Kayak fisherman on Lake Alpine

Lake Alpine West Shore Campground

Open

Open for the 2026 season. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Some sites may be first-come-first-served early in the season. The campground typically opens late June or early July depending on snowmelt.

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.…

Road closure for Forest Road 1N98 due to repairs for the Cherry Valley Dam Spillway Project

Stanislaus National Forest issues closure for Forest Road 1N98, SFPUC to make repairs for the Cherry Valley Dam Spillway Short-Term Improvement Project June 1, 2026-May 31, 2027.

Stanislaus National Forest extends seasonal MVUM closure for two high elevation roads

Following a series of evaluations by Stanislaus National Forest Recreation Specialists, the Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-78 cleaving closed Forest Road No. 8N13 and a portion of Forest Road No. 4N12, two roads in the forest’s higher elevations. Although the Forest generally had a…

Mtn. Tunnel Project Temporary Road Closure of Forest Road No. 1S28B

Temporary road closure of Forest Service Road 1S28B for Mountain Tunnel Improvement Projects

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…

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

West Shore Campground sits on the scenic north shore of Lake Alpine within Stanislaus National Forest, nestled in a mature conifer forest at 7,400 feet elevation. The campground provides easy walking access to the boat launch, paddle craft rentals, and Lake Alpine Lodge, which offers a restaurant, bar, general store, hot showers, and laundromat facilities. Lake Alpine delivers excellent high-Sierra recreation including fishing, low-speed boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Forest Service rangers offer interpretive programs during summer months. Nearby attractions include Big Trees State Park, Grover Hot Springs, and Mercer Caverns. The 25-site campground was built decades ago and features narrow roads, tight turns, and numerous boulders and trees that make navigation challenging for larger RVs. Each site accommodates up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles. Reservations are required via Recreation.gov. Firewood must be purchased locally, and all food must be secured in bear country.

Directions

On Highway 4, three miles east of Bear Valley. Take Lake Alpine West Shore Road and make the first left into the campground entrance.

Amenities

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

Vehicle

Max RV Length 50ft
Max Trailer Length 50ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (209) 795-1381

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Kayak fisherman on Lake Alpine
Aerial photo of Lake Alpine

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