Lake Alpine is a small, scenic reservoir located in a timbered setting at an elevation of 7,350 feet and covers 180 acres. It is the central attraction of the "Lake Alpine Recreation Complex" on the Calaveras Ranger District, Stanislaus National Forest. Lake Alpine provides a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including low-speed boating (boat launch available), fishing, hiking, and biking. Multiple interpretive programs and guided hikes are offered by the Forest Service throughout the summer months.

The boat ramp is located at the Lake Alpine Picnic Area. There is no overnight mooring to the dock or shoreline vegetation. There is a 10 mph speed limit, and no motorized boats are allowed on the lake at night.

There are six developed campgrounds surrounding Lake Alpine. All sites are on a first come, first served basis. The camping and picnicking facilities around Lake Alpine are usually open from June through October of each year, depending upon snow conditions. Camping is permitted only in signed campgrounds.

Picnic areas are for day use only, no fee is charged. The two main picnic areas are Lake Alpine Day Use area, located by the boat ramp, and Chickaree Day Use, located on the east shore of the lake.

The Lakeshore Trail follows the south shore of Lake Alpine and totals 1.6 miles. It begins at Pine Marten Campground and ends at Forest Road 7N17. Hikers can continue walking along this road; however, it is a popular 4WD route, and there may be vehicles. The 1.4 mile trail to Inspiration Point is accessed from the Lakeshore Trail. This is an uphill climb of moderate difficulty with rewarding views of Spicer Reservoir and Dardanelles.

There are dozens of programs presented by the Calaveras District Interpretive staff throughout the summer including some of these listed below. For dates, details and fees, contact the ranger district listed below.

Stories of the Summer Night

Listen to Dana Nichols weave his magical stories that will amaze and entertain you.

Creepers and Sneakers

Reptiles and amphibians of California. Experience a living display that showcases these amazing animals. Meet about 40 species up close.   

Wild Animals

Meet Maggie the skunk, Oreo the kind snake, Hopper the raven, Titus the great horned owl, and many of Nancy Haydock’s other animal friends.

Gold Country Minstrels

Fiddler Dave Rainwater and his wife Lori Brandon take us on an unforgettable journey back to the days of the California Gold Rush.

Keep on Singing

Lake Alpine favorite Bill Roberson will delight you with entertaining music and interactive songs.  

Celtic Campfire, Music of Sequoia

Musicians from the group Sequoia will perform beautiful Irish tunes and fun sing-alongs that will put a smile on every face.

Gold Rush Days

Mark Twain and Bret Harte talk about their time in the Sierra Nevada and entertain you with their stories and “stretchers.” 

Forest Service Balladeers

These members of the renowned Black Irish Band will perform folk songs that blend history with superb musical talent.  

If A Tree Falls ...

Find out what we can do to lessen our ecological footprint in an engaging hour of music and “edutainment.” 

Make A Pine Cone Bird Feeder  Using sunflower seed butter, make a pine cone bird feeder that you can take home, while learning about the importance of trees.

Makin’ Tracks  Learn to read tracks left by wildlife and make your own plaster animal track to take home. 

Gyotaku — The Art of Fish Printing — Children and parents will learn the ancient Japanese art of Gyotaku. Using fish molds and ink, you will print a unique T-shirt and learn about fish and the lake. Material fee includes T-shirt. 

Fun & Fitness Hikes —  Hike with a Forest guide to a destination of spectacular scenery, geology and wildflower wonder. Bring a lunch, water and sunscreen. Meet at the Alpine Ranger Station.

Lovin’ Lake Alpine It’s a lake that really isn’t a lake that used to be a meadow. It’s where Native Americans from east and west met to trade. It’s where Jedediah Smith, Snowshoe Thompson and others found passage over the Sierra Nevada. Learn about this special place, steeped in history and tradition.

Number of Camp Sites: 140

Semi-Developed

Nightly Fee: varies

Maximum Length of Stay Allowed: 14 days

Take California Highway 4 or the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway, about 50 miles east of Angel's Camp, 30 miles east of Arnold and 3 miles east of Bear Valley.

Some campsites are fully accessible.