Spicer Reservoir Group Campground

3.50

10 reviews

9.3 miles southeast of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road (7N01)

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Spicer Reservoir Group Campground

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$200 per night fee for group camping (authoritative source). Discount passes are not accepted.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$200.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.50

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomswaterwell-maintained

"User reviews present a mix of positive and negative experiences. The campground is appreciated for its cleanliness, well-maintained restrooms, and developed facilities compared to nearby locations. However, there are occasional complaints about unhelpful camp hosts and wildlife encounters (e.g., a bear rummaging through a campsite). The campground is noted as being less dirty than adjacent campgrounds at Union and Utica Reservoirs."

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Campground Map

9.3 miles southeast of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road (7N01)

Spicer Reservoir Group Campground

9.3 miles southeast of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road (7N01)

Driving directions9.3 miles southeast of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road (7N01). Lat/Long: 38.402098, -120.001778.

"The roads are covered in smooth, nice pavement all throughout" (user review by Trina Shockey).

Nearby places

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Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Spicer Reservoir Group Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada weather at Spicer Reservoir, where each season paints a different portrait of mountain beauty. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt, summer offers warm days perfect for water activities and cool evenings around the campfire, fall showcases golden aspens against evergreen forests, and winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Visitors should prepare for mountain weather's quick changes and dress in layers to fully enjoy their outdoor adventure regardless of the season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

August review noted sites nearly full; summer offers full suite of water recreation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant for scenery and boating though specific fall reviews are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and snowmelt, but reviews noted possible seasonal closures in early June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Seasonal closures and high elevation imply limited winter access and services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: "The camp grounds is closed. No hosts and gates are currently locked" as of June 2, 2024 (user review by Nathan S).

About Spicer Reservoir Group Campground

Nestled among towering pines at the edge of the pristine Spicer Reservoir, this group campground offers an ideal mountain retreat for families, scout troops, and outdoor organizations. Managed by Royal Elk Park Management, the facility seamlessly blends modern amenities with natural beauty, featuring a spacious covered shelter perfect for group gatherings, dedicated cooking areas with multiple fireplaces, and a charming primitive amphitheater where evening programs and campfire stories come to life under the stars. The thoughtfully designed layout includes ample parking and ensures groups can enjoy both togetherness and the peaceful Sierra Nevada surroundings.

Spicer Reservoir Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping. It features a covered pavilion, parking for group use, and a primitive amphitheater.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada weather at Spicer Reservoir, where each season paints a different portrait of mountain beauty. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt, summer offers warm days perfect for water activities and cool evenings around the campfire, fall showcases golden aspens against evergreen forests, and winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Visitors should prepare for mountain weather's quick changes and dress in layers to fully enjoy their outdoor adventure regardless of the season.

ElevationPerched at 6,700 feet in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, the campground offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and the mountain views stretch endlessly. This elevation provides a refreshing escape from valley heat while remaining accessible for most visitors, though some may want to take it easy their first day as they acclimate to the thinner mountain air.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in a stunning forested setting where majestic conifers provide natural shade and frame spectacular views of Spicer Reservoir's sapphire waters. This mountain lake paradise offers a front-row seat to nature's theater, where morning mist dances across the water, osprey dive for fish, and sunset paints the surrounding peaks in alpenglow. The harmonious blend of forest and waterfront creates endless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and simply soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere.

Geological RegionSituated along the dramatic shoreline of Spicer Reservoir, the campground showcases the Sierra Nevada's signature granite geology softened by dense conifer forests. This unique setting combines the rugged beauty of exposed rock formations with the gentle shade of towering pines and firs, creating a diverse landscape where mountain meadows meet crystal-clear waters fed by seasonal snowmelt from the surrounding peaks.

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Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

The group campground includes a covered shelter with picnic tables, a group cooking area, fireplaces, and a primitive amphitheater. Parking is available for group use. The boat ramp is about a mile away. It can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation PlatformsVisit www.royalelkparkmanagement.com (authoritative source).

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features were not mentioned. However, group parking is available.

Site SizeThe campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet.

PrivacyNo specific information on site privacy is available.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for group camping activities. It is located close to Spicer Reservoir, offering access to water-based recreation. User reviews highlight fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rafting as popular activities. While fishing boats are allowed, personal crafts are not permitted. Hiking and biking trails were not explicitly mentioned.

FishingFishing is allowed at Spicer Reservoir. User reviews mention the presence of fishing boats and manual paddled vessels.

BoatingBoating opportunities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rafting. Fishing boats are allowed, but personal crafts are not.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bear came into the campground Thursday night and rummaged through a neighboring campground" (user review by Kelsey Bollenbach).

Active Alerts"The camp grounds is closed. No hosts and gates are currently locked" as of June 2, 2024 (user review by Nathan S).

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire Policy"Fireplaces available" (authoritative source).

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency Services"For road conditions, contact the Calaveras Ranger District (209) 795-1381" (authoritative source).

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities was provided.

Water FeaturesClose to Spicer Reservoir, although the boat ramp is about a mile away.

Camp HostCampground hosts are described as "not very friendly or approachable" by one user (Kelsey Bollenbach).

Weather at Spicer Reservoir Group Campground

Reviews

3.5

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Spicer Reservoir Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mix of positive and negative experiences. The campground is appreciated for its cleanliness, well-maintained restrooms, and developed facilities compared to nearby locations. However, there are occasional complaints about unhelpful camp hosts and wildlife encounters (e.g., a bear rummaging through a campsite). The campground is noted as being less dirty than adjacent campgrounds at Union and Utica Reservoirs.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes comments on the cleanliness of the restrooms, well-maintained facilities, smooth paved roads, and concrete slabs for parking. The campground's proximity to water-based...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unhelpful camp hosts, wildlife disturbances (notably a bear), and dissatisfaction with the first-come, first-served policy. One user mentioned that the campground was closed...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend being cautious about wildlife and preparing for a potentially long walk to the water. The campground may not be open year-round, so checking availability beforehand is advised.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

One review noted that the campground was closed and inaccessible on June 2, 2024, indicating seasonal closures might occur. Another review from August 2024 mentioned that the campsite was almost...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spicer is quite beautiful. The water's a bit low right now. However, there is fresh water there to clean up with and the roads are covered in smooth, nice pavement all throughout." - Trina Shockey....

Based on 10 reviews