Established Camping
Highland Lakes Campground
About
National Forest
Stanislaus National Forest
The lakes are set in a spectacular high alpine valley, close to the top of Ebbetts Pass at an elevation of 8,600 feet. These two lakes are unique in that they are headwaters for two different watersheds: the eastern lake flows into the Mokelumne River drainage, while the western lake flows into the Stanislaus River drainage. Maximum boat speed on both lakes is 5 mph, and gas powered motors are discouraged. Highland Lakes visitors enjoy camping, hiking and horseback riding.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DANGER - NOT RECOMMENDED AT THIS TIME !
Toilets are full to the brim and the camp host is a psychopath thief. Beware of this guy, he is not whom he appears and has no problem stealing and deceiving you. NOT RECOMMENDED AT THIS TIME!
Fall camping
Chilly nights and warm days. Great camping spots both at the lake and many good spots on the road in to the lake.
Remote but busy
This campground is at the end of a long dirt road. 4x4 is apparently not strictly necessary but I would recommend it, particularly given the unpredictable weather (hail storm on July 25).
The views at the lakes are breathtaking. The campground is next to the smaller lake and has two sections. One is right by the road, fairly open and flat, and the other a bit up the hill, with sites that are more private, nestled around the trees. Most sites had fire pits with grills and a picnic table. Both sides have drinking well water with a had pump. Bathrooms were fairly clean and stocked with tp. The groundskeeper was friendly and helpful. The lakes are cold but apparently there is some trout. Looked like fly fishing was the way to go.
The main downside was how busy the area was, both with campers and day users. Given the COVID situation, reservations are not accepted and driving that road to end up without a campsite would be very unfortunate but highly likely. We ended up camping one night on the side of the road and were fortunate to get a spot for our second night.
Location
Highland Lakes Campground is located in California
Directions
From Arnold, CA, take State Route 4 east 40.8 miles to Highland Lakes sign. Turn right after sign and go 4.9 miles to "Y" intersection. Bear right and go 0.7 miles to campground. Note: After Lake Alpine, State Route 4 becomes a narrow road with a 24% grade and lots of curves. Not recommended for vehicles over 25' in length. Last 4.7 miles is on rough, rocky dirt road.
Coordinates
38.48900024 N
119.807 W