(Lake Alpine) Backpackers
02 reviews(Lake Alpine) Backpackers
$32.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
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
Rates for standard nonelectric sites during peak season range from $32. No other fees like taxes, incremental charges, or discounts are reflected.
About this campground
Tucked away at the eastern shores of Lake Alpine, Backpackers' Campground offers adventurers a genuine wilderness retreat where the modern world fades into the whisper of wind through towering pines. This walk-in tent camping haven within the Calaveras Ranger District invites you to shoulder your pack and venture just beyond the roadside parking to discover intimate campsites nestled among ancient timber. With multiple trailheads beckoning from your doorstep, this rustic sanctuary serves as the perfect basecamp for those seeking to explore the raw beauty of the Stanislaus National Forest on foot.
The campground is designed exclusively for walk-in tent camping. It does not accommodate RVs, groups, or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty perch, Mother Nature keeps campers on their toes with her ever-changing moods. Even in the heart of summer, morning mist might give way to afternoon thunderheads, while spring and fall visitors should come prepared for anything from brilliant sunshine to sudden snow flurries. The alpine environment creates its own weather patterns, where rain-soaked earth can transform trails into muddy adventures and temperatures can plummet when the sun dips behind the peaks. This unpredictable mountain climate is part of the authentic high-country experience, reminding visitors that they're truly immersed in the wild.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,400 feet above sea level, this high-altitude hideaway places you among the clouds where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath reminds you that you've ascended into California's spectacular alpine zone.
Natural Features and SceneryHere in the rarified air at 7,400 feet, the Stanislaus National Forest unfolds in all directions like a vast green tapestry. Ancient conifers stand sentinel around your campsite, their branches creating a natural cathedral that filters golden sunlight by day and frames countless stars by night. The surrounding wilderness stretches endlessly, offering panoramic vistas of forested ridgelines and distant peaks that shift from emerald to purple as shadows lengthen across the landscape.
Geological RegionNestled in the sweet spot between the granite majesty of Yosemite and the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe, this 7,400-foot alpine refuge occupies a special place in California's Sierra Nevada. The surrounding Stanislaus National Forest showcases nature's architectural prowess, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks, deep valleys, and dense coniferous forests that create picture-perfect scenes at every turn.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features described for this campground.
Sites SizeTent sites accommodate up to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles.
Sites PrivacySites are walk-in and set within a timbered setting, but specifics about privacy are not detailed.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite 5 in Loop A is highly rated by one user reviewer.
Best CampsitesUser review: Campsite 5, Loop A was rated 5/5 by Mark H.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 people per campsite.
Groups
No group sites are specified for this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutAll sites are walk-in tent sites.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground opens June 13, 2025, and closes October 5, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online and mobile apps.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations done before the reservation arrival date will be refunded, minus a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees (if paid during booking). Late cancellations (defined as cancellations made after midnight one calendar day before arrival) incur an additional penalty, forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to a wide array of recreational activities. Lake Alpine offers fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, and swimming. Additional options include OHV trails, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. Interpretive programs by the Forest Service are available in the summer months.
Hiking
Numerous trailheads are located near the campground, making it ideal for hiking enthusiasts.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is available at Lake Alpine, though specific details about fish types or conditions are not provided.Swimming
Swimming in Lake Alpine is an option, but no designated swimming areas or safety measures are mentioned.Biking
Biking trails are accessible, but no specifics about difficulty or terrain are provided.Boating
Boating opportunities include kayaking and paddleboarding. Nearby Lake Alpine Lodge also offers boat rentals.Wildlife viewing
The timbered setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs led by Forest Service rangers are offered during the summer months.Winter Activities
No winter activities described, though the area may experience snow.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are prominent water activities available on Lake Alpine.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated rings.
Hazards
General hazards'This is bear country—visitors are urged to be bear-aware and store all food in locked containers or vehicles.'
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13, 2025 - October 5, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details provided about trash or recycling services at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated at the eastern end of Lake Alpine.
Common complaintsSome user reviews complain about forestry work leaving the area 'an absolute mess.'
Campground Map
Nearby supplies
Firewood, camping and fishing supplies, food, and apparel are available in the general store at Lake Alpine Lodge.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
(Lake Alpine) Backpackers has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment is mixed, with some reviewers praising the location and others criticizing site maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Was perfect!" - Mark H. (5/5 rating, Campsite 5, Loop A). The area is near Lake Alpine, which some visitors love for activities like kayaking and hiking.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
"The forestry department has left the campgrounds an absolute mess after cutting down dead trees in the area. I won't be going back even though I love the lake." - scoffman300 (dated 2023-10-01).
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Consider bringing provisions for cold-weather camping as the high elevation (7,400 feet) can lead to unexpected snowfall or rain.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground may open earlier or later depending on snow levels. Summer activities such as interpretive programs are popular, but site conditions may vary due to forestry work.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Was perfect!" - Mark H. "I won't be going back even though I love the lake." - scoffman300
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Mark H. noted a particularly positive experience at Campsite 5 in Loop A.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews mentioning accessibility were provided.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pets were available, though pets are allowed in the campground.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025