Spicer Reservoir Group Campground
03 reviews9.3 miles southeast of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road (7N01)
Spicer Reservoir Group Campground
$200.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$200 per night fee for group camping (authoritative source). Discount passes are not accepted.
About this campground
Nestled among towering pines at the edge of the pristine Spicer Reservoir, this group campground offers an ideal mountain retreat for families, scout troops, and outdoor organizations. Managed by Royal Elk Park Management, the facility seamlessly blends modern amenities with natural beauty, featuring a spacious covered shelter perfect for group gatherings, dedicated cooking areas with multiple fireplaces, and a charming primitive amphitheater where evening programs and campfire stories come to life under the stars. The thoughtfully designed layout includes ample parking and ensures groups can enjoy both togetherness and the peaceful Sierra Nevada surroundings.
Spicer Reservoir Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping. It features a covered pavilion, parking for group use, and a primitive amphitheater.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada weather at Spicer Reservoir, where each season paints a different portrait of mountain beauty. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt, summer offers warm days perfect for water activities and cool evenings around the campfire, fall showcases golden aspens against evergreen forests, and winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Visitors should prepare for mountain weather's quick changes and dress in layers to fully enjoy their outdoor adventure regardless of the season.
ElevationPerched at 6,700 feet in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, the campground offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and the mountain views stretch endlessly. This elevation provides a refreshing escape from valley heat while remaining accessible for most visitors, though some may want to take it easy their first day as they acclimate to the thinner mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in a stunning forested setting where majestic conifers provide natural shade and frame spectacular views of Spicer Reservoir's sapphire waters. This mountain lake paradise offers a front-row seat to nature's theater, where morning mist dances across the water, osprey dive for fish, and sunset paints the surrounding peaks in alpenglow. The harmonious blend of forest and waterfront creates endless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and simply soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere.
Geological RegionSituated along the dramatic shoreline of Spicer Reservoir, the campground showcases the Sierra Nevada's signature granite geology softened by dense conifer forests. This unique setting combines the rugged beauty of exposed rock formations with the gentle shade of towering pines and firs, creating a diverse landscape where mountain meadows meet crystal-clear waters fed by seasonal snowmelt from the surrounding peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features were not mentioned. However, group parking is available.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information on site privacy is available.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
The group campground includes a covered shelter with picnic tables, a group cooking area, fireplaces, and a primitive amphitheater. Parking is available for group use. The boat ramp is about a mile away. It can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsVisit www.royalelkparkmanagement.com (authoritative source).
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
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
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for group camping activities. It is located close to Spicer Reservoir, offering access to water-based recreation. User reviews highlight fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rafting as popular activities. While fishing boats are allowed, personal crafts are not permitted. Hiking and biking trails were not explicitly mentioned.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed at Spicer Reservoir. User reviews mention the presence of fishing boats and manual paddled vessels.Boating
Boating opportunities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rafting. Fishing boats are allowed, but personal crafts are not.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rafting were highlighted in user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Fireplaces available" (authoritative source).
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"Bear came into the campground Thursday night and rummaged through a neighboring campground" (user review by Kelsey Bollenbach).
Active alerts"The camp grounds is closed. No hosts and gates are currently locked" as of June 2, 2024 (user review by Nathan S).
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 15.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Partly cloudy
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
"For road conditions, contact the Calaveras Ranger District (209) 795-1381" (authoritative source).
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities was provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Spicer Reservoir, although the boat ramp is about a mile away.
Common complaints"The camp hosts were not very friendly or approachable and seemed annoyed when I went to ask them a question" (user review by Kelsey Bollenbach).
HostCampground hosts are described as "not very friendly or approachable" by one user (Kelsey Bollenbach).
Campground Map
9.3 miles southeast of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road (7N01)
Driving directions9.3 miles southeast of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road (7N01). Lat/Long: 38.402098, -120.001778.
"The roads are covered in smooth, nice pavement all throughout" (user review by Trina Shockey).Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Spicer Reservoir Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mix of positive and negative experiences. The campground is appreciated for its cleanliness, well-maintained restrooms, and developed facilities compared to nearby locations. However, there are occasional complaints about unhelpful camp hosts and wildlife encounters (e.g., a bear rummaging through a campsite). The campground is noted as being less dirty than adjacent campgrounds at Union and Utica Reservoirs.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes comments on the cleanliness of the restrooms, well-maintained facilities, smooth paved roads, and concrete slabs for parking. The campground's proximity to water-based...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include unhelpful camp hosts, wildlife disturbances (notably a bear), and dissatisfaction with the first-come, first-served policy. One user mentioned that the campground was closed...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend being cautious about wildlife and preparing for a potentially long walk to the water. The campground may not be open year-round, so checking availability beforehand is advised.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
One review noted that the campground was closed and inaccessible on June 2, 2024, indicating seasonal closures might occur. Another review from August 2024 mentioned that the campsite was almost...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Spicer is quite beautiful. The water's a bit low right now. However, there is fresh water there to clean up with and the roads are covered in smooth, nice pavement all throughout." - Trina Shockey....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific information is available about individual campsites within the group campground.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically mention accessibility features or challenges.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025