California / Alpine County / Stanislaus National Forest

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.

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.

Nearby Campgrounds