Silver Valley Campground

Closed

Closed for the season. Typically opens mid-June and closes at the end of September, with exact dates dependent on snow levels. Reservations available through Recreation.gov when open.

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 Valley Campground is situated at the east end of Lake Alpine Recreation Area in the Calaveras Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest at 7,400 feet elevation. The campground offers a timbered setting with convenient access to multiple trailheads and Lake Alpine's diverse recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, low-speed boating, swimming, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. Forest Service rangers offer interpretive programs during summer months. The campground's high alpine location between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite provides gorgeous mountain views but also means campers should be prepared for potentially challenging weather conditions including snow, rain, mud, and cold temperatures at any time of year. Bear boxes are provided at all sites as this is active bear country. Nearby attractions include Lake Alpine Lodge with a restaurant, bar, general store, and boat rentals. Within a short drive are Big Trees State Park, Grover Hot Springs, Mercer Caverns, and the wine country of Calaveras County. The campground operates seasonally with reservations available through Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Angels Camp, drive about 60 miles east on Highway 4 toward Lake Alpine. At the east end of the lake, turn south onto the side road just east of Chickaree Picnic Area and follow the road around to Silver Valley Campground.

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 $31

Vehicle

Max RV Length 53ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (209) 753-6350

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Aerial view of Lake Alpine and surrounding area

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