Lake Alpine Backpackers Campground
Closed for the season. The campground typically operates during summer months but opening dates vary based on snow levels. The high alpine location at 7,400 feet means conditions can remain wintry well into late spring.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Road closure for Forest Road 1N98 due to repairs for the Cherry Valley Dam Spillway Project
Stanislaus National Forest issues closure for Forest Road 1N98, SFPUC to make repairs for the Cherry Valley Dam Spillway Short-Term Improvement Project June 1, 2026-May 31, 2027.
Mtn. Tunnel Project Temporary Road Closure of Forest Road No. 1S28B
Temporary road closure of Forest Service Road 1S28B for Mountain Tunnel Improvement Projects
Extension of Seasonal Road Closures
Following a series of evaluations by Stanislaus National Forest Recreation Specialists, the Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-04 cleaving closed several roads in the forest’s higher elevations. Conditions will continue to be monitored on a regular basis and when applicable, roads will…
Beardsley Lake Boat Ramp Closure thru June 15
At the request of Tri-Dam, the Stanislaus National Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-03; effective April 15 through June 15, 2026, closing the Beardsley Lake Boat Ramp for all use.
Temporary Road Closures
This Forest Order closes the below listed roads beginning Aug 7, expiring on Dec 31, 2026.Calaveras District Roads (Exhibit A):• Forest Road No. 4N40• Forest Road No. 4N80Y (Candy Rock Road), from the gate at approximately 3.5 miles fromHighway 4 then continuing to its terminus. 36 CFR…
Cherry Lake Camping Restrictions
Camping, cooking, building a campfire, or storing fuel on National Forest Lands at, below or within 100 feet above the Cherry Lake high water mark (4702 feet elevation), or on the island within Cherry Lake
About
Backpackers' Campground sits in a lodgepole pine and fir forest on the east shore of Lake Alpine at 7,400 feet elevation. This walk-in tent campground features 8 sites, each accommodating up to 6 people and 2 tents. Vehicles cannot park within the campground; parking is available on the adjacent street. The campground provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Lake Alpine offers excellent recreation including fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. Forest Service rangers conduct interpretive programs during summer months. Lake Alpine Lodge is nearby with a restaurant, bar, general store, and boat rentals. Hot showers and laundromat facilities are available at Lake Alpine Resort. The campground's high alpine location means snow, rain, and cold conditions are possible any time of year. This is bear country, so proper food storage in bear-resistant containers or locked vehicles is required.
Directions
Highway 4 to east shore of Lake Alpine. Turn south on road just east of Chickaree Picnic Area. Campground is located halfway between Highway 4 and Pine Marten Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $31 - $32 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 753-6350 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Backpackers Campground |
Availability
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