Ebbetts Pass Campgrounds

Big Trees State Park Camping

The park has two large campgrounds, the North Gove Campground right next to the visitor center, the amphitheater, and the North Grove. The Oak Hollow campground is several miles down the road, making it a tough hike to get back up to the main park area. Several primitive environmental camps are available around the park.

Sourgrass - Boards Crossing

Sourgrass' Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground has been developed into one of the premier campgrounds in the area. The sites are spacious and next to the river. There is an amphitheater where visitor programs are available during the summer. Downstream at Boards Crossing is a primitive campground.

Big Meadow Camping

Big Meadow has a group campground and a standard campground. Although it is a comfortable place to camp, there is little of interest nearby. Plan to drive up to Lake Alpine or down to Big Trees Park for the day.

Spicer Meadow Reservoir Camping

Spicer Meadow Reservoir area has leaped in popularity since the reservoir was expanded. A boat ramp, hiking trails, a group campground, and more make it a great destination. Unimproved campsites can be found at nearby Utica and Union reservoirs.

Lake Alpine Camping

Lake Alpine is among the most popular destinations on the pass. Four campgrounds are near the lake. During the summer there are visitor programs held at the amphitheater.

Mosquito Lakes Camping

The small campground at Mosquito Lakes usually fills up fast with fishermen. There are spectacular views from Pacific Grade Summit. Close by is Pacific Valley with another campground.

Hermit Valley Camping

None of the campgrounds here have any significant improvements. Camping resembles dispersed camping. The Grouse Flat area camps are more attractive than the main Hermit Valley Campground. Hermit Valley is a great fishing area, and the Deer Valley OHV route leads north from there to Blue Lakes.

Highland Lakes Camping

Highland Lakes Campground is along the shore of the lakes, but it is not among the most attractive campgrounds due to a sparse number of trees. Nearby Bloomfield Campground along the Mokelumne River (just a creek there) is more picturesque. There is a stream crossing to reach the lakes and in the spring it may be difficult to negotiate.

Silver Creek Camping

Silver Creek Campground is right at the eastern base of Ebbetts Pass with campsites on both sides of the road. Wolf Creek is a remote location with primitive camping. Anglers and hikers like to venture in there.

Markleeville Camping

One campground is along Markleeville Creek. Grover Hot Springs State Park has camping, along with the hot springs pools where you can soak after a day of hiking. You can also find camping north on Highway 89 at Turtle Rock County Park.

Because of the 2021 Tamarack Fire, portions of Grover Hot Springs State Park were damaged. The park has opened again with limited day use and limited camping. Check Grover Hot Springs State Park for up-to-date information about the park.

Helpful Links to Other Camping Websites

California's Best Camping

U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

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