Recreation - Summer

Camping

There are a great variety of campgrounds for your outdoor enjoyment. All campsites are on a first come, first served basis with few exceptions. Big Meadows has 15 sites that are reservable by calling the National Reservation Service toll-free at (877) 444-6777. Reservations for campsites in the Calaveras Big Trees State Park in the summer months are on the Destinet system 1-800-444-PARK. For specific campground information on U.S.F.S. campgrounds, be sure to contact the Calaveras Ranger Office in Hathaway Pines at 209-795-1381 or check their web site at http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/stanislaus/calaveras.

Large campers and trailers are permitted in campgrounds where space allows. No more than two cars per site are permitted in developed campgrounds. Vehicles must be parked on the pavement in paved campgrounds. All campsites will accommodate tents. To ease environmental impacts, no more than six persons or one family may occupy any one campsite. All developed campgrounds have quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Generator use is restricted to posted hours.

Picknicking

Five developed picnic grounds with tables, stoves and toilet facilities are located within the Calaveras Ranger District: Crescent Grove (on Hwy. 4 near Hathaway Pines), Cottage Springs, Spicer Reservoir (near the boat launch), Marmot and Chickaree (both on the shores of Lake Alpine). Calaveras Big Trees State Park also has group and individual picnic sites on the North Grove and individual sites at Beaver Creek and Stanislaus River areas. Picnicking is not limited to only developed sites. There are many locations throughout the forest suited for picnicking.

Rock Climbing

Several sites along Highway 4 in Bear Valley offer excellent bouldering for novice through expert climbers. Site maps and instruction can be found at Mountain Adventrure Seminars in Base Camp Lodge, Bear Valley.

Fishing and Swimming

Swimming and fishing opportunities await at most lakes, rivers and reservoirs in the area including Spicer Reservoir, Lake Alpine, Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek (in Big Trees State Park) and White Pines Lake in Arnold. Exercise caution during peak run-off periods; water levels fluctuate. Check with the Calaveras Ranger District for safe weather and water conditions. There are also a few lakes and swimming pools which are a part of private homeowners associations and clubs.

Fishing enthusiasts will find the Stanislaus National Forest and surrounding area rivers, creeks and lakes abundant with rainbow, brown and brook trout. Although several lakes are open year round, the general trout fishing season starts in late April and ends in mid November. A trout license is required for all areas, including fishing in the state park. Respect spawning fish, and consider practicing catch and release.

Biking

There are many excellent opportunities for biking enthusiasts from beginner to expert. Enjoy biking on scenic and paved or gravelled roads with moderate terrain, or more challenging single track and 4×4 trails with steep grades. Mountain biking is allowed on all National Forest non-wilderness trails and roads, and on all roads within Calaveras Big Trees State Park, excluding any single tread trails. For mountain and road bike trail information, contact the Calaveras Ranger Station or Bear Valley Mountain Bikes. Rentals, sales, parts, repair and guide services are available at Bear Valley Mountain Bikes.

Boating/ Kayaking/ Rafting        

Lake Alpine, Spicer Reservoir and Union/Utica Lakes provide excellent boating opportunities. With a maximum speed of 10 mph, water skiing or jet skis are not allowed. Water skiing and personal watercraft sports are available at nearby New Melones Recreation area in Angels Camp. The smaller Union and Utica Lakes are perfect for canoeing or kayaking. Boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented in Arnold, Bear Valley and Lake Alpine in the Summer. The class IV North Fork Stanislaus River offers exciting rapids and scenic beauty, but can be dangerous. Call 800-225-3764 for information on experienced rafting companies in the area.

Backpacking/ Hiking

Some of the nation’s most spectacular sights await you in the back country. Over 150 miles of trails are maintained in the Calaveras District of the Stanislaus Forest and most are in rugged terrain, but there are also easy day hikes. Conditions of hiking trails vary from season to season, depending on snowfall and other factors. It is always best to check local conditions before committing to hiking or backpacking. Make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to return. Overnight wilderness visitors are required to obtain a wilderness permit and are asked to use “no trace” camping techniques. Contact the Calaveras Ranger Office for wilderness permits, trail locations, maps, rules, safety tips and more.

Horseback Riding

Excellent opportunities exist for horseback riding, be it day rides or extended pack trips. Equestrians are expected to follow low impact stock use practices and obtain a wilderness permit when camping in designated wilderness areas. Horses and other pack stock are encouraged, but need to be handled skillfully to avoid unnecessary damage to the land. No horse rentals are available.

Off-Highway Vehicles

Many excellent off-road opportunities exist on national forest lands for the OHV enthusiast. Trails for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are available, as well as hundreds of miles of unpaved roads suitable for street-legal 4WD vehicles. Soils and vegetation in the Stanislaus National Forest are sensitive to damage from inappropriate off-road use. Users are reminded to “Tread Lightly,” and stay on designated routes. OHV user guidelines and route maps are available at the Calaveras Ranger District Office in Hathaway Pines.

Golf

Calaveras is fast becoming a golfer’s haven with six courses in the county. The Arnold area has three beautiful golf courses to choose from, one private country club and two courses which are open to the public.

Tennis, Racquetball, etc.

Several fee tennis courts and a complete fitness club are conveniently located in the area. Please refer to the business directory.

Shopping

The area is host to many one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities, where shopping in itself is a recreation. Take time to discover the individualized charm of these shops. In each owner-operated specialty store, from clothing to gifts to home decor, you’ll find just about everything you need and more including personalized service. Please refer to the business directory section of this guide.