Highland Lakes Campground

Campers can go mountain biking on the US Forest Service roads near Highland Lakes Campground and throughout the Stanislaus National Forest. Lake Alpine is a popular biking spot, where you can fly past the crystalline lake, through the forest, and along an old pioneer route.

Boating is allowed on the Highland Lakes, though the US Forest Service discourages the use of gas motors and limits boating speeds to 5 mph. Take your pick of the many lakes—you’ve got Alpine, Beardsley, Cherry, Pinecrest, Spicer (the part in Tuolumne County), and Union. Cherry Lake is the largest in the forest, and worth roaming around, while Alpine has a huge parking lot and an elevation of 7,350 feet to keep you clear of both crowds and high temperatures.

Try fly fishing or cast fishing for brook trout on the Highland Lakes right next to camp. Tackle shops and dozens of additional fishing lakes can also be found at nearby spots like Kinney Reservoir on Highway 4.

Three trailheads leading into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness depart from the vicinity of this campground: Highlands Creek, Gardner Meadow, and Tryon Meadow. The Gardner Meadow trail links up to the Pacific Crest Trail. Here you'll see granite basins, basalt towers, and the 9 million-year-old Table Mountain, formed by ancient lava that rushed in.

With equestrian trails nearby, the Highland Lakes are a popular horseback riding destination. The greater Stanislaus National Forest features some 400 miles of riding trails and plenty of horse-friendly base camps.

If you have a paddle boat of any kind, you’ll want to bring it out while you’re here. Kayak or canoe through the Utica and Union reservoirs to reach some small islands and see some epic mountain scenery. Tuolumne River is also a popular rowin’ spot. It may be a bit crowded in summer, but it’s worth it for the awesome granite rocks and fresh flowing water. For other options, check here.

That’s right water babies, you can even windsurf here. Cherry Lake is the place to be for windsurfing, so if that’s your thing, be sure to check it out.

If you’ve been itching for some mind-blowing scenery to try out your new four-wheeler, this would be the place to do it. You can travel by road or by trail, depending on your preference. Black Springs is the main OHV area, with more than 100 miles of trails and roads for you to explore. If you want to go completely off-road, be sure to stay within 20 miles of signed trails and 100 miles of established roads. Other than that, Stanislaus is your O(HV)yster.

Rock climbing and bouldering can be found in Bear Valley near Highland Lakes Campground, as well as in the Calaveras Ranger District. Try Big Meadow for beginner bouldering or Calaveras Dome for serious climbs.

Although Highland Lakes Campground is closed in winter, the Highland Lakes area and Highway 4 Corridor are used by backcountry skiers and snowshoers. Ski resorts also dot nearby Bear Valley.

Waterfalls, epic swimming holes, and pristine lakes are scattered throughout Stanislaus National Forest, including the ever-popular Rainbow Pool. You can take a dip in the Highland Lakes, but prepare for cold water! No lifeguards are stationed here.

If a relaxing dip or leisurely paddle isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, there are some rapids for you to conquer too. You can check out some serious whitewater rafting in the Stanislaus River, in both the North Fork and the South Fork of the river. Paddle through roaring rapids, between granite rock formations, towering mountains, and redwood trees. Sounds pretty epic, right?