Day Use: Sunrise to Sunset
Camping: All Hours, March through November
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Prescribed burns planned for Calaveras Big Trees State Park
A series of prescribed burns is planned in the area beginning on or around the week of October 21, 2019 through the end of November. Smoke may be present in the area and temporary closures of public campsites and dirt roads is expected. The Parkway may experience short-term closures, as well. Please plan accordingly.Press Release - California State Parks and CAL FIRE Plan Prescribed Burns at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Phone Number
(209) 795-2334
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: 30 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 30 Feet
Park Hours
Driving Directions to Calaveras Big Trees SP
The park is northeast of Stockton, four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4.From SF Bay Area:
Take I-580 eastbound over Altamont Pass to I-205 toward Manteca, to US 99 North. Take the exit for State Hwy 4 Eastbound (Angel's Camp) to the Park Entrance. Hwy 4 makes a jog to the right in Angel's Camp along State Hwy 49, then jogs left just before leaving town. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving from Angel's Camp.
From Southern California:
Take either I-5 or US 99 North. From I-5 you can cross to the other side of Stockton on State Hwy 4 to 99/4 South a few miles, then follow Hwy 4 towards and beyond Farmington to the Park. Hwy 4 makes a jog right in Angel's Camp, then jogs left just before leaving town. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving time from Angel's Camp.
From Sacramento:
Take US 99 South to Stockton, turning off onto State Hwy 4 towards and beyond Farmington to the Park (through Angel's Camp). Driving time to the Park from Stockton is approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes. An alternate route is to take State Hwy 16 southeast to State Hwy 49 South through the goldrush towns to Angel's Camp, making a left turn on the far side of town on State Hwy 4 to the Park. Driving time from Angel's Camp is approximately 35 minutes.
From Nevada:
Take US 395 to State Hwy 89 West to the terminus of State Hwy 4, up over Ebbett's Pass to the Park. The road is closed in Winter. It's very scenic, but so steep and tortuous that trailers and large motorhomes are ill-advised to use it.
Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Lodging
RV Access
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Lodging
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
A Brief History of Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras became a State Park in 1931 to preserve the North Grove of giant sequoias. This grove includes the "Discovery Tree", also known as the "Big Stump", the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852. This area has been a major tourist attraction ever since, and is considered the longest continuously operated tourist facility in California.
Over the years, other parcels of mixed conifer forests have been added to the park. This amazing park has a huge varitey of habitats and recreational opportunites to explore.
Visitor Center - Activities
Visitor Center Hours- 10AM-4PM
Come see our beautiful Visitor Center at Calaveras Big Trees. The Visitor Center houses our park gift shop! The Visitor Center also has a wonderful museum where you can really see wildlife in the park come to life. A theater plays two short videos on loop that are educational and enjoyable for all ages. If you are looking for a place to rest after your hike, there is a great lounge area as well. Come by and say hello when you visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
In addition to the popular North Grove, the Park features the South Grove, a five mile hiking trip through a spectacular grove of giant sequoias in their natural setting.
Other attractions in the Park include the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, the Lava Bluff Trail and Bradley Trail.
The Park also houses two main campgrounds with a total of 129 campsites, six picnic areas and several miles of established trails.
During the Summer enjoy evening ranger talks, numerous interpretive programs, environmental educational programs, junior ranger programs, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and activities for school children.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome in the park on leash in developed areas like picnic sites, campgrounds, paved roads and fire roads (dirt). Dogs are not allowed on the designated trails, nor in the woods in general. We have several miles of fire roads for you and your dog to enjoy; however, you will not be able to see any of the giant sequoias from these roads.
Service dogs are permitted everywhere throughout the park. Comfort dogs do not qualify as service dogs and are therefore restricted to the campground, paved roads and the fire roads.
Guided Hikes in the North Grove
On Saturdays at 1:00pm we offer a guided hike through the North Grove area of the park. Come enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the park while learning about why this place is so special. The hike is approximately 1.5 hours long and is open to all family members (except dogs).
In the event we have enough snow in the park the hike will be a snowshoe hike. Some snowshoes are available for use on a first come, first served basis. Snowshoes are available for rent in the town of Arnold located three miles west on Highway 4.
The cost of the hike is free with paid admission to the park; meet at the Visitor Center and wear appropriate footwear. For more information, please call the Visitor Center at (209) 795-3840 or (209) 795-7980.
Come Enjoy Our Cabins
Calaveras Big Trees Cabins
Calaveras Big Trees is excited to offer 4 rental cabins to those interested in spending the night but not wanting to camp outdoors. These furnished post-war cabins are located within the park and only a short walk from the North Grove Trail. They offer two bedrooms (no linens), a kitchen, a living room, and a private bathroom. Settle in to a warm comfortable cabin, watch the snow falling, step outside to observe the beautiful stars in the night sky, sit around the fire ring to tell campfire stories, or watch the wildlife. Unlimited possibilities await you. Start building memories when you make your reservation.
(Click for availability)
Calaveras Big Trees is excited to offer 4 rental cabins to those interested in spending the night but not wanting to camp outdoors. These furnished post-war cabins are located within the park and only a short walk from the North Grove Trail. They offer two bedrooms (no linens), a kitchen, a living room, and a private bathroom. Settle in to a warm comfortable cabin, watch the snow falling, step outside to observe the beautiful stars in the night sky, sit around the fire ring to tell campfire stories, or watch the wildlife. Unlimited possibilities await you. Start building memories when you make your reservation.
(Click for availability)
Location/Directions
The park is northeast of Stockton, four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4.
Latitude/Longitude: 38.2719 / -120.2867. Please note that many car navigation systems and handheld Global Positioning Devices (GPS) are unable to locate the park.
From SF Bay Area
Take I-580 eastbound over Altamont Pass to I-205 toward Manteca, to US 99 North. Take the exit for State Hwy 4 Eastbound (Angel's Camp) to the Park Entrance. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving from Angel's Camp.
From Southern California
Take either I-5 or US 99 North. From I-5 you can cross to the other side of Stockton on State Hwy 4 to 99/4 South a few miles, then follow Hwy 4 towards and beyond Farmington to the Park. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving time from Angel's Camp.
From Sacramento
Take U.S. 99 South to Stockton. Turn East on State Hwy 4. Driving time to the park from here is approx 1 hour and 30 minutes. Pass through Farmington and Copperopolis to the Park. An alternate route from Sacramento is to take State Hwy 16 to State Hwy 49 South through Jackson, San Andreas, and Angels Camp.
From Nevada
Take US 395 to State Hwy 89 West to the terminus of State Hwy 4, up over Ebbett's Pass to the Park. The road is closed in Winter. It's very scenic, but so steep and tortuous that trailers and large motorhomes are ill-advised to use it.