How much does camping cost at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers?

Camping fees at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers range from $32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is (Lake Alpine) Backpackers first-come first-served or reservation?

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers 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 (Lake Alpine) Backpackers before I book?

Yes! (Lake Alpine) Backpackers has 1 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 (Lake Alpine) Backpackers?

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers is open June 26 to October 04. 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 (Lake Alpine) Backpackers?

Yes, (Lake Alpine) Backpackers has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does (Lake Alpine) Backpackers have?

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers?

Yes, pets are allowed at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers?

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers?

Popular activities at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

3.66

10 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(209) 753 6350info@lakealpinelodge.com

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Campground Map

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

38.4783, -120.0030

Weather at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers

Current alerts(2)

All campsites at this campground are tent sites, they do not have a parking space within the campsite. There is parking along the adjacent street.
This is bear country-Be bear aware! Keep all food out of sight in containers or inside a locked vehicle. Remove all food from the area after eating.

Best Time to Camp at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers

Best season: summer. Warmest daytime temps (72°F avg) with minimal precipitation and dry conditions ideal for hiking. Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: December, January, February, March Special considerations: Alpine elevation (7400 ft) creates unpredictable weather; afternoon thunderstorms possible even in summer. Bear country—secure all food properly.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–Oct; warm days (~72°F) and peak activities like hiking and boating occur.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 26 to October 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground opens June 13, 2025, and closes October 5, 2025.

About (Lake Alpine) Backpackers

This walk-in campground sits at 7,400 feet in Stanislaus National Forest, steps from Lake Alpine's shoreline. Managed by Recreation.gov, it caters to backpackers and tent campers seeking alpine access without vehicle camping. Visitors hike, fish, kayak, and climb in the surrounding Sierra Nevada terrain, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings supporting primitive stays.

The campground is designed exclusively for walk-in tent camping. It does not accommodate RVs, groups, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Warmest daytime temps (72°F avg) with minimal precipitation and dry conditions ideal for hiking. Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: December, January, February, March Special considerations: Alpine elevation (7400 ft) creates unpredictable weather; afternoon thunderstorms possible even in summer. Bear country—secure all food properly.

Elevation7400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies high-elevation terrain where conifers provide shade and frame views of forested ridgelines. Lake Alpine sits close enough for kayaking and swimming access. At 7,400 feet, the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape shows the typical granite-and-forest character of this region between Yosemite and Tahoe. The area has suffered from recent forestry work that some visitors describe as leaving the grounds messy.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations provided on-site. Nearby Lake Alpine Lodge offers additional amenities such as food and lodging.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs led by Forest Service rangers are offered during the summer months.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people per campsite.

Groups

No group sites are specified for this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online and mobile apps.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features described for this campground.

Site SizeTent sites accommodate up to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles.

PrivacySites are walk-in and set within a timbered setting, but specifics about privacy are not detailed.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 5 in Loop A is highly rated by one user reviewer.

Best CampsitesCampsite 5 in Loop A earned a five-star review from one visitor who found it perfect. No other site-specific details are available in the reviews.

Need help booking (Lake Alpine) Backpackers?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Backpackers' Campground offers a range of essential amenities, including walk-in tent sites with space for up to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles per campsite. On-site amenities include picnic tables, campfire rings, and vault toilets. Nearby Lake Alpine Resort offers additional facilities such as hot showers and a laundromat. Firewood and camping supplies can be purchased at the Lake Alpine Lodge general store. There are no electrical or water hookups available.

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to a wide array of recreational activities. Lake Alpine offers fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, and swimming. Additional options include OHV trails, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. Interpretive programs by the Forest Service are available in the summer months.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets available directly at the campground. Vault toilets are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.7

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is mixed, with some reviewers praising the location and others criticizing site maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

"Was perfect!" - Mark H. (5/5 rating, Campsite 5, Loop A). The area is near Lake Alpine, which some visitors love for activities like kayaking and hiking.

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

"The forestry department has left the campgrounds an absolute mess after cutting down dead trees in the area. I won't be going back even though I love the lake." - scoffman300 (dated 2023-10-01).

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Mark H. noted a particularly positive experience at Campsite 5 in Loop A.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider bringing provisions for cold-weather camping as the high elevation (7,400 feet) can lead to unexpected snowfall or rain.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground may open earlier or later depending on snow levels. Summer activities such as interpretive programs are popular, but site conditions may vary due to forestry work.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Was perfect!" - Mark H. "I won't be going back even though I love the lake." - scoffman300

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews mentioning accessibility were provided.

Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pets were available, though pets are allowed in the campground.

Based on 10 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lakefront access without driving into your site and enjoy primitive alpine camping.

Skip if

You need vehicle access to your campsite or want to avoid forestry work impacts.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(260)

(Lake Alpine) West Shore

Stanislaus National Forest

West Shore sits on Lake Alpine in Stanislaus National Forest at high elevation, operated by Lake Alpine Resort Management. The small campground offers tent and RV sites with full amenities including showers, flush toilets, and a camp store. Summer brings comfortable alpine weather and lake access, though nightly bear activity requires vigilant food storage and the campground closes for winter.

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

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