Silver Creek Camping
Silver Creek was the site of a mining boom in the 1860s. A thriving community developed there, but as quickly as it flourished, the silver ran out and the town was abandoned. Many of the buildings were moved to Markleeville.
The valley rests at the eastern foot of Ebbetts Pass in Alpine County. There are two campgrounds: Silver Creek Campground, which straddles Highway 4, and Wolf Creek Campground, an undeveloped site at the end of Wolf Creek Road. Anglers who camp here like to fish in Silver Creek and the East Fork of the Carson River. History buffs enjoy exploring the remnants of the mining camp and hiking up to some of the abandoned mines in the area.
Silver Creek, Alpine County, California
Silver Creek Campground
Silver Creek Campground is set in a fir and pine forest along Highway 4 at an elevation of 7,100 feet at the eastern foot of Ebbetts Pass. The campground is divided by the highway, with loops on either side of the road. Hiking and fishing are the favorite activities of campers. The campground usually opens mid-June and closes in September.
Directions: From Markleeville drive 5 miles south on Highway 89, then continue onto Highway 4, following it another 7.5 miles to the campground. From Lake Alpine drive 21 miles east to the campground.
Fees: $18 per night
Reservations: (800) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov Silver Creek campground
Silver Creek Campground Amenities
- 22 campsites for both tents and RVs
- Piped water, vault toilets
- Picnic tables, bear boxes, fire rings
History Note:
Silver Mountain City was a booming mining town for a short time in the 1860s. when the mines played out, most of the city's buildings were moved to Markleeville. Today only remnants of the old stone jail remain where the town once sat.
Wolf Creek Meadow Campground
Wolf Creek Meadow Campground is an undeveloped site on Wolf Creek, near its confluence with the East Carson River. It is a popular fishing area.
Directions: From Markleeville drive 5 miles south on Highway 89, then continue onto Highway 4 for 7.5 miles to the Wolf Creek Road turn. Take Wolf Creek Road 3.5 miles to the camping area.
Fees: None
Reservations: None
Wolf Creek Meadow Campground Amenities
- Undeveloped
- No piped water
- Vault toilets
History Note:
Dumont's Meadow was named for a French Canadian woodcutter who lived in the area during the Comstock boom.
