By:
Submission
Utica Reservoir is set in a granite basin surrounded by red fir and lodgepole pine forest. The reservoir has lots of islands and is kept mostly full. Granite slabs along the shore extend into the water. There are two campgrounds adjacent to each other, Sandy Flat and Rocky Point. Elevation is 6,800 feet.
From Highway 4, turn onto Spicer Reservoir Road (paved) and go 8 miles. Turn left onto 7N75; from there the roads are gravel. Continue .7 miles to a T-intersection. Turn left and continue one mile. Spicer Reservoir Road is 27 miles east of the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California.
No reservations: first-come, first-served
I went July 20th-July 23. It’s a nice small campground with a very pretty reservoir but this feels like a party campground. I came out here with my partner for a quiet restful getaway for 4 days. Even though quiet hours start at 10 pm, no one follows it respectfully. There was obnoxious loud, booming music throughout the day/night. Not very restful IMO due to this.
On occasion, the restroom was horrific. It’s vaulted and they only clean maybe every 3 days. You open the toilet seat, flies will come pouring out. The stench will be unbearable.
Also, the mosquito and flies population is out of control here. Be prepared, they will come feast on you and follow you around.
A really great place for kids. There are rocks to jump off of for the older kids. There are many shallow areas for the younger kids. Also, the water temperature is really great. Not super cold. Very clean water and shore.
One of the best paddling spots in Nor Cal. About 45 min off of Hiway 4. Well-maintained asphalt road most of the way. Last mile is a dusty dirt road with washboard. A truck is nice but not required. Once on the lake, you’ll find no motor boats and only a handful of other paddlers. Great stopping places scattered about. Don’t miss this one.
Awesome place loved how quiet, and remote it is. The weather was perfect even for fall. Kids loved it. The launch is a little rough having to slog through the mud carrying you stuff to the waters edge, the only real issue we had was the wasp's they are all over the place. Overall this place is awesome, can't wait to go back next year and hopefully catch some fish.
ow! I doubt you could find a more beautiful place to explore on Kayak up in the mountains. Majestic granite rocks, pines, clear water, endless islands and coves.
I hear it gets busy on summer weekend - we were lucky to be up there just now, in early fall. You could camp (permit needed I think) and there are many hidden spots to chose from.
It is a keeper - I can't wait to go back.
