Distant view of Lake Alpine

Silver Tip Campground

Closed

Closed for the season due to snow. Typically operates mid-June through mid-October, though dates may vary based on snow levels. Reservations available via Recreation.gov during operating season.

From Recreation.gov

Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

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.…

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.

Cottonwood Temporary Road Closure

Cottonwood Road Temporary Closure for storm damage repairs

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…

Mtn. Tunnel Project - FSR 1S28B repair/closure

Mtn. Tunnel Project - FSR 1S28B repair/closure

Rainbow Pool Area Alcohol Prohibition

Rainbow Pool Area Alcohol Prohibition

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

Silver Tip Campground is located at 7,400 feet elevation in the Lake Alpine Recreation Area within Stanislaus National Forest, nestled in red fir and lodgepole pine forest. The campground sits less than a mile west of Lake Alpine, with a trail leading directly from the campground down to the lake. The forest lies between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and offers spectacular views of the high alpine landscape. The campground features 22 sites accommodating up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles per site. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground has flush toilets and potable water, though no hookups or electricity are available. This is an older campground with narrow roads, tight turns, and many boulders and trees, making it challenging for large RVs. Site driveways are asphalt but may not be level. Lake Alpine provides extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating (10 MPH speed limit), OHV riding, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Alpine Bypass Trail offers an easy walk through forest and meadows. Forest Service rangers offer interpretive programs during summer months. Squirrels, chipmunks, deer, marmots, coyotes, bears, eagles, and numerous bird species inhabit the area. Nearby attractions include Lake Alpine Lodge with a restaurant, bar, general store, and boat rentals, as well as Big Trees State Park, Grover Hot Springs, and Mercer Caverns.

Directions

From Angels Camp, drive east on Highway 4 toward Lake Alpine. About 0.1 miles past the Bear Valley Ski Resort turn-off, watch for the sign for Silver Tip Campground. The campground is located 2.3 miles east of Bear Valley on Highway 4, just east of the intersection with State Route 207, and 2/3 of a mile west of Lake Alpine.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $32

Vehicle

Max RV Length 48ft
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

Availability

Photos

Distant view of Lake Alpine
Aerial view of Lake Alpine and surrounding area
Road map
Flush toilets

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