Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Park Hours

Day Use: Sunrise - Sunset. Open on holidays.
Camping: All campsites are open as of May 15th.

Contact Information

(209) 795-2334

Are dogs Allowed?

Yes: Dogs allowed only in campgrounds and on fire roads.

Reservation Availability

No Online Reservations at this time.

About Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Calaveras Big Trees SP was created to protect two groves of giant sequoias, some of the world’s largest & most magnificent trees. It includes pines, flowing rivers & creeks, wildlife, & meadows. It offers camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, & more. The Visitor Center has a museum, film, & gift shop.

Max Trailer: 30 Feet
Max Camper/Motorhome: 30 Feet

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.

EV Information

e-bike icon E-Bike Locations
  EV Charger Locations

Overnight Facilities

  • Environmental Campsites
  • Family Campsites
  • Group Campsites
  • Lodging
  • RV Access
Other Facilities

  • Restrooms / Showers
  • Restrooms
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Drinking Water Available
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
Trail Use

  • Bike Trails
  • Hiking Trails

Starting December 1st, the Walter W. Smith Parkway road is fully closed to vehicles. This road will not reopen until May 1st or later if there is still snow. The road is open to cyclists, pedestrians, and skiers. 

Closed areas to vehicles include: Scenic Overlook, Lava Bluffs, Stanislaus River, South Grove, Bradley Grove, and Beaver Creek.

Open areas to vehicles include: Visitor Center, North Grove trail and offshoots (River Canyon trail, North Grove Overlook Trail), North Grove Day Use Area and first-come, first-served camping in sites #1-11 in the North Grove Campground.

Welcome to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Established in 1931, Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves a mixed conifer forest with two groves of giant sequoias - the North Grove and South Grove. In addition to the giant sequoia trees, you will find the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, natural meadows, and trails throughout the park allow you to discover the area that has awed visitors since 1852.

Planning your trip? The park closes the Walter W. Smith Parkway road every first significant snowfall or December 1st, whichever comes first. This closes vehicle access to the Stanislaus River and South Grove areas. The road reopens May 1st or later if there is still snow. All areas in the park are open in the summer.

About the Park

About the Park

Learn more about Calaveras Big Trees.  

Camping and Cabins

Camping and Cabins

Spend the night at Calaveras Big Trees. 

Trails and more

Trails 

Explore the groves and beyond. 

Programs and Events

Programs and Events

Find an activity or special event. 

Seven Interpretive staff standing in front of the Pioneer Cabin Display

Join the Team

Work or volunteer at Calaveras Big Trees! 

School Programs

School Programs

Field Trips (Grades K-12)

 

Be Bear Aware

Be Bear Aware

Be Bear Aware - A Visitor's Guide

SVenue Rentals

Venue Rentals

Special Events and Venue Rentals

Dogs & Other Pets

Dogs and Other Pets

Where can you go with dogs?

Dogs & Other Pets

State Park Jobs

Work in a park near you! 

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