Summary

Labor Day camping trip. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=14845 This is mostly car/truck/ tent camping unless you are driving from Nevada on Highway 4. Long trailers are not recommended for the west side of Highway 4, but the campground has 20 spaces and lots of room. No reservations. First come, first served. I plan on getting there Thursday evening, Sept 3, so I can hold spots. There is water that is potable, but I would use it for cleaning mainly. Toilets available at the site. Firepits which are currently usable, with grills. This part of California gets mountain rains and storms and still has water in the creeks and high lakes.

This is easy camping, but I though it would be a good start. I love camping and have never tried to organize an event. Any suggestions are welcome. I'm not a fanatic, or expert. I am happy to help first time campers as well. Don't feel like you can't do this. Camp site fees are $12 per night. Check the camping checklist on this site for tips on what you need.

The creek and water in this area are beautiful. Lots of healthy forest and just minutes from the summit of Ebbets Pass. This campground is easily accesbile with my little VW GTI, so 4 Wheel drive not necessary. Paved all the way. Highway 4 is beautiful if you have never been up this way before. Well worth the trip. Situated between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, but without all the publicity or people.

Elevation is pretty high, 7800 ft. I have some breathing issues and actually bring O2 with me.  Probably need a coat at night, but the days have been warm and beautiful up there. I spent 4 days camping in the area, middle of August.

We can take a 4-wheel day trip to Highland Lakes area, if desired, which I have not ever been too yet. Alpine lakes are usually amazing.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

From Stockton: At Highway (Freeway) 99, take Highway 4 east for 108 miles. Then slight right onto Highland Lakes road. Campground is 1 mile in on the right.  

No cell service or Internet after you pass Murphys. DO NOT depend on your electronic phone/car navigation. Save your map offline. I guess I won't be available for questions after Thursday, Sept 3 afternoon. It's not hard to find, even in the dark.

Google: Bloomfield Campground CA. It may list it as Arnold, but that is 45 minutes away, where the Ranger Station is located. I did make some cell calls at the Alpine Ranger station between Bear Valley resort and the road to the Bear Valley Ski Mountain. That is the last place to get service.