Plan a Big Trees Campout
Information about Calaveras Big Trees State Park and area events...
View Calaveras & Tuolumne Area Events for 2009
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is open for camping.
[Visit website for current conditions.]
Calaveras Big Trees State Park, is located northeast of Stockton, California on the Highway 4 corridor. The giant sequoias are a not-to-be-missed experience — these are the biggest trees on earth! You will also be able to swim, raft, go birdwatching, hike, ride your bike, or just sit back and enjoy the incredible beauty of this park.
Bear-proof lockers are provided and all regulations are strictly enforced by the park service for the safety of all. Detailed information on ways to minimize wildlife contact will be distributed to all campers by the forest rangers.
You can travel the world over and find few natural wonders to rival the majestic beauty of the Giant Sequoias located in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, approximately four miles above Arnold on Highway 4. These magnificent trees range in size to 325 feet in height, 24 feet in diameter and are believed to be up to 2,000 years old.
The Park is comprised of over 6,000 acres, which includes both the North and South Groves of Big Trees as well as the Stanislaus River. The North Grove's 1½ mile loop trail, is a moderate walk which leads you through a these gentle giants in a forested maze of beauty and tranquility. Those interested in viewing these giants in a more primitive setting can choose to visit the larger South Grove. The self-guided four-mile trail winds through this virtually untouched grove of Giant Sequoias.
The Park is open year-round and offers a multitude of picnic areas, over 120 campsites, miles of hiking trails and a visitor center. Nightly campfires are offered daily during the summer months. Other activities consist of guided nature walks, stream ecology, Junior Ranger Program and many other events.
Note from Calaveras Big Trees SP: Due to freezing night time temperatures, the water system in the campground has been winterized. The campground is closed until March 1, 2009. The Walter W. Smith Parkway that goes to the river and the South Grove is closed until April 24, 2009.
Many of the programs are lead by trained volunteers or docents. Most of these docents live in the surrounding area and are very knowledgeable about the natural and cultural history of the area, as well as events which take place along the Highway 4 corridor. Be sure to stop at the local Ranger Station and pick up a copy of the Stanislaus Traveler, a visitor's guide to the Stanislaus National Forest.
Big Trees Activities
Additional activities include cross-country skiing, evening ranger talks, numerous interpretive programs, environmental educational programs, junior ranger programs, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and summer school activities for school children.
Pet Accomodations
Dogs are welcome in the park on leash in developed areas like picnic sites, campgrounds, roads and fire roads (dirt). Dogs are not allowed on the designated trails, nor in the woods in general.
Calaveras Big Trees Association
Calaveras Big Trees Association is a non-profit organization, created in 1974 to assist and support the interpretation and environmental education programs at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. For additional information contact docent coordinator at (209) 795-7980.
Calaveras Big Trees Association Gift Shop
The following items are available at the gift shop (pricing as of April 2009).
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Park Brochure | $1.00 |
| North Grove Trail Guide | $0.50 |
| South Grove Trail Guide | $0.50 |
| California State Park Map | $3.00 |
| Bicycling Guide | $1.00 |
| Lava Bluffs Trail Guide | $0.50 |
| Birds of CB & SP | $0.25 |
| Map & Story of the South Grove | $5.00 |
| Bradley Trail Guide | Free |
| Enduring Giants (Book) | $11.75 |
This shop makes available a variety of educational items as well as other high quality items designed for you to remember your trip to the park. Items such as books, postcards, identification guides, walking sticks, hats, sweaters, trail guides and maps can be acquired at the Visitor center Gift Shop.
Updated: April 3, 2009
