4.1769 reviewsPrice
$12 - $30/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$12 - $30/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
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38.491283,-119.8054
Midweek tent campers who can arrive Monday or Tuesday will find solitude at that elevation. The upper section near the treeline has denser cover and quicker trail access; brook trout fishing on Lower Highland Lake is best from a kayak or inflatable. Hiram Peak is worth the climb.
Holiday weekend arrivals will find sites gone by Friday afternoon with no way to reserve ahead. No showers, hand-pump water needs treatment, Arnold is 40-plus miles for forgotten supplies, and the access road condition draws consistent complaints.
Reference information about Highland Lakes Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<!-- SLIDER --><link href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5318146.css" media="screen" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" /><script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.8.3/jquery.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5317644.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">var $j = jQuery;$j.noConflict();$j(window).load(function() {$j('#slider3').nivoSlider( {effect: 'fade',startSlide: 0,animSpeed: 750,pauseTime: 8000});});</script><div id="slider3"><img alt="Gravel Roads leading into campground in forest, " src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd983963.jpg" title="Highland Lakes Campground" /></div><p> </p><p>Highland Lakes Campground is set in conifer forest adjacent to a meadow at the north end of the second (lower) lake. There are two separate camping areas, a large one along Highland Lakes Road and a smaller one on a hill above the lake. See the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recreation/recarea/?recid=83059&actid=29">Highland Lakes page</a> for more information on the lakes and activities there.</p>
The elevation is 8,700 ft. The campground, at the north edge of Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, overlooks Upper Highland Lake. One section is level with Lake while the second section is above the Lake. This second section is closest to trail leading into Wilderness. Sites in both sections are tucked in among Limber pine and firs but the second section is more heavily wooded. The campground is a good basecamp for exploring the Wilderness. Expected cool temperatures are evident from patches of snow on surrounding peaks -- bring warm clothes. Although Upper Highland Lake is the more convenient, Lower Highland Lake, 0.1 mile before campground, is larger. Both lakes are natural and, in Stanislaus National Forest 387 the base of a bowl-like area, beautiful. The campground is pack it in, pack it out. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.
Open July 4 through September 30 - weather dependent
The water spigots are hand pumps. There is a wheelchair-friendly vault in both sections.
Upper Highland Lake is 11 acres. Lower Highland Lake is 32 acres. Power boats are limited to 5mph on both lakes.
From Arnold, CA, take State Route 4 east 40.8 miles to Highland Lakes sign. Turn right after sign and go 4.9 miles to "Y" intersection. Bear right and go 0.7 miles to campground. NOTE: After Lake Alpine, State Route 4 becomes a narrow road with a 24% grade and lots of curves. Not recommended for vehicles over 25' in length. Last 4.7 miles is on rough, rocky dirt road.
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Summer brings mid-70s to around 80°F days and 45-55°F nights. Trails into Carson-Iceberg clear of snow by early July. Mornings stay cold even in peak summer. You'll want warm layers until the sun climbs above the ridgeline. Holiday weekends get crowded, but midweek visits offer more solitude. Mosquitoes can be thick, so pack repellent. Winter access depends on Highland Lakes Road conditions, which reviews describe as poorly maintained.
Open Jul 4–Sep 30; pleasant days (mid‑70s to 80s) and trail access; peak crowds on summer weekends.
Highland Lakes Campground offers a rustic camping experience in the Stanislaus National Forest. The campground consists of 36 tent-only sites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. There are no garbage services provided, and campers are required to pack out all their trash. Vault toilets are available, and the water spigots at the campground are hand pumps; however, the water is not potable unless treated. There is no cell phone coverage on-site, flush toilets, or shower facilities, and no RV-related amenities such as dump stations or hookups. This makes it suitable for campers seeking a primitive experience.
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