Highland Lakes Campground is located next to the two Highland Lakes, 6 miles off Highway 4 near the summit of Ebbetts Pass. The access road in places is steep and narrow. Situated at 8,600 feet, the Highland Lakes Campground can sometimes be under snow until mid-June. The two lakes have a speed limit of 5 MPH and motorized boats are discouraged. The lakes are most popular for fishing. Surrounding trails are favorites with horseback riders and hikers.
A unique feature of the lakes is that one drains into the Mokelumne watershed while the other drains to the south into the Stanislaus River watershed. Trails lead up from the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus to Highland Lakes.
The 35 campsites at Highland Lakes Campground can accommodate tents and small RVs or trailers. Water is sometimes a problem at the campground and it is best to call ahead to be sure water is available.
| Highland Lakes Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Highland Lakes Campground Location: | Turn off Highway 4 at Highlands Lake Rd. 13 miles east of Lake Alpine. Then travel 6 miles on dirt road to the campground |
| Elevation: | 8,600 feet |
| Miles/Driving time: | Angels Camp - 68 miles, 2:02 |
| Campground Open: | Late-May through October Opening date may be hampered by snow |
| Number of Sites: | 35 |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2, fee for 2nd vehicle |
| Maximum Length of Stay: | 14 days |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Stanislaus National Forest |
| Calaveras Ranger District: | (209) 813-6008 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| No Reservations: | All campsites at Highland Lakes Campground are first-come, first-served. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 16 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $12 |
| Check-in, check-out: | Any time, Noon |
| Highland Lakes Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water (usually) |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Attractions near Highland Lakes Campground: | Fish in the Highland Lakes. Try Fishing at Kinney Lakes. Hike a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Head down to Lake Alpine for boating, fishing, and swimming. Hike on trails into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Go horseback riding. Go to Bear Valley Adventure Company for kayak and bike rentals. |
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate
Highland Lakes Campground
Visitors to Highland Lakes Campground in the Stanislaus National Forest have a wide range of activities and attractions up and down Ebbetts Pass.
Check Stanislaus National Forest - Highland Campground for any campground updates.