Day Use: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Camping: All Hours, March through November
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Camper Alert: Campfire restrictions at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Effective July 7, 2021, through November 15, 2021, all ignition sources prohibited in environmental campsites (Lone Snag, Stanislaus View, Sugar Pine, White Fir, and Beaver Creek, except for propane fueled devices for cooking only. All other areas, campfires restricted to designated fire rings provided by the park in developed campgrounds and cabin areas.
This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.
COVID-19 Guidelines (June 21, 2021)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
COVID-19 Guidelines (June 21, 2021)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
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Be COVID-19 Safe– State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Here is the guidance on face coverings for this park unit:
- Vaccinated? Face coverings recommended.
- Unvaccinated? Face coverings are required indoors.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(209) 795-2334
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: Up to 30 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 30 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed only in campgrounds and on fire roads.
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
Be Bear Aware!
Bears are incredibly smart and resourceful.
Lock all scented items out of site.
Store food in bear resistant storage lockers at all times.
Dispose of trash in bear resistant dumpsters.
Never approach a bear.
For your safety and the bears, the park has strict regulations in place. There is zero tolerance for non-compliance. Failure to follow these rules, a violation of Title 14 CCR 4323(b), may result in confiscation of property, ejection from the park, and up to a $1000 fine.
Visit www.parks.ca.gov/CBTBears for additional information
Welcome to Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Established in 1931, Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves two groves of giant sequoias - the world's largest trees - in the North and South Groves. The park is a mixed-conifer forest (a variety of trees living together). In addition to the giant trees, you will find the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, and natural meadows. Trails throughout the park allow you to discover the natural beauty that has awed visitors to the area since 1852.
Educational Resources
Distance Learning
Download the Home Learning Packet for Parents and Teachers.
Virtual Field Trip Adventures
For more than 15 years, the PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students) Program has been providing FREE, live interactive virtual field trips for K-12 students from California and beyond! The goal of PORTS is to break down geographic and socio-economic barriers to our state park system and virtually connect classrooms to content standards in the context of California’s diverse natural and cultural history.
Giant Sequoia Ecology Program
As one of the oldest and certainly the biggest trees on earth, there is no doubt the giant sequoia’s fascinating story of survival will delight and inspire students of all ages. Students will learn about the history of these magnificent trees through the lens of conservation, as well as their relationship to other living things in the mixed conifer forest habitat, ultimately discovering what makes these trees such a BIG deal! Our outdoor, interactive adventure will feature forest ecology, tree life cycle, interdependent relationships, fire science, human impact and conservation.
***Suitable and geared toward all grade levels***
NEW Program! "Giant Sequoia Lives On" storytime and nature walk
Perfect for the K-2 young explorers - join Park Interpreter Jenny for a fun, storytime of "The Sequoia Lives On" written by Joanna Cooke and Illustrated by Fiona Hsieh. After the read, we'll take a nature walk through the big tree forest and students will get to see the book come to life! Together we'll learn about the ecology of the forest, the animals that live there and the importance of conservation.
Register at https://www.ports-ca.us/ports-on-demand/calaveras-big-trees-state-park