--- title: "Spicer Meadow Reservoir — Explore Arnold | Arnold Haven" description: "This picturesque reservoir, surrounded by towering conifers and rugged mountain landscapes, has a rich history, diverse wildlife, and an array of…" lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "TouristAttraction", "@id": "https://arnoldhaven.com/explore/spicer-meadow-reservoir#attraction", "name": "Spicer Meadow Reservoir", "alternateName": "Spicer Meadow Reservoir", "description": "This picturesque reservoir, surrounded by towering conifers and rugged mountain landscapes, has a rich history, diverse wildlife, and an array of activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.", "url": "https://arnoldhaven.com/explore/spicer-meadow-reservoir", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Arnold", "addressRegion": "California", "addressCountry": "US" } }, { "@type": "ItemList", "name": "Cabins near Spicer Meadow Reservoir", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "CHALET BRUIN", "url": "https://arnoldhaven.com/cabins/chalet-bruin" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "KODA LOFT", "url": "https://arnoldhaven.com/cabins/koda-loft" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://arnoldhaven.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Explore", "item": "https://arnoldhaven.com/explore" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Spicer Meadow Reservoir", "item": "https://arnoldhaven.com/explore/spicer-meadow-reservoir" } ] } ] } --- [Arnold Haven Arnold · California ](/) [Cabins](/cabins)[Explore](/explore)[Guides](/guides)[Availability](/availability-search)[Support](/chalet-bruin-future)[Book a stay](/cabins) ![Spicer Meadow Reservoir](/assets/spicer2-HgN_64w4.webp) Explore Arnold # Spicer Meadow Reservoir This picturesque reservoir, surrounded by towering conifers and rugged mountain landscapes, has a rich history, diverse wildlife, and an array of activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. [Check availability](/cabins)[See the cabins](/cabins) First things first ## Take a Dip Surrounded by a dense forest of fir and pine trees, Spicer Meadow Reservoir offers a serene and tranquil environment. The still waters mirror the towering peaks and create a picture-perfect reflection that photographers and nature enthusiasts will cherish. ![Spicer Meadow Reservoir](/assets/spicercampground-D1FFMFxR.webp) 02 ## History of Spicer Meadow Reservoir Spicer Meadow Reservoir, located in Tuolumne County, is a man-made lake created by the construction of the Spicer Meadow Dam. The dam was built in 1925 by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to support hydroelectric power generation. It serves as part of a complex system of dams and reservoirs in the Sierra Nevada that harness the energy of snowmelt and rainfall, producing electricity for the region. The construction of the dam involved the creation of a 200-foot long and 75-foot high concrete structure, which impounds the waters of the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. This project significantly altered the landscape, submerging a lush meadow and dense forest to form the reservoir that visitors see today. ![History of Spicer Meadow Reservoir](/assets/spicercamp2-BIZmzjPM.webp) ![History of Spicer Meadow Reservoir](/assets/spicer4-DPtr7Rhu.webp) 03 ## How to Get Spicer Meadow Reservoir From Arnold \\1 From Arnold, you will need to head south on Highway CA-4 East. This route will take you deeper into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. \\1 You’ll pass through small mountain communities like Camp Connell and Dorrington as you continue east on CA- \\1 After driving for approximately 25 miles on CA-4 East, you’ll reach Spicer Reservoir Road (Forest Route 7N01). Look for signage indicating Spicer Reservoir. \\1 Turn left onto Spicer Reservoir Road (Forest Route 7N01). This road will take you to Spicer Meadow Reservoir. \\1 Continue driving on Spicer Reservoir Road, which is a winding mountain road. The road may be narrow and unpaved in sections, so drive with caution. \\1 After approximately 6-7 miles on Spicer Reservoir Road, you will reach Spicer Meadow Reservoir. There, you’ll find various recreational opportunities, campgrounds, and scenic views. ![How to Get Spicer Meadow Reservoir From Arnold](/assets/spicerkayak-Czca_sSL.webp) ![How to Get Spicer Meadow Reservoir From Arnold](/assets/lake-alpine-ac001-e1695698168449-Duxy6KeD.webp) Gallery ## Spicer Meadow Reservoir in pictures ![Spicer Meadow Reservoir — photo 1](/assets/spicercampground-D1FFMFxR.webp) ![Spicer Meadow Reservoir — photo 2](/assets/spicercamp2-BIZmzjPM.webp) ![Spicer Meadow Reservoir — photo 3](/assets/spicer4-DPtr7Rhu.webp) ![Spicer Meadow Reservoir — photo 4](/assets/spicerkayak-Czca_sSL.webp) ![Spicer Meadow Reservoir — photo 5](/assets/lake-alpine-ac001-e1695698168449-Duxy6KeD.webp) ![Spicer Meadow Reservoir — photo 6](/assets/spicercamp1-DmBaxBA8.webp) Nearby ## Keep exploring [ ![Boating](/assets/spicerkayak-Czca_sSL.webp) ### Boating Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities on the reservoir. Bring your own boat or rent one to explore the reservoir. The lake has 22 miles of shoreline, several islands, and numerous inlets. Boats on Spicer are limited to 10 MPH. Discover ](/explore/spicer-meadow-reservoir) [ ![Fishing](/assets/lake-alpine-ac001-e1695698168449-Duxy6KeD.webp) ### Fishing The reservoir is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, making it an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you prefer fly-fishing, bait fishing, or trolling from a boat, you're likely to have a successful day on the water. Be sure to check current fishing regulations and obtain any necessary permits. Discover ](/explore/spicer-meadow-reservoir) [ ![Camping](/assets/spicercamp1-DmBaxBA8.webp) ### Camping There are several campgrounds in the area, including the Spicer Reservoir Campground and Union East Campground, which offer a rustic camping experience. Be sure to check the availability and reservation policies in advance, as these campgrounds can fill up quickly during the summer months. Discover ](/explore/spicer-meadow-reservoir) Stay nearby ## Cabins near Spicer Meadow Reservoir Spicer Meadow Reservoir is up the Highway 4 corridor past Arnold, well within a day's outing for boating, fishing or camping scouting. Looking for lodging near Spicer Reservoir? Arnold Haven has two dog-friendly cabins — a five-bedroom A-frame chalet that sleeps 12 and a two-bedroom loft that sleeps 4. Minimum stay is 2 nights, check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 11am. Check-in Self check-in, 3pm Cancellation 5 days notice, full refund - [CHALET BRUIN — 12 guests, 5 bedrooms](/cabins/chalet-bruin) - [KODA LOFT — 4 guests, 2 bedrooms](/cabins/koda-loft) Check live availability, see your full price, and book securely — ID check and payment are handled by Stripe. Check dates & book Good to know ## Frequently asked questions Can you swim in Spicer Reservoir? + Yes, you can swim in Spicer Reservoir. You can also sail, canoe, kayak, float and fish. What kind of fish are in Spicer Reservoir? + Spicer has brook trout, Lahontan cutthroat trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. What is the elevation of Spicer Reservoir? + Elevation: \\1. Arnold Haven Cabin stays in Arnold, California — minutes from Calaveras Big Trees State Park, White Pines Lake and Bear Valley. 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