Hermit Valley Campground

About

Hermit Valley Campground sits in the Stanislaus National Forest near the North Fork of the Mokelumne River at approximately 7,100 feet elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground provides a quiet base for exploring the Highway 4 corridor and nearby Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Eight metal campfire rings are available for campers, with fires permitted only within these designated rings. The campground has vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. There is no trash service; pack-it-in, pack-it-out principles apply. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Access is via Highway 4, which becomes very steep, narrow, and winding between Lake Alpine and Highway 89. Vehicles over 25 feet are not advisable on this stretch. The highway closes during winter due to snow, making the campground seasonally accessible typically from late May or June through fall depending on conditions.

Directions

From the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, head east on Highway 4 for approximately 43 miles. The campground is located 5.4 miles west of Ebbetts Pass summit. Note: Highway 4 between Lake Alpine and Highway 89 is steep, narrow, and winding; vehicles over 25 feet are not advisable.