West Shore sits right on Lake Alpine's north shore at 7,400 feet, putting you within walking distance of boat launches, rentals, and the alpine lodge. This is developed camping with the convenience of nearby amenities but without hookups — think picnic tables and fire rings with a general store just down the path.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 38.47733, -120.00804
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- (209)753-6350
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Each site accommodates up to six people with space for three tents and two vehicles. You get the standard Forest Service setup: picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets scattered throughout the campground. No electricity or water hookups, but hot showers and a laundromat are available at the nearby Lake Alpine Resort when you need them.
The campground sits directly on the lake's north shore, so you're looking out at water rather than just forest. At this elevation in the Stanislaus National Forest, you're positioned between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite with the Sierra Nevada providing the backdrop.
What to Know
The Lake Alpine Lodge operates a general store where you can pick up firewood, camping supplies, food, and basic gear. They also handle boat rentals if you want to get on the water. During summer months, Forest Service rangers run interpretive programs.
Wildlife is active here — squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and marmots are common, with coyotes, bears, and eagles in the area as well. Standard bear precautions apply.
Nearby
Lake Alpine offers fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and swimming right from camp. The area also has hiking and biking trails, OHV routes, and rock climbing opportunities, though the source material doesn't specify which trails or crags.
A short drive gets you to Big Trees State Park, Grover Hot Springs, Mercer Caverns, and Calaveras County's wine country. The Lake Alpine Lodge has a restaurant and bar if you want to skip camp cooking for a night.