Highland Lakes Campground

Star4.26
69 reviews
38.491283,-119.8054
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

8,700 ft

Price

$12 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Forest Service site

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Highland Lakes Campground
$12.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The Forest Service operates the campground. Campsite fees are $12 per night currently, increasing to $25 in 2024 and $30 in 2026. Discounts of 50%...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 69 reviews

60 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikinglake

"User reviews highlight the campground's spectacular scenery, access to hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. However, they also note issues such as overcrowding and a lack of garbage maintenance by some visitors."

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Campground Map

38.491283,-119.8054

Highland Lakes Campground

38.491283,-119.8054

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Highland Lakes Road is narrow, steep, and winding dirt route where safe travel speeds average 20 mph or less. Visitors should prepare for bumpy terrain and steep grades. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.
Nearby places
Arnold (40.8 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Lake Alpine (less than 10 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials are available in Arnold, approximately 40.8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Highland Lakes Campground

Even at the height of summer, Highland Lakes maintains its refreshing mountain character. Daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 80°F, inviting endless outdoor adventures, while evenings bring a crisp reminder of the high country as mercury dips to 50°F. Pack that extra layer—mornings here greet campers with a invigorating chill that lingers until the sun climbs above the surrounding peaks, even in July and August when the wildflowers paint the meadows in brilliant colors.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer (Jul 4–Sep 30); pleasant days (~80°F) and cool nights; peak crowds reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into September; late‑summer/early‑fall quieter with good scenery but limited season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed in spring; open seasonally starting July 4 only.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Jul 4–Sep 30; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season is during the summer months, from July through August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from July 4 through September 30, weather permitting.

About Highland Lakes Campground

Nestled at the gateway to the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, Highland Lakes Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic high-country experience. This rustic retreat unfolds across two distinct camping areas—a spacious main section stretching along Highland Lakes Road and an intimate upper camp perched above the crystalline waters. Here, where conifer forests meet wildflower meadows, campers find themselves at the perfect basecamp for exploring the twin jewels of Upper and Lower Highland Lakes. Anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off on trails that wind deep into one of California's most spectacular wilderness areas.
Highland Lakes Campground is a tent-only, primitive campground designed for campers seeking a back-to-nature experience. It does not accommodate RVs or provide group camping facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Self-registration upon arrival.
Check-out
14 days maximum stay.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Highland Lakes Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The scenic setting is ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solitude in the wilderness.
HikingThe Highland Creek Trail is located 0.1 miles from the campground and provides access to a network of trails within the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Popular hikes include the ascent of Hiram Peak, offering stunning views of the area.
FishingFishing is available in both Upper and Lower Highland Lakes, with brook trout being the primary catch. Reviewers note that fishing is best done from a float vessel.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed, and power boats are restricted to speeds under 5 mph. Both Upper (11 acres) and Lower (32 acres) Highland Lakes are suitable for small craft boating.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and aquatic species like frogs and fish. Reviewers highlight the abundant wildlife visible in the surrounding wilderness.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are present; visitors are advised to store food securely. Frogs, bats, and other wildlife are sensitive to human activity; visitors should avoid trampling wet areas.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Highland Lakes Campground

Reviews

4.3
69 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Highland Lakes Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's spectacular scenery, access to hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. However, they also note issues such as overcrowding and a lack of garbage maintenance by some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 69 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its scenic beauty, including views of the alpine lakes and snow-covered peaks. Many users enjoy the sense of solitude and the availability of hiking trails.
Based on 69 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include overcrowding during peak seasons, the rough access road, and issues with trash left by some visitors. Some users also express concerns about the campground host's behavior.
Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be plentiful. Pack warm clothing for chilly mornings and evenings. Treat all water from the campground spigots before drinking. Arrive early to secure a...
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Based on 69 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer season is the most popular, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights. However, crowds can be an issue during this time, and reviewers recommend visiting in late summer for fewer...
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Based on 69 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Highland Lakes Campground is a gem. The views were spectacular. We went at the end of August, so the temp was a high of 80 and a low of 50—very pleasant weather." – Matt H. "This is the best...
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Based on 69 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The upper section of the campground is noted as more densely wooded and closer to trails, while the lower section offers better access to the lake. Reviewers recommend these sites for their...
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Based on 69 reviews

Accessibility Features

The wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are appreciated, but no additional accessibility features are noted.
Based on 69 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Some users mention seeing dogs at the campground, but there is no detailed information about pet-specific policies or features.
Based on 69 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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