(Lake Alpine) Backpackers

Overview

Backpackers' Campground is located on the East end of Lake Alpine, CA. All sites are walk-in tent sites. Cars cannot be parked in camp, parking is available on the adjacent street. 

Backpackers' Campground is located in the Calveras Ranger District, in a timbered setting near several trailheads.

Campground may open earlier and close later as weather (snow level) allows. This information will be posted on this page as soon as it becomes available. 

The current dates for reservations have historically allowed for comfortable camping, but please take into consideration the high alpine location when making a reservation. It is possible to have snow, rain, mud, and overall cold/wet conditions any time of year.

Recreation

Lake Alpine provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities: fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, OHV trails, swimming, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. Interpretive programs are offered by Forest Service rangers during the summer months.

Facilities

Campsites with room for up to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles per campsite. Picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets are available. Hot showers and laundromat available at nearby Lake Alpine Resort. No electricity or hook-ups. Pets are welcome. Firewood, camping and fishing supplies, food, and apparel is available in the general store at Lake Alpine Lodge.

Natural Features

SIlver Valley Campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet on the east end of Lake Alpine within the Stanislaus National Forest. The forest lies between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and boasts gorgeous views.  

Nearby Attractions

A restaurant, bar, general store, and boat rentals can be found at nearby Lake Alpine Lodge. The immediate area is suited for forest and wilderness recreation. A short car ride away is Big Trees State Park, Grover Hot Springs, Mercer Caverns, Mountain Adventure Seminars, and the wine country of Calaveras County.

Camp site features

Across 8 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 8 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 8 sites
  • Largest party: 6 people
  • Equipment: SMALL TENT, Tent

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest water fill: 19.2 mi

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

9 reviews
5 stars
8
4 stars
1
Miles d
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Well managed campsites, clean toilets, good potable water supply
Alyce A
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Lovely campground with no RVs and attentive camp hosts. First day we were able to do the hike right from the end of the road to Duck Lake.
Ed M
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Very peaceful while I was there, no generators or rowdy neighbors. The tent site was just barely big enough for my six person tent. Could park the car plenty close, no issue there. No camp host at this site, and the closest host seemed to keep banker's hours ("off duty" any time I went there). Had to ask for the bathroom to be unlocked, guess they don't want to clean the bathroom if no one is in the campground. But all in all it was much better than the typical car campgrounds, for those of us in tents who like quiet.
Stephane D
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Backpackers is a great campground. Perfect if Pine Marten or Silver Valley are full. Only a few spots but they are better than many of the sites at the two other campgrounds. The road is right there so the fact that you cannot park up to the site is no issue. Very quiet. We stayed at site #6 and is more secluded and very comfortable. It's a short walk to the lake. We did the hike to Inspiration Point. Definitely worth it. The hike around the lake is quite long since some of it goes around private property. Still a good choice. Joe the host is super super extra nice. We saw a bald eagle hanging out 10 feet above our heads in the trees around the lake. Very cool.
Luis Fernando G
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
We absolutely loved camping at Lake Alpine, as we do every year with our friends. The scenery is beautiful, the atmosphere is peaceful, and it’s always the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and make great memories together. We’re already looking forward to coming back next year!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jerson G
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
This year host was super nice, definitely glad they changed it from the person they had last year
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Jun 26, 2027 – Oct 4, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jun 26, 2028 – Oct 4, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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