Stanislaus River Campground

California's Best Camping

Spicer Meadow Reservoir, CA
Spicer Meadow Reservoir, CA

Stanislaus River Campground

Ebbetts Pass


Stanislaus River Campground

Stanislaus River Campground is along Spicer Reservoir Road in the Stanislaus National Forest. The campground is 3 miles from Highway 4 and 5 miles from Spicer Meadow Reservoir. The North Fork of the Stanislaus River flows past the campground in a gentle stream. A sandy beach is found along the edge of the river at the southern end of the campground.

Drinking water is usually available from hand operated pumps at Stanislaus River Campground. Check with the Forest Service before visiting the campsite to be sure that water is available. The 25 campsites can accommodate tents, trailers, or RVs. Garbage must be packed out. Services and supplies are 10 miles away at Bear Valley Village.



Stanislaus River Campground Basics
Stanislaus River Campground Location: Turn off Highway 4 at Spicer Reservoir Rd. 22 miles east of Arnold and 6 miles west of Lake Alpine. Then 3 miles to the campground
Elevation: 6,200 feet
Miles/Driving time: Stockton - 98 miles, 2:06
Campground Open: Late-May through October
Opening and closing dates may be affected by snow
Number of Sites: 25
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) 795-1381

Reservations
No Reservations: All the campsites at Stanislaus River Campgrounds are first come, first served.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $12 per night
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Stanislaus River Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, hand-pumped water
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Attractions near Stanislaus River Campground:
  • Fish in the Stanislaus River.
  • Enjoy nearby boating and kayaking at Spicer Reservoir.
  • Find a boat launch ramp at Spicer Meadow Reservoir.
  • Bear Valley Adventure Company has kayak and bike rentals.
  • Visit Bear Valley for shops and restaurants.
  • Drive up the road to beautiful Lake Alpine.
  • Hike in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
  • Explore the many local hiking trails.


General Camping Information

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.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.

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Stanislaus River Campground near Spicer Meadow Reservoir, CA

Stanislaus River Campground

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Visitors to Stanislaus River Campground along the Spicer Reservoir Road are close to many outdoor activities and adventures.

  • Take advantage of great OHV routes at places such as Rattlesnake Creek and Black Springs.
  • Spend the day kayaking at one of the many lakes.
  • Take off mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Enjoy fishing in the Stanislaus River and nearby lakes such as Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir.
  • Set out on hiking trails such as the path up to Inspiration Point or along the Arnold Rim Trail and various others leading off Highway 4.

Places to Visit

  • Tour historic Murphys.
  • Picnic at White Pines Lake and tour the Logging Museum.
  • Drive out to Spicer, Union, and Utica reservoirs.
  • Visit Quyle Kilns, 4 miles east of Murphys.
  • Tour Mercer Caverns and Moaning Cavern.
  • Try some wine tasting at Ironstone Winery.

    Check Stanislaus National Forest - Stanislaus River Campground for any campground updates.



map of campground locations by Spicer Meadow Reservoir, including Spicer Reservoir Campground along with  Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir, CA.