Silver Valley sits at the quieter east end of Lake Alpine, tucked into timber at 7,400 feet where several trailheads begin. The high elevation means possible snow and mud any time of year, but also means cooler summers and access to both lake recreation and backcountry routes.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 38.48020, -119.98500
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 209-753-6350
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground occupies a timbered setting at Lake Alpine's east end, away from the main lodge activity. Each site accommodates up to six people with space for two tents and two vehicles, plus the standard picnic table and fire ring setup. No hookups or electricity — this is Forest Service camping with vault toilets and the surrounding trees for atmosphere.
Hot showers and laundry require a trip to Lake Alpine Resort, while the lodge's general store covers firewood, camping supplies, and food. The elevation puts you in genuine alpine territory where conditions can shift quickly.
What to Know
The campground operates on a reservation system during peak season, though dates can extend into first-come, first-served territory when snow conditions allow earlier opening or later closing. The 7,400-foot elevation means weather gambles year-round — pack for cold and wet conditions even in summer.
The location at the lake's east end positions you near trailheads rather than the main recreation hub around the lodge, which sits elsewhere on the lake.
Nearby
Lake Alpine offers the full menu of mountain lake activities: fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming, and boating. Boat rentals operate from the lodge. The surrounding forest provides hiking and biking routes, plus OHV trails and rock climbing. Forest Service rangers run interpretive programs during summer months.
The lodge area has a restaurant and bar for when camp cooking loses its appeal. Wider attractions within driving distance include Big Trees State Park, Grover Hot Springs, Mercer Caverns, and Calaveras County wine country — though you're here for the high country, not the valley diversions.