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Pine Marten Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Water enthusiasts and hikers will find Pine Marten Campground positioned along Highway 4 in Stanislaus National Forest, serving as the final developed campground with full amenities before reaching Ebbetts Pass. The $32 per night Forest Service facility accommodates RVs up to 63 feet and operates from late September through early May, offering drinking water, restrooms, and a camp store alongside traditional camping basics.

The campground sits directly across from Alpine Lake's day-use area, providing immediate access to launching small watercraft and fishing opportunities with a 5 mph speed limit on the water. However, this proximity means weekend crowds and potential noise from day visitors, as Carter B. notes the day-use area "is very popular and noisy." The Inspiration Point Trail begins near the campground, climbing to overlook both Alpine Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada terrain.

Bears frequent the area regularly, with no food lockers provided at individual sites. Multiple campers report nighttime visits, making proper food storage essential. Cell service remains available here, unlike more remote options higher up Highway 4. First-come, first-served sites fill quickly on Friday afternoons during peak season, though midweek visits typically offer better availability and fewer crowds around the narrow boat launch area.

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Location

Public Campground

Pine Marten Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.480752 N
119.988643 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/5/26

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/5/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful lakeside setting and clean facilities as major draws. However, many visitors reported significant crowding and noise issues, especially on weekends when the adjacent day-use area creates disturbances.

Nicole B.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2022

It's a good spot if you like paddle spots.

Like title says, it good if like to kayak or SUP, but there is day use area across the campground and it can get loud. My husband, mom, sister, and I camped here and it was nice but one morning some people showed up at the day use area and just started blasting music at 9am, it made me upset because I went to alpine lake to get the nature sounds and had to deal with loudness. It was good lake to SUP and was an escape from the music, and the hosts were very nice and kept the bathrooms clean, but it loses a star due to loud day use area IMO.

Site21
Month of VisitJune
Carter B.
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2019

Beautiful but crowded

Great family campground but if your in search of solitude this is not the spot. Situated across from the campground is the day use area which is very popular and noisy.
Facilities are clean and the campground is beautiful, great walking path too!

  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Carter B., November 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Carter B., November 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Carter B., November 22, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reese F.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2019

A great spot, but overcrowded

It’s the last campground along hwy 4 with amenities and cell phone reception. A truly great spot but for these reasons alone it’s far too crowded for my tastes. Inspiration point trail is an easy hike with amazing views. Also a hike into Carson Iceberg wilderness into a majestic valley with old log cabins and free range cattle. Sadly this campground did not open until early July this year and will close after Labor Day weekend. There are still plenty of other camping options for late season if you continue up Highway 4 towards Ebbetts pass.

  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Reese F., August 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Reese F., August 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Reese F., August 25, 2019
  • (5) View All
Jen B.
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2019

Lake Alpine

Our family has been camping here for 30 years. The last few years the amount of people is beyond capacity. Cars are crammed in all around the lake. The campground is first come first serve. Coming up on a Friday late, you won't get a spot. The best time to enjoy this beautiful place is in the middle of the week.

The inspiration trail it's right by this campground. It's a nice hike that goes up to the top of the mountain overlooking lake alpine. You also will see a spectacular view on the other side.

There's a small boat launch that's super packed in the weekends. It's almost impossible to drive a trailer for a small fishing boat thru there. There's so many cars parked all along the narrow road. During the week before children are out of school, no one is there. We've been able to launch our big pontoon boat on the launch. The speed limit for boats is 5 mph. I think.

Beware there's bears possible. There's no food lockers. We had one in our camp several years ago. He took our food. He roamed the campground every night and was a huge bear. The Ranger said it was The biggest male he's ever seen. Air horn in a can we had on the boat worked good to scare him away.

  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Jen B., June 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Jen B., June 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Pine Marten Campground by Jen B., June 18, 2019
  • (4) View All
Tara B.
Reviewed May. 24, 2019

Alpine Lake is our fave!

The campgrounds at Alpine Lake are beautiful and spacious. There are pit toilets and it’s a very short walk to the lake. There’s coin operated showers at the nearby lodge which also has a restaurant and little store. These are first come first serve sites and they are our family’s favorite place to car camp! Remember to always put away your food so it’s not visible. Some years there are bears that cruise by during the night.

SiteAll sites are great!
Month of VisitJuly
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Pine Marten Campground?

Pine Marten Campground offers pit toilets and is just a short walk from Lake Alpine. Campers can access coin-operated showers at the nearby lodge, which also features a restaurant and a small store for supplies. The campground has clean facilities and a nice walking path. It's worth noting that this is a first-come, first-served campground with no reservations available. Cell phone reception is available at this location, which is uncommon for many campgrounds along Highway 4.

What do visitors say about Pine Marten Campground in their reviews?

Visitors consistently describe Pine Marten Campground as beautiful and spacious with clean facilities. Many mention it's a favorite family destination with some families returning for decades. The proximity to Lake Alpine is highly appreciated for kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities. However, campers note it can get very crowded, especially on weekends, and the nearby day-use area can become noisy with music playing during the day. Those seeking solitude might want to consider alternative locations, but families generally enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Are there photos or a map available of Pine Marten Campground?

Photos and maps of Pine Marten Campground are typically available through official Forest Service websites and recreation platforms like The Dyrt. The campground is situated across from a day-use area at Lake Alpine, with a walking path throughout the grounds. For the most detailed and current maps showing campsite layouts, facilities, and proximity to Lake Alpine, check with the Stanislaus National Forest office or visitor centers in the area. Maps would show the campground's location along Highway 4 and its position relative to hiking trails like Inspiration Point.

Where is Pine Marten Campground located at Lake Alpine?

Pine Marten Campground is located at Lake Alpine along Highway 4 in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's positioned across from a popular day-use area on the lake. The campground is the last one along Highway 4 that offers amenities and cell phone reception. From the campground, visitors can access the Inspiration Point trail, which offers amazing views, and there are hiking opportunities into the Carson Iceberg wilderness nearby.

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