(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

4.46

10 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Rates for standard nonelectric sites during peak season range from $32. No other fees like taxes, incremental charges, or discounts are reflected.

Standard Site Fee$32.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(209) 753 6350info@lakealpinelodge.com

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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 10 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikinglake

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

Read all reviews

Campground Map

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

38.4783, -120.0030

Nearby supplies

Firewood, camping and fishing supplies, food, and apparel are available in the general store at Lake Alpine Lodge.

Best Time to Camp at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers

At this lofty perch, Mother Nature keeps campers on their toes with her ever-changing moods. Even in the heart of summer, morning mist might give way to afternoon thunderheads, while spring and fall visitors should come prepared for anything from brilliant sunshine to sudden snow flurries. The alpine environment creates its own weather patterns, where rain-soaked earth can transform trails into muddy adventures and temperatures can plummet when the sun dips behind the peaks. This unpredictable mountain climate is part of the authentic high-country experience, reminding visitors that they're truly immersed in the wild.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (June 13–Oct 5); summer popular for hiking, boating and interpretive programs.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into October but weather can change quickly; forestry work may affect conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Planning Tips

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

About (Lake Alpine) Backpackers

Tucked away at the eastern shores of Lake Alpine, Backpackers' Campground offers adventurers a genuine wilderness retreat where the modern world fades into the whisper of wind through towering pines. This walk-in tent camping haven within the Calaveras Ranger District invites you to shoulder your pack and venture just beyond the roadside parking to discover intimate campsites nestled among ancient timber. With multiple trailheads beckoning from your doorstep, this rustic sanctuary serves as the perfect basecamp for those seeking to explore the raw beauty of the Stanislaus National Forest on foot.

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

Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty perch, Mother Nature keeps campers on their toes with her ever-changing moods. Even in the heart of summer, morning mist might give way to afternoon thunderheads, while spring and fall visitors should come prepared for anything from brilliant sunshine to sudden snow flurries. The alpine environment creates its own weather patterns, where rain-soaked earth can transform trails into muddy adventures and temperatures can plummet when the sun dips behind the peaks. This unpredictable mountain climate is part of the authentic high-country experience, reminding visitors that they're truly immersed in the wild.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,400 feet above sea level, this high-altitude hideaway places you among the clouds where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath reminds you that you've ascended into California's spectacular alpine zone.

Natural Features and SceneryHere in the rarified air at 7,400 feet, the Stanislaus National Forest unfolds in all directions like a vast green tapestry. Ancient conifers stand sentinel around your campsite, their branches creating a natural cathedral that filters golden sunlight by day and frames countless stars by night. The surrounding wilderness stretches endlessly, offering panoramic vistas of forested ridgelines and distant peaks that shift from emerald to purple as shadows lengthen across the landscape.

Geological RegionNestled in the sweet spot between the granite majesty of Yosemite and the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe, this 7,400-foot alpine refuge occupies a special place in California's Sierra Nevada. The surrounding Stanislaus National Forest showcases nature's architectural prowess, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks, deep valleys, and dense coniferous forests that create picture-perfect scenes at every turn.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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

Site layoutAll sites are walk-in tent sites.

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

Cancellation PolicyCancellations done before the reservation arrival date will be refunded, minus a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees (if paid during booking). Late cancellations (defined as cancellations made after midnight one calendar day before arrival) incur an additional penalty, forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

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.

HikingNumerous trailheads are located near the campground, making it ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing is available at Lake Alpine, though specific details about fish types or conditions are not provided.

SwimmingSwimming in Lake Alpine is an option, but no designated swimming areas or safety measures are mentioned.

BikingBiking trails are accessible, but no specifics about difficulty or terrain are provided.

BoatingBoating opportunities include kayaking and paddleboarding. Nearby Lake Alpine Lodge also offers boat rentals.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts'This is bear country—visitors are urged to be bear-aware and store all food in locked containers or vehicles.'

Weather at (Lake Alpine) Backpackers

Reviews

4.5

10 reviews

Recommended

(Lake Alpine) Backpackers is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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