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Stanislaus/Pine Marten
Overview
Pine Marten Campground offers a quintessential High Sierra escape within the Stanislaus National Forest. Located at an elevation of approximately 7,300 feet, this seasonal destination provides a cool, crisp retreat during the warm summer months. The park is managed by the Calaveras Ranger District and is nestled among a dense canopy of red fir and lodgepole pines, creating a secluded atmosphere that feels worlds away from city life. It serves as a premier gateway to the rugged beauty of the Alpine County backcountry.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a short distance from the charming community of Bear Valley, California, the campground sits along the scenic Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway. The immediate surroundings are defined by massive granite outcrops and the pristine waters of Lake Alpine, which is within easy walking distance. Travelers will find themselves surrounded by untamed wilderness areas, offering a sense of vastness and tranquility that is characteristic of the High Sierra Nevada range.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic, dry-camping facility that prioritizes a natural experience over modern luxuries. The campground features several essential facilities for forest visitors:
- Vault toilets and potable water access points centrally located throughout the loops.
- Individual sites equipped with mandatory bear-resistant food lockers for safety.
- Spacious sites featuring heavy-duty picnic tables and fire rings.
While there are no electricity or sewer hookups available, the sites are designed to accommodate varied RV lengths. Smaller rigs typically find it easier to navigate the forest roads and site pads.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for those staying at Pine Marten. Guests can spend their days kayaking or fishing on Lake Alpine or exploring the numerous hiking trails like the path to Inspiration Point for panoramic views. The nearby Mokelumne Wilderness offers deeper exploration for backpackers, while the Bear Valley Village provides local dining and supplies just a few miles down the road.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who enjoy unplugging and immersing themselves in nature. It is perfectly suited for those who prioritize immediate access to trailheads and alpine lakes over resort-style amenities. If your travel style involves stargazing by a campfire and waking up to the scent of fresh pine needles rather than searching for Wi-Fi, Pine Marten provides the perfect backdrop for a traditional mountain adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Barb P.
There is plenty of room at Campsite for 3 tents and 5 people to comfortably camp. At night the stars were beautiful but it did get very cold. The lake is within walking distance, some sites you can see the lake from. Overall a wonderful trip. Was at site 24
Alana
Beautiful campground right next to the lake. We loved all the trees and spacious sites. It was so nice to have so many great water activities within walking distance. We will be back for sure!
Hal Walker
Great Place for Camping, I think I was the only 1 there with a 35 foot class A motor home. Pulled into site #2 fairly easily, may be a little tricky but doable with a 5th wheel. They have bear 🐻 lockers for a reason, use them. There was a bear that came into a tenters camp and messed alot of stuff up from what I heard from the camp host. Lots off space for each site, lots of trees, lots of firewood laying all over the place for the taking. Fishing at the lake, was GREAT. I caught 3 smallish Trout, all in about an hour and a half. The camp host couple were very friendly and Helphul. I will be returning.
Justin Tufono
Pine Marten campground was great! It was my first time ever camping there. I arrived 9/2/23 around 3am then left 9/3/23 around 10am. It drizzled most of the weekend and was overcast but we managed. There were a lot of RV’s that came. Each campsite is limited to 6 people and two cars or a car towing a trailer. There were sheltered toilets and then water spigots dispersed throughout the campgrounds. Lots of trees were being cut at this time for something but i feel it didn’t affect my experience much because there was still plenty of greenery. The lake is a walking distance away and is beautiful even in overcast weather. I can’t wait to come back with my dogs.
Kristen Ramsey
Clean beautiful campsite. The camp hosts were kind and very helpful. Thank you Suki and Mike. Can’t wait to visit next summer.