Pacific Valley Campground

About

Pacific Valley Campground sits at approximately 7,600 feet elevation along Highway 4 in the Stanislaus National Forest, just a quarter mile south of the highway at Pacific Valley. The campground's 19 designated sites are spread through a combination of open lodgepole forest and meadow, offering a rustic mountain experience adjacent to Pacific Creek. The area provides convenient access to the Mokelumne River and Mosquito Lakes, making it a favored spot for anglers and wilderness enthusiasts. The campground serves as a popular staging area for adventures into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, whether for backcountry fishing, camping, horseback riding, or hunting. The area is particularly noted for good early season deer hunting. The informal layout and natural setting appeal to campers seeking a less developed mountain experience. Due to the narrow access road and tight sites, the campground is not recommended for trailers. Basic amenities include vault toilets and drinking water from a hand pump. Campsites typically feature picnic tables and fire rings. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the season. Highway 4 over Ebbetts Pass closes for winter, typically from mid-November through Memorial Day weekend, making this a seasonal destination accessible primarily from late spring through fall.

Directions

From Highway 4, turn south at Pacific Valley (midway between Lake Alpine and Ebbetts Pass). Campground entrance is 1/4 mile south of the highway.