(Lake Alpine) Silver Valley Campground
If you and your buddy are searching for somewhere to stay near the Lake Alpine Recreation Area in the Stanislaus National Forest, consider stopping at Silver Valley Campground! You and your pooch will need to "ruff" it a bit -- there aren’t any showers, and none of the 21 sites has electricity -- but the surrounding area is absolutely stunning, and if you’re missing your creature comforts, you can shower for $3.25 at the nearby Lake Alpine Resort. The campground gets pretty busy on weekends, so make your reservation early! Those seeking quiet time should probably search elsewhere, but the popularity of the campground makes this a pawfect option for solo female hikers or those who want the security of knowing that others are always nearby. Just be sure that your doggo can deal with crowds!
Lake Alpine Recreation Area is one of the prettiest parts of the national forest’s Calaveras Ranger District, and you won’t have to go too far to get the benefit of its natural beauty -- you’ll find some gorgeous wildflowers and access to the lake right outside your front door (or tent flap). It’d be a huge faux paw to stick to close to home, though -- the preserve has miles upon miles of fantastically Fido-friendly trails for you and your pup to sniff and explore. The two-mile trek to Duck Lake features some fabulous views and should suit laid-back lapdogs and athletic animals alike, while four-pawed fitness freaks might enjoy the challenge of the Inspiration Point or Mt. Reba Trails.
Silver Lake Campground is ideal for pups and people who want to get away from it all without getting too far from civilization -- while the campsite facilities are basic, you’ll find almost everything you need, including a restaurant, laundromat, and general store, just down the road in Lake Alpine Resort. There’s also running water on-site. The campground doesn’t have access to wifi, and cellular coverage varies from network to network, so you might want to give this one a miss if you need to be in constant contact. Remember to bring waste bags for your buddy, and have a furrific time at the lake!
