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.

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.  

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.

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.

Important Notices

• This is bear country-Be bear aware! Keep all food out of sight in containers or inside a locked vehicle. Remove all food from the area after eating.

• All campsites at this campground are tent sites, they do not have a parking space within the campsite. There is parking along the adjacent street.

Notifications and Alerts

• Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: Recreation.gov 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.

Available Activities

• Camping - Camping
• Boating - Boating
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Climbing - Climbing
• Disc Golf - Disc Golf
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Hunting - Hunting
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Mountain Climbing - Mountain Climbing
• Motor Boat - Motor Boat
• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
• Off Road Vehicle Trails - Off Road Vehicle Trails
• Rock Climbing - Rock Climbing
• Swimming - Swimming

Contact Information

Phone: (209) 753 6350

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip