Park Ranger Programs:
Campfire programs are presented in the amphitheater from July through Labor Day. The amphitheater is located in the center of the campground and parking is available just outside of the campground. Please call the project office for information on upcoming programs.
Camping:
Twenty-four campsites are available at the Alpine Meadow Campground. Campsites have a paved parking space, picnic table, fire ring, and a barbecue grill. Water faucets and vault restrooms with running water are also provided. No electricity is available. Reserve your Martis campsite at recreation.gov.
Boating:
Martis Creek Lake is great place to canoe or kayak. No motorized (gas or electric) boats are permitted.
Fishing:
Martis Creek Lake was the first "catch and release trophy trout" lake established in California. Varieties include Rainbow, Brown and Lahonton Cutthroat trout. Anglers must use flies, barbless hooks and artificial lures only. Live bait is not permitted.
No fishing is allowed in the streams above the lake.
Trails:
The Martis Creek Wildlife Area, on the west side of Hwy 267, offers a 4.3 mile hiking and biking trail that loops around the valley. The trail goes along Martis Creek, through conifer forests and open meadows. Spring wildflower displays are spectacular from late June to early July.
The trailhead for the 1400 acre Waddle Ranch Conservation Area is at the end of Martis Dam road. From there you can access miles of forested trails throughout the Conservation area.
Day Use:
Picnicking facilities and fishing access are available at the Sierra View Recreation Area. Project facilities are closed during the winter months but cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted. Winter parking space is limited.
Fees:
- Camping May 15 - October 15 (weather permitting) - $20
- Camping with the America The Beautiful - Senior or Access Pass - $10
- Special Use - $100
- Off-season - Closed
The Corps of Engineers participates in the America the Beautiful-Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. The series includes the; Annual Pass, Every Kid Outdoors Pass available to 4th graders, Annual Senior Pass, Lifetime Senior Pass, Lifetime Access Pass, Volunteer Pass, and Military Pass. Be sure to pick up your America the Beautiful pass at any of our Corps projects as the money is directly invested back into the facilities to improve your recreational experience. Get more details about the pass series here.
The Annual Pass is a onetime purchase of $80. You will have access to all of your favorite Corps recreation areas and participating federal agencies public lands. The Annual Pass is good for one year from the date of purchase.
Individuals 62 years and older have the choice of purchasing an Annual Senior Pass for $20 which is good for one year from the date of purchase, or a Lifetime Senior Pass for $80, which does not expire. Senior and Access Pass holders also receive a 50 percent discount on campsites at Corps-managed campgrounds.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also sells their Corps Annual Pass for $40. The Corps Annual Pass gives unlimited access to day-use areas at any Corps project for one calendar year at the date of purchase.
Wildlife:
Martis Creek is listed as Site #37 in the California Wildlife Viewing Guide. The guide identifies habitat areas throughout the state which provide unique opportunities to spot wildlife on a recurring basis.
Resident animals include mule deer, coyote, black bear, bobcat, porcupine, beaver, Mountain bluebirds, bald eagle, osprey, kestrel, red-tailed hawk, blue heron and a wide variety of songbirds and fly-way waterfowl.