Spicer Meadow Campground

For Californians dreaming of a refreshing escape into the high Sierra Nevada, Spicer Meadow Campground offers a classic mountain camping experience amidst stunning natural beauty. Located in a forested area near the expansive Spicer Reservoir within the Stanislaus National Forest, this campground is a favored destination for families, anglers, and anyone seeking cooler temperatures and a wealth of outdoor activities. While known for its popularity and first-come, first-served availability, the natural charm and recreational opportunities make it a highly desirable spot for a memorable California adventure.

Spicer Meadow Campground provides a rustic yet accommodating setting, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness. It’s a place where the fresh mountain air, the clear waters of the reservoir, and the towering pine trees create a perfect backdrop for disconnecting from daily life and reconnecting with nature. Whether your ideal day involves fishing for trout, paddling on a serene lake, or exploring scenic trails, Spicer Meadow Campground serves as an excellent base for a wide array of high Sierra pursuits.

Spicer Meadow Campground is located in California, USA, specifically within the Stanislaus National Forest, near Arnold, CA 95223. More precisely, it is situated about 8 to 10 miles southwest of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road (Forest Road 7N01). This places it at an elevation of approximately 6,600 feet, offering a welcome respite from the summer heat of lower elevations.

Access to the campground is via a paved but winding Spicer Reservoir Road. While the road is suitable for travel with RVs and trucks with boat trailers, visitors should be prepared for a curvy, scenic drive. This road directly leads to Spicer Reservoir, and the campground itself is nestled about 500 feet from the reservoir's shore. Its accessibility makes it a popular choice, though as a result, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

The strategic location of Spicer Meadow Campground provides easy access to Spicer Reservoir for boating and fishing, as well as to nearby areas like the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness for those seeking more rugged, non-motorized recreation. It’s also close to other notable high Sierra lakes and campgrounds, including Union Reservoir, Utica Reservoir, and Stanislaus River Campground, offering diverse exploration opportunities within a reasonable driving distance. Visitors should be aware that cell service is generally not available in this high-elevation, forested area, encouraging a true unplugged experience.

Spicer Meadow Campground provides a comprehensive set of services and amenities designed to support a comfortable and functional camping experience. The focus is on facilitating outdoor enjoyment while maintaining the natural integrity of the Sierra Nevada environment.

• Campsites: The campground offers 60 spacious family campsites, which can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 50 feet. These sites are well-spread out, providing a good sense of privacy. Additionally, a separate Spicer Reservoir Group Campground, about a mile away, offers 7 sites for groups of up to 30 people per site, including a covered group cooking/eating area.
• Site Amenities: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a food storage locker (often referred to as a "bear box," essential for secure food storage in bear country), a fire ring, and a grill, perfect for cooking and enjoying campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Toilets: Vault toilets are available throughout the campground and are generally described as clean and well-maintained.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the campground through spigots. However, it's important to note that some recent information from the Stanislaus National Forest indicates that potable water may *not* be available at this site, so it is crucial for campers to confirm current water availability directly with the Forest Service or come prepared with ample water supplies.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are provided, with bear-safe dumpsters to ensure proper waste disposal and prevent wildlife interactions.
• Boat Launch: A concrete boat launch ramp and an adjacent boat trailer parking lot are available, providing convenient access to Spicer Reservoir for boating activities.
• Campground Host: A camp host is typically on-site, available to assist campers, provide information, and manage the campground. Firewood is often available for purchase from the host.
• First-Come, First-Served: The majority of campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning early arrival, especially during popular times, is crucial to secure a spot. However, some individual and group sites may be reservable via recreation.gov.

Spicer Meadow Campground is highly regarded for its stunning natural features and the diverse range of recreational opportunities it provides. Its highlights cater to those seeking both active adventure and serene relaxation in the high Sierra.

• Spicer Reservoir: The campground's proximity to the beautiful Spicer Reservoir is a major draw. This large, 2,000-acre reservoir offers clear, cool mountain water, perfect for low-speed boating (10 mph limit on the lower portion), fishing, swimming, and paddling. The upper portion, bordering the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, is managed exclusively for non-motorized use, providing a peaceful environment for kayaking and canoeing.
• Excellent Fishing: Spicer Reservoir is a favorite among anglers, stocked with Eagle Lake rainbows and Kamloop trout. Both shore and boat fishing are popular, with various bait and lure options proving successful.
• Scenic High Sierra Backdrop: The reservoir is framed by spectacular granite islands and the majestic West Dardanelle and North Dardanelle Peaks, providing breathtaking views and a truly immersive high Sierra experience.
• Hiking and Equestrian Trails: The area offers numerous hiking and horseback riding trails, including access to the Wheats Meadow Trailhead, which leads into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness for extended backpacking trips. Shorter trails around the reservoir also provide opportunities for leisurely walks.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Reviewers consistently highlight Spicer Meadow as a "great place for families," with swimming opportunities in the reservoir (water temperatures hover around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit in late June) and ample space for children to play.
• Bear Safety: The campground is actively managed for bear activity, with food storage lockers provided at each site, emphasizing the importance of responsible food storage. This helps ensure a safer environment for both campers and wildlife.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: Despite being a popular, first-come, first-served campground, visitors note that the campgrounds are clean, and facilities like vault toilets are generally well-maintained.
• Stargazing: With its high elevation and minimal light pollution, Spicer Meadow offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing, revealing a brilliant night sky.

For inquiries and to plan your visit to Spicer Meadow Campground, it is best to contact the managing Forest Service office or check official federal recreation websites, as individual campground phone numbers are not always provided.

Address: California, USA (specifically near Arnold, CA, on Spicer Reservoir Road)

For information regarding Spicer Meadow Campground and other areas within the Stanislaus National Forest, you can contact the managing Forest Service office:

Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor's Office:

Phone: (209) 532-3671

It is highly recommended to visit the official USDA Forest Service website for the Stanislaus National Forest or recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information on operating seasons, current fire restrictions, and details on campsite availability and reservations. Given that many sites are first-come, first-served, arriving early, especially on weekends and holidays, is often essential to secure a spot.

For Californians seeking a quintessential high Sierra camping experience, Spicer Meadow Campground is an excellent choice. Its location in the Stanislaus National Forest, while requiring a scenic drive, is accessible enough for weekend getaways, offering a refreshing escape from the heat and hustle of lower elevations. This ease of access, combined with its stunning natural environment, makes it a convenient and desirable destination for local residents.

Locals, particularly families, will appreciate the campground's family-friendly atmosphere and the wealth of activities available. The opportunity to fish for trout in Spicer Reservoir, paddle on its clear waters (especially in the serene non-motorized zones), and enjoy a refreshing swim during mid-summer's perfect weather are significant draws. The spacious, well-maintained campsites, complete with bear boxes, provide a comfortable and safe environment for all campers.

While the first-come, first-served policy can present a challenge, the reward of securing a spot in this beautiful high Sierra setting is well worth the effort. It offers a chance to truly disconnect, with no cell service to interrupt your immersion in nature, and to experience the breathtaking night skies. For Californians eager to explore the grandeur of their state's mountain landscapes, Spicer Meadow Campground offers an authentic, activity-rich, and memorable outdoor adventure.

To get a visual sense of what camping at Spicer Meadow might be like, you can watch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3byNZSdhXCI).

Spicer Meadow Campground

California, USA