California / Alpine County / Stanislaus National Forest

Lodgepole Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates during summer months but may open earlier or close later on a first-come, first-served basis depending on snow levels and weather conditions.

About

Lodgepole Campground is situated on a large, flat plain at 7,290 feet elevation in the Stanislaus National Forest, just two miles west of Lake Alpine in northern California's central Sierra Nevada Mountains. The campground is set within lodgepole pine and red fir forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and access to extensive recreational opportunities. The campground provides single campsites accommodating up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles each, plus group sites. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring. Facilities include vault toilets and drinking water available from a hand pump. No electric hookups are available. This is an older, rustic campground with narrow roads, tight turns, and natural obstacles like boulders and trees, making it challenging for large RVs despite technically allowing them in sites where they fit. Lake Alpine Recreation Area provides abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating. The accessible Bear Valley Trail winds along the lakeshore to Bear Valley and connects with the historic Emigrant Trail, the route pioneers once traveled via covered wagon to California. Forest Service rangers offer interpretive programs during summer months. Nearby Lake Alpine Lodge provides a restaurant, bar, general store, hot showers, laundromat, and boat rentals. The area is home to diverse wildlife including marmots, squirrels, coyotes, deer, and numerous bird species.

Directions

From Angels Camp, drive 50 miles east on Highway 4. The campground is adjacent to Lodgepole Group Campground, two miles west of Lake Alpine.

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