bathrooms and shower stalls available in both the Upper and Lower Group Campsites.

Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the group campground, as confirmed by official data.

Based on 17 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Large groups, family reunions, or scout troops who want genuine seclusion from other campers. The Lower site's 60-person capacity, 20 parking spaces, and daily-cleaned facilities make it the stronger pick. Book well ahead for summer.

Skip if

No pets allowed, so anyone bringing dogs is out. Individual families or couples will find nothing here since both sites are group-only, and the $135–$200 nightly minimum makes no sense split fewer than a dozen ways.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.4

(68)

North Grove Campground

1170 E. Hwy. 4, Arnold, CA 95223

North Grove Campground sits at 4,764 feet in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, its 74 sites spread through mixed conifer forest near Arnold. The campground puts you within walking distance of the North Grove's giant sequoias and offers full amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and bear lockers. Sites run $35-40 per night and accommodate up to eight people and two vehicles.