Oak Hollow Campground
4.599 reviews1170 E. Hwy. 4, Arnold, CA 95223
Oak Hollow Campground
$35.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campground fees are $35 per night, with higher fees ($40) during holidays or peak season. Seniors (62+) receive a discount of $2 per night.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of towering pines and ancient oaks, Oak Hollow Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite offers natural shade and a sense of seclusion, while modern conveniences like hot showers, clean restrooms, and secure bear lockers ensure your comfort and safety in this wilderness sanctuary.
Oak Hollow Campground primarily serves tent and RV campers but does not offer cabins or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceCamp where California's natural history was forever changed. Since 1852, Calaveras Big Trees State Park has protected some of Earth's most magnificent living things. The legendary North Grove stands as a testament to conservation triumph, where the majestic Empire State Tree and its ancient companions have inspired generations of visitors to become stewards of these irreplaceable natural treasures.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Sierra Nevada at Oak Hollow. Summer welcomes campers with perfect conditions—warm days reaching a pleasant 86°F invite exploration, while cool 55°F evenings are ideal for campfire gatherings. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, offering a completely different but equally magical camping experience for those prepared for crisp mountain air and frosty mornings.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle rustling of pine needles and oak leaves in this enchanting forest sanctuary. The mature woodland creates a living cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Keep your camera ready—black bears amble through the underbrush, bobcats prowl silently at dawn, and playful flying squirrels glide between branches at dusk. The symphony of songbirds provides a constant soundtrack to your outdoor adventure.
Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonders of the Sierra Nevada's mixed conifer forest, where ancient volcanic formations tell stories of Earth's fiery past. Groves of giant sequoias—the largest living things on our planet—stand sentinel over wildflower-dotted meadows. This unique ecosystem represents millions of years of natural artistry, creating a landscape that shifts from dense forest to open meadows, each turn revealing new perspectives on California's spectacular mountain heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySite number 80 includes accessible parking, furnishings, and firm surfaces. The unisex restroom/shower combination building is accessible and has adjacent accessible parking.
Sites SizeUser reviews mention spacious campsites, with some variance in terrain, including slopes.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers space between sites but lacks significant low foliage to ensure privacy.
Total Campsites55 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites away from areas prone to yellow jackets or noisy groups. Reviews suggest avoiding slopes.
Best CampsitesSite OH95 is noted for being spacious but yellow jackets are reported here.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each regular campsite accommodates up to 8 people.
Groups
Group sites are available accommodating up to 60 people and 20 vehicles, with shared restroom facilities that include coin showers and running water.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites vary from flat RV locations to tent sites requiring stair access.
Open and Closed SeasonOak Hollow Campground is open May 1 through November 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Reserve California (www.parks.ca.gov) or by phone (800-444-PARK).
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are not available at Oak Hollow Campground but are offered at North Grove Campground during winter.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance but specific penalty details are unavailable.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Oak Hollow Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, leveraging its proximity to trails and natural features of Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Hiking
The park offers several trails, including the North Grove Trail, which features giant sequoias like the Empire State Tree. Trail lengths vary from 1.5 miles to 8 miles. Guided hikes are available year-round.Fishing
Fishing is available at Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek, primarily for rainbow trout. A valid California fishing license is required for anglers aged 16 and above.Biking
Bicycles are permitted on the fire roads and paved roads, but not on hiking trails. Cyclists under 18 are required to wear helmets.Wildlife viewing
Opportunities for observing wildlife are abundant, with species including black bears, bobcats, and pileated woodpeckers. Birdwatching and squirrel activity are commonly noted.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs such as Junior Rangers and campfire sessions are offered during summer months. Astronomy Nights are also conducted by knowledgeable docents.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available during winter months, with trails like the Parkway Loop Ski Trail offering scenic views of the Sierra Nevada.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in provided metal containers. Firewood available at park entrance.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsYellow jackets are common, especially in fall. Visitors should use bear lockers to prevent wildlife encounters.
Active alertsSeasonal road closures occur during winter. Park is fully open May through October.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Arnold is the nearest town with emergency services, including a hospital and police station (~10 minutes away).
Good to know
Peak season datesHolidays and summer months have peak pricing.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is facilitated through dumpsters, and bear-proof measures are emphasized for visitor compliance.
Proximity to water featuresStreams run through parts of the park. Fishing is permitted at Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek.
Common complaintsYellow jackets ('meat bees') are frequently mentioned as problematic in user reviews. Noise complaints from neighboring campsites also appear.
HostCamp hosts are available but enforcement of quiet hours may be inconsistent.
Campground Map
1170 E. Hwy. 4, Arnold, CA 95223
Driving directionsFrom SF Bay Area: Take I-580 eastbound over Altamont Pass to I-205 toward Manteca, to US 99 North. Take the exit for State Hwy 4 Eastbound (Angel's Camp) to the Park Entrance. Hwy 4 makes a jog to the right in Angel's Camp along State Hwy 49, then jogs left just before leaving town. From Southern California: Take either I-5 or US 99 North. From I-5 you can cross to the other side of Stockton on State Hwy 4 to 99/4 South a few miles, then follow Hwy 4 towards and beyond Farmington to the Park.
Roads are well-maintained. Winter access is limited as the Walter W. Smith Parkway road closes during snowfall. During summer, all park areas are accessible.Nearby places
Arnold (4 miles, ~10 minutes), Stockton (~1.5 hours), Angel's Camp (~35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel can be purchased in Arnold (~10 minutes away).
Camper Reviews
4.6
9 reviews
Oak Hollow Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Oak Hollow Campground highlight its well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, and peaceful environment. Guests appreciated the quiet atmosphere but noted issues with yellow jackets and occasional rule enforcement lapses.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained bathrooms, spacious campsites, family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to stunning trails.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Presence of yellow jackets, occasional non-enforcement of quiet hours, and lack of cell service.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring quarters for showers, trap solutions to manage yellow jackets, and purchase firewood outside the park to save costs
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall camping may see an increase in yellow jacket activity according to reviews. Winter reviews emphasize cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Use the bear box and lock up your food. Not because of bears...but squirrels." "Meat bees 🐝...everywhere. Harmless unless you accidentally grab one, but annoying." "Everything was clean and well...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site OH95 received positive reviews but was noted for yellow jacket presence. Some campsites were described as sloped, impacting tent setup.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Site 80 is accessible and includes parking and restroom facilities designed for wheelchair users. However, slopes may require assistance.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but restricted from trails and must be leashed. Noisy or aggressive pets may lead to removal from the park.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025