Spicer Meadow Reservoir Area Camping
The Spicer Meadow Reservoir area is usually open for camping beginning in early June and running through mid-October, depending on weather. A standard campground and a group campground can be found at Spicer Reservoir.
Recently 4 campgrounds have been established at Union and Utica reservoirs. Some dispersed camping is still allowed at Union and Utica in specified areas. Another fine campground is located along the North Fork of the Stanislaus River.
Spicer Meadow Reservoir, Alpine County, California
Stanislaus River Campground
Stanislaus River Campground is on the bank of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River at an elevation of 6,200 feet. A nearby sandy beach area is located at the southern end of the campground. The area is popular for boating, fishing, and hiking. Spicer Meadow Reservoir, Union Reservoir, and Utica Reservoir are each about 6 miles from the campground.
Directions: Spicer Reservoir Road leaves Highway 4 twenty-two miles east of Arnold or six miles west of Lake Alpine. Follow Spicer Reservoir Road 3 miles to the campground.
Fees: $12 for a single site
Reservations: None
Stanislaus River Campground Amenities
- 25 campsites for tents or RVs
- Hand pumped water, vault toilets
- Picnic tables, fire rings
Spicer Reservoir Campground
Spicer Reservoir Campground located at an elevation of 6,400 feet near Spicer Meadow Reservoir. (See below for Group Camping information). The area offers boating (10 MPH limit), fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. A boat launch ramp is nearby. Union and Utica reservoirs are about 3 miles away.
Directions: Spicer Reservoir Road leaves Highway 4 twenty-two miles east of Arnold or six miles west of Lake Alpine. Follow Spicer Reservoir Road 9 miles to the campground.
Fees: $30 per night
Reservations: None
Spicer Reservoir Campground Amenities
- 43 campsites for tents or RVs
- Piped water, picnic tables
- Vault toilets, fire rings
Spicer Reservoir Group Campground
Spicer Reservoir Group Campground located at an elevation of 6,400 feet along the shore of Spicer Meadow Reservoir. The area offers boating (10 MPH limit), fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. A boat launch ramp is less than a mile from the campground. Union and Utica reservoirs are about 3 miles away. The group camp holds a maximum of 60 people.
Directions: Spicer Reservoir Road leaves Highway 4 twenty-two miles east of Arnold or six miles west of Lake Alpine. Follow Spicer Reservoir Road 9 miles to the campground.
Fees: $140 per night
Reservations required: Reservations for the group camp are taken beginning at 9:00am on Jan. 1 of each year. Contact Sierra Recreation Managers for group camp reservations at (209) 296-8895.
Reserve in early January for best availability.
Spicer Reservoir Group Campground Amenities
- 7 group sites for tents or RVs to 28 feet
- Piped water, picnic tables, covered group cooking & eating area
- Vault toilets, fire rings, primitive amphitheater
Union and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds
Union and Utica reservoirs are located side by side 2 miles off the Spicer Reservoir Road. At one time they were areas for dispersed camping, but recently developed campgrounds have been established around the lakes, replacing most dispersed camping.
Directions: Spicer Reservoir Road leaves Highway 4 twenty-two miles east of Arnold or six miles west of Lake Alpine. Follow the road to Spicer Reservoir Road 8½ miles to the turnoff to Union and Utica reservoirs. Another 2 miles leads to either lake. Vault toilets are provided along with unimproved launch ramps
Fees: $16 per night
Union and Utica Campgrounds
- Union West - 18 walk-in campsites
- Union East - 11 campsites, RVs up to 27'
- Utica's Sandy Flat - 11 walk-in campsites
- Utica's Rocky Point - 12 walk-in campsites
