🌤 Weather at Calaveras Big Trees State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–63 °F | 49–80 °F | 34–74 °F | 30–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Calaveras Big Trees, 2 mi away, elevation 4,695 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The park itself ranges from about 3,690 to 5,530 ft in elevation — higher ground runs cooler than the figures above.
The world’s largest trees lie within Sierra Nevada mountains just 4 miles northeast of Arnold and 76 miles northeast of Modesto. Calaveras Big Trees State Park serves to protect these ancient sequoia trees (thought to be at least 2,000 years old) and has done so since the California state park was first established in 1931. Visitors have been attracted to these magnificent trees since 1852, and today enjoy exploring the miles of trails that wind through the North and South Groves and along the Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek. The park also features scenic picnic areas, two large campgrounds, rustic cabins, a Visitor Center, Museum, and Bookstore.
Activities
Imagine what the earth looked like thousands of years ago with a visit to serene Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Pack your overnight bag and binoculars and prepare to spend a few peaceful days and nights surrounded by ancient sequoia trees and majestic mountain tops. Be sure to save some time aside for a visit to the Museum (admission is included in your park entrance fee), located inside the Visitor Center. Here you will find hands-on exhibits, wildlife displays, and more that showcase the park’s flora, fauna, and history. Then check out the Visitor Center Bookstore’s wide range of books and souvenirs. 
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Calaveras Big Trees State Park:
Hiking at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park’s miles of nature trails wind throughout the majestic woodlands, along the creek, and out to the Stanislaus River Canyon. Much of the park’s trail system is considered moderate to difficult and may be too exposed to the elements during the hot summer months. Guests should prepare ahead by wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreen, and carrying plenty of drinking water before heading out on the trails. Here are some of the trails at Calaveras Big Trees State Park:
- North Grove Trail – An easy 1 ½ mile loop through historic North Grove. Informative markers lie along the trail highlighting some of the history of the magnificent sequoia trees. These trees include the Pioneer Cabin Tree, The Abraham Lincoln Tree, The Father of the Forest, Old Bachelor Tree, the Granite State Tree, and the Three Graces of Greek Mythology .
- River Canyon Trail – A difficult 8 mile trail that descends 1,000 feet into the Stanislaus River Canyon and then back out of. A scenic overlook lies along the top.
- Lava Bluffs Trail: This moderate to difficult 2.5 mile trail passes through wildflower grasslands, up a steep incline, across a volcanic formation, and near a historic water ditch.
Fishing at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Grab your angling gear and a California fishing license before heading over to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The park is located along the Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek, both great spots for catching Rainbow Trout, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, salmon, carp, crappie, bluegill, Eastern Brook and German brown trout.
Birding at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
While hiking along the trails you may observe some of the many species of birds that are native to the area. These include Pileated Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Steller’s Jays, Dark Eyed Juncos, Mountain Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Common Ravens, White-headed Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Townsend’s Solitaires, and Canyon Wrens.
Nature and Wildlife at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
One of Calaveras Big Trees State Park’s main attractions is its majestic sequoia trees. These giant trees are about 250 feet tall and 25 feet around! Be sure to check out the Louis Agassiz tree (the largest in the park) and the Empire State Tree during your visit. In addition to these natural wonders you may also have the opportunity to see deer, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, porcupines, and maybe a Black Bear, bobcat, or a coyote. 
Pets
Pets are allowed within designated areas only at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. These areas include the picnic sites, campgrounds, and the fire roads. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet.
Camping
Calaveras Big Trees State Park’s overnight accommodations include campsites for tents or RVs and rustic cabins. The park’s two large campground areas have more than 120 campsites divided between them. All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring and are located near water, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers. Each of the four cabins has two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, and living room area. Guests should bring their own linens along with food and other personal items. For added entertainment and comforts of home, a large recreation room is located adjacent to the cabin area. It contains a shared refrigerator, tables, chairs and a wood stove as well as a billiard table, games, and a lending library.
Park Location
Calaveras Big Trees State Park 1170 CA-4 Arnold, CA 95223 Phone: 209.795.2334 Park Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Calaveras Big Trees State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at Calaveras Big Trees State Park?
Yes, but only on fire roads, paved roads, campgrounds and day-use picnic areas. You may not leave a pet unattended in the campground, and if your dog is noisy, aggressive or causing problems you can be asked to take it out of the park.
Explore More California State Parks
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Columbia State Historic Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Calaveras Big Trees State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 2 developed campgrounds, dry camping only (no hookups), RVs/units up to 30 ft: North Grove Campground (70+ sites) and Oak Hollow Campground (50+ sites). All sites have picnic table, fire ring, bear locker; piped water/flush toilets/pay showers nearby. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Cabin rentals currently closed for construction - check the park page for reopening status |
| Pets | Dogs on leash (max 6 ft), confined to tent/vehicle at night, allowed on fire roads, paved roads, in regular campgrounds and day-use picnic areas. NOT allowed on trails, in giant sequoia groves, near river/creeks, in open forest/meadows, environmental campsites, Visitor Center, or cabins. |
| Reservations | reservecalifornia.com/calaverasbigtrees or 800-444-7275. |
| Special sites | Separate environmental campsites (no pets); 2 group campsites. |
Camping questions about Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Can you camp at Calaveras Big Trees State Park?
2 developed campgrounds, dry camping only (no hookups), RVs/units up to 30 ft: North Grove Campground (70+ sites) and Oak Hollow Campground (50+ sites). All sites have picnic table, fire ring, bear locker; piped water/flush toilets/pay showers nearby.
How do you reserve a campsite at Calaveras Big Trees State Park?
reservecalifornia.com/calaverasbigtrees or 800-444-7275.
Are there cabins at Calaveras Big Trees State Park?
Cabin rentals currently closed for construction - check the park page for reopening status.
Are pets allowed at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park campground?
Dogs on leash (max 6 ft), confined to tent/vehicle at night, allowed on fire roads, paved roads, in regular campgrounds and day-use picnic areas. NOT allowed on trails, in giant sequoia groves, near river/creeks, in open forest/meadows, environmental campsites, Visitor Center, or cabins.
Source: parks.ca.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Park policy: Every trail in the park is off limits to pets, as are the giant sequoia groves, the ground near the river and creeks, the open forest and meadows, and the environmental campsites - and that ban applies even if you carry your dog in a stroller or backpack. Dogs also may not go into the Visitor Center or the rental cabins.
- Pets allowed?
- Yes, but only on fire roads, paved roads, campgrounds and day-use picnic areas
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Park-specific rules
- You may not leave a pet unattended in the campground, and if your dog is noisy, aggressive or causing problems you can be asked to take it out of the park.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
- Dogs & wildlife
- Pet food counts as a bear attractant here — store it in the bear-resistant lockers and keep dogs on their required 6-foot leash in the campgrounds and on unpaved roads (the only areas where they are allowed).
Are dogs allowed at Calaveras Big Trees State Park?
Yes, but only on fire roads, paved roads, campgrounds and day-use picnic areas.
Beyond that, California’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Calaveras Big Trees State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The park brochure calls wildlife-observation opportunities abundant: pileated woodpeckers, northern flickers, Steller's jays, and dark-eyed juncos are among the resident birds, while raccoons, foxes, porcupines, chipmunks, chickarees, and flying squirrels live in the mixed conifer forest. Black bears, bobcats, and coyotes are sometimes seen, and the visitor center exhibits help you tell a mountain lion from a bobcat.
Watch out for: This is enforced black bear country: park regulations require all food, scented items, and garbage to be stored in bear-resistant lockers day and night when not in use, with zero tolerance and fines up to $1,000. Do not eat or drink in your tent, and do not sleep in clothing worn while cooking. If a bear enters the campground, stand tall, make noise, and do not run; in the woods, pick up small children, appear as large as possible, and slowly back away.
Are there bears at Calaveras Big Trees State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Calaveras Big Trees State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
