Camper submitted image from Spicer Reservoir Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Spicer Reservoir Campground - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Spicer Reservoir Campground - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from Spicer Reservoir Campground - 4
Water
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Spicer Reservoir Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Spicer Reservoir Campground is located near Tuolumne in the Stanislaus National Forest. The terrain consists of forested areas and is situated near a reservoir. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer, and nearby attractions include the Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the Bear Valley Ski Resort.

Reservation Info

No reservations. Camping is on a first come - first served basis.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Spicer Reservoir Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located eight miles southwest of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road, a winding paved route where safe travel speeds average 20-30 mph.

Coordinates

38.40639363 N
119.99914154 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Easy camping and water access

The family campground is a first-come first-serve space with 50 or 60 sites, and lots of spots to primitively camp off the road. Bathrooms were clean, lots of water spigots, and reservoir access was super close! Only downside is how close together most of the sites are — I could hear a neighbor snoring all night! I’d pick site 49 if I could snag it next time. Great swimming and hiking around Elephant Rock and Union Res too. An easy weekend away!

  • Review photo of Spicer Reservoir Campground by Allyson E., June 30, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2019

Great for anglers!

We camped at Spicer on Labor Day weekend with our 28’ toy hauler (no OHV allowed on site). The campsites have a variety of trees/rocks and many are fairly private. We got one close to the walking trail down to the lake, which took just a couple minutes. The lake is nice but better for fishing than swimming/paddle boarding/kayaking. We did find swimming at the river leading to the lake, and it was only a short hike down. Utica is also a quick 10-15 minute drive and perfect for the activities mentioned.

The camp hosts were pleasant and helpful. The vault toilet bathrooms were clean. No reservations (except group camp, I think), hookups, or America The Beautiful pass discounts (but they do take Golden Age). There is AT&T cell service down by the lake. At the time (early September), there were a lot of bees and we saw some fresh bear poop right behind one of the sites.

  • Review photo of Spicer Reservoir Campground by Heather D., October 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Spicer Reservoir Campground by Heather D., October 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Spicer Reservoir Campground by Heather D., October 2, 2019
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find and navigate Spicer Meadow Campground?

Spicer Meadow Campground is located near Spicer Reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with approximately 50-60 designated sites. Upon arrival, you'll find the family campground area with organized sites, plus options for primitive camping off the main road. Walking trails connect the campground to the reservoir, making it easy to access the water within minutes. Sites vary in size and privacy levels, with some offering more seclusion among trees and rocks. For specific directions, check with the Stanislaus National Forest office.

What amenities and facilities are available at Spicer Meadow Campground?

Spicer Meadow Campground offers clean bathrooms and multiple water spigots throughout the grounds. The family campground contains approximately 50-60 designated sites, with additional areas available for primitive camping off the main road. While OHVs are not permitted on site, the campground can accommodate larger RVs (up to 28' toy haulers have been reported). Easy reservoir access is available via nearby walking trails. Note that sites are relatively close together in some areas of the campground.

What do visitors say about their experience at Spicer Meadow Campground?

Campers at Spicer Meadow Campground generally enjoy the variety of campsites with trees and rocks that offer good privacy. The campground's proximity to the lake is appreciated, with walking trails providing quick access in just a couple of minutes. The lake itself is described as nice, particularly for fishing rather than swimming. While the natural setting receives positive remarks, some note that campsites can be fairly close together, making noise from neighboring campers noticeable at times.

Is Spicer Reservoir open for camping and when is the best time to visit?

Spicer Reservoir is open for camping during the warmer months, typically late spring through early fall, with the campground operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer holiday weekends like Labor Day are popular but can still offer availability. Late spring through mid-summer provides the best conditions when the reservoir levels are typically higher. Fall offers fewer crowds but cooler temperatures. For specific opening dates, which can vary based on snow melt and road conditions, contact the campground management before planning your trip.