How much does camping cost at (Lake Alpine) West Shore?

Camping fees at (Lake Alpine) West Shore 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) West Shore first-come first-served or reservation?

(Lake Alpine) West Shore 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) West Shore before I book?

Yes! (Lake Alpine) West Shore has 6 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) West Shore?

(Lake Alpine) West Shore is open May 15 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) West Shore?

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

How many campsites does (Lake Alpine) West Shore have?

(Lake Alpine) West Shore has 30 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) West Shore?

Yes, pets are allowed at (Lake Alpine) West Shore. 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) West Shore?

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

(Lake Alpine) West Shore

Q: Can I have a campfire at (Lake Alpine) West Shore?

Fire policies at (Lake Alpine) West Shore: Don't Move Firewood : Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

260 reviews

Top 16%Summer

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

May 30th to October ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Lake Alpine Resort Management 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

30 campsites

Season

May 30th to October ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Lake Alpine Resort Management Official Website

Get Directions

(Lake Alpine) West Shore

$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@lakealpineresort.com

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Campground Map

(Lake Alpine) West Shore

38.4773, -120.0080

Nearby places

Big Trees State Park approximately 18 miles, Grover Hot Springs approximately 50 miles, Mercer Caverns about 40 miles, and Arnold at 25 miles.

Weather at (Lake Alpine) West Shore

Current alerts(10)

All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only.
Campsites must be occupied during the dates of reservation. Guests who do not arrive by 2PM on the day following their scheduled date of arrival will be considered a No-Show and their reservation will automatically be cancelled.
Dogs must remain on leash and under control at all times. Dogs may not be left in camp unattended, and all leads must be 6 feet or less in length. USFS guidelines allow for a maximum of two dogs per campsite.
Generator use is limited to 2 hours per day, in between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.

Best Time to Camp at (Lake Alpine) West Shore

Best season: summer. Summer offers ideal daytime temps (74°F avg) and minimal precipitation for comfortable alpine camping. Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in US

Summer (May–Oct season) is best: warm, clear weather and most activities available; highly praised.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 30th to October 5th annually.

About (Lake Alpine) West Shore

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.

West Shore Campground offers a variety of camping styles suitable for tents and RVs. It’s most friendly to tent campers due to the natural terrain, but RVs are permitted if they fit.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers ideal daytime temps (74°F avg) and minimal precipitation for comfortable alpine camping. Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February, March, April

Elevation7400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryHigh alpine forest surrounds the campground with conifers and granite boulders typical of the Sierra Nevada at this elevation. The lake provides the main scenic draw. Wildlife includes golden-mantled ground squirrels, marmots, and occasional eagles, though bears are active enough that reviewers note the lack of food lockers as a significant concern. The setting between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite offers similar mountain scenery with fewer crowds.

Lodging & AccommodationsNearby Lake Alpine Lodge offers a range of services including a restaurant, bar, general store, and boat rentals, but no explicit mention of lodging facilities is made.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs are available during summer months, led by Forest Service rangers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights within 60-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people per site.

Groups

No group camping sites were explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservable via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available and some reviewers mentioned paved site pads but noted difficulties with RV maneuverability due to narrow roads and tight spaces.

Site SizeStandard sites accommodate up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy between sites is moderate to low. Many reviewers noted that the sites are close together, reducing privacy.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesInterior ring safer for kids; avoid sloped terrain.

Best CampsitesSite 25 offers more privacy and better scenery than most. RV campers should scout their assigned site carefully, as tight spaces make maneuvering difficult and leveling equipment is often necessary.

Need help booking (Lake Alpine) West Shore?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

West Shore Campground, located near Lake Alpine in Stanislaus National Forest, offers a mix of natural beauty and essential camping facilities. The campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets. Nearby, the Lake Alpine Resort offers hot showers and laundry facilities, giving campers options for added convenience. "The facilities are great," according to multiple reviewers, although some noted issues with closed restrooms during their visit. Drinking water is available through spigots at the campground, though it is advised for guests to verify availability.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Lake Alpine West Shore Campground enjoy a wide range of recreation, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. "There’s so much to do," one review states, highlighting that children particularly enjoy the activities available.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood : Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingFirewood and groceries are available at the Lake Alpine Lodge. No detailed information about a formal trash and recycling system at the campground itself was found.

Cell CoverageNo explicit information about cell phone service coverage is provided in the authoritative source or user reviews.

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

4.5

260 reviews

Recommended

(Lake Alpine) West Shore is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, West Shore Campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and diligent camp hosts. Common themes include clean facilities, proximity to Lake Alpine, and an abundance of activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 260 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 260 reviews.

Site #16Loved
Site #16 is praised for lake views.
Site #22Mentioned
Site #22 is noted for its sloping terrain, making it less child-friendly.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's cleanliness, the welcoming demeanor of the camp hosts, and the range of nearby facilities such as the Lake Alpine Lodge. "The camp host Donna is...

Based on 260 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints from users include close proximity of campsites leading to reduced privacy, generator noise, and occasional maintenance issues such as broken toilets. A few reviewers also highlighted...

Based on 260 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing mosquito repellent, preparing for bears with proper food storage, and scouting RV sites ahead of time due to tight spaces. "Bring leveling equipment," one RV camper...

Based on 260 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most praised season, with reviewers noting warm, clear weather and a wealth of activities. Late spring and early fall are also popular, although some facilities may close as the season...

Based on 260 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is gorgeous, and the camp host does a fantastic job keeping it clean," one camper states. Another notes, "Donna, the host, is wonderful and makes everyone feel welcome."

Based on 260 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and paved paths are available, but narrow roads and uneven site pads can pose challenges for larger vehicles.

Based on 260 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but certain restrictions apply. "Beware if you have a bully breed," one reviewer advises, referencing previous issues with camp host enforcement.

Based on 260 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want alpine lake access with showers and a camp store, and you're prepared for nightly bear activity.

Skip if

You need bear lockers, quiet sites, or winter camping availability.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.7

(10)

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

Stanislaus National Forest

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.