Cities and Towns in Calaveras County, California

Founded in 1850, Calaveras County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. The city of San Andreas is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Calaveras County has a population of 46,221 and area of 1,020 square miles (2,642 km²).

List of all cities in Calaveras County, CA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Altaville, CA	95221	209
Angels Camp, CA	95221	209
	95222	209
Arnold, CA	95223	209
Avery, CA	95224	209
Bear Valley, CA	95223	209
Burson, CA	95225	209
Camp Connell, CA	95223	209
Campo Seco, CA	95226	209
Copperopolis, CA	95228	209
Dorrington, CA	95223	209
Douglas Flat, CA	95229	209
Glencoe, CA	95232	209
Hathaway Pines, CA	95233	209
Mokelumne Hill, CA	95245	209
Mountain Ranch, CA	95246	209
Murphys, CA	95229	209
	95247	209
Rail Road Flat, CA	95248	209
San Andreas, CA	95249	209
	95250	209
Sheep Ranch, CA	95246	209
	95250	209
Sheepranch, CA	95246	209
Vallecito, CA	95229	209
	95251	209
Valley Springs, CA	95226	209
	95252	209
Wallace, CA	95254	209
West Point, CA	95255	209
Wilseyville, CA	95257	209

Major Cities and Towns in Calaveras County, California

San Andreas

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 8.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,783 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 95249
• Latitude: 38.1971° N
• Longitude: 120.6813° W

Location and History

San Andreas is the county seat of Calaveras County, located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The town was established in 1848 during the California Gold Rush and quickly grew as a mining camp. Named after St. Andrew by Mexican settlers, San Andreas became one of the most prominent towns in the region during the height of the gold rush. The town was a hub for miners, and many significant gold discoveries were made in the area. As the gold rush waned, San Andreas transitioned into a more stable community, serving as the administrative center for Calaveras County. Today, the town retains much of its historic charm, with several buildings from the 19th century still standing, reflecting its rich heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

San Andreas is served by the Calaveras Unified School District, with Calaveras High School and San Andreas Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. The town’s major landmarks include the Calaveras County Museum Complex, which features exhibits on the county’s gold rush history and the historic courthouse. The Red Barn Museum, also located in San Andreas, showcases agricultural tools and machinery from the 19th and 20th centuries. The town’s proximity to the Mokelumne River and nearby natural attractions like the Calaveras Big Trees State Park makes it an excellent base for exploring the Sierra Nevada. San Andreas’s combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it a central part of Calaveras County.

Angels Camp

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 3.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,836 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 95222
• Latitude: 38.0671° N
• Longitude: 120.5397° W

Location and History

Angels Camp, also known as City of Angels, is the only incorporated city in Calaveras County. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the town was established in 1848 by Henry Angel, a shopkeeper who set up a trading post to serve the influx of miners during the California Gold Rush. Angels Camp quickly became a thriving mining town, with rich gold deposits discovered in the area. The town is famously associated with Mark Twain, who based his short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” on a local event, bringing national attention to the town. Today, Angels Camp is known for its rich history, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the annual Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, which continues to celebrate Twain’s legacy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Angels Camp is served by the Bret Harte Union High School District, with Bret Harte High School being the primary educational institution. The town’s major landmarks include the Angels Camp Museum, which features extensive exhibits on the gold rush era, mining equipment, and local history. The historic downtown area, with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, offers shops, restaurants, and galleries that reflect the town’s heritage. The nearby Greenhorn Creek Resort provides golfing, dining, and lodging, making it a popular destination for visitors. Angels Camp’s blend of historical charm, cultural events, and recreational activities make it a key destination in Calaveras County.

Murphys

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 10.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,213 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 95247
• Latitude: 38.1371° N
• Longitude: 120.4594° W

Location and History

Murphys is a historic town located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, known as the “Queen of the Sierra.” Established in 1848 by John and Daniel Murphy during the California Gold Rush, Murphys quickly became one of the richest mining camps in California, with millions of dollars in gold extracted from the surrounding hills. The town was a vibrant center of activity during the gold rush, attracting a diverse population of miners, merchants, and entrepreneurs. Over the years, Murphys has transitioned from a mining town to a popular tourist destination, known for its historic buildings, wineries, and cultural events. The town’s well-preserved downtown area and scenic location make it a favorite spot for visitors exploring Calaveras County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Murphys is served by the Vallecito Union School District, with Michelson Elementary School being the primary educational institution. The town’s major landmarks include the Murphys Historic Hotel, which has hosted notable figures such as Mark Twain and Ulysses S. Grant, and the Ironstone Vineyards, one of the largest wineries in the region, which also features a museum and event center. The annual Murphys Irish Day, celebrating the town’s Irish heritage, is a major cultural event that attracts visitors from across the region. The nearby Mercer Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, offers guided tours of stunning underground formations. Murphys’ combination of historical significance, cultural activities, and natural beauty make it a standout town in Calaveras County.

Arnold

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 14.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,843 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 95223
• Latitude: 38.2557° N
• Longitude: 120.3510° W

Location and History

Arnold is a mountain community located in the western Sierra Nevada, along State Route 4. The town was established in the mid-19th century as a logging camp and was named after Bob and Bernice Arnold, who owned a sawmill in the area. Arnold’s location in the heart of the Sierra Nevada made it a key center for the timber industry, with logging playing a significant role in the town’s early economy. Over time, Arnold has evolved into a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to hiking, skiing, and fishing in the surrounding mountains and forests. The town’s proximity to the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to some of the largest and oldest sequoia trees in the world, makes it a significant location in Calaveras County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Arnold is part of the Vallecito Union School District, with Avery Middle School serving the local community. The town’s major landmarks include the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, which attracts visitors from around the world to see the giant sequoias and explore the park’s trails and picnic areas. The Arnold Rim Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail, offers scenic views of the Sierra Nevada and access to local natural features such as the San Antonio Creek Falls. Arnold’s small-town charm, combined with its access to some of California’s most stunning natural landscapes, makes it an important community in Calaveras County.

Valley Springs

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 9.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,560 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 95252
• Latitude: 38.1919° N
• Longitude: 120.8297° W

Location and History

Valley Springs is located in the western part of Calaveras County, in the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The town was established in the late 19th century as a stop along the San Joaquin and Sierra Nevada Railroad, which connected the agricultural regions of the Central Valley to the mining communities in the Sierra Nevada. Valley Springs quickly grew as a center for agriculture and transportation, serving the needs of local farmers and ranchers. Over the years, the town has maintained its agricultural roots while evolving into a residential community with a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape. The nearby New Hogan Lake and the Calaveras River offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, making Valley Springs a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Valley Springs is served by the Calaveras Unified School District, with Valley Springs Elementary School being the primary educational institution. The town’s major landmarks include New Hogan Lake, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, and the La Contenta Golf Club, a popular local course set in the scenic foothills. The historic Valley Springs Train Depot, now a community center, reflects the town’s early role as a transportation hub. Valley Springs’ combination of agricultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm make it a key community in Calaveras County.

Copperopolis

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 22.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,671 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 95228
• Latitude: 37.9816° N
• Longitude: 120.6410° W

Location and History

Copperopolis is located in the southwestern part of Calaveras County, near the border with Tuolumne County. The town was founded in 1860 after the discovery of rich copper deposits in the area. Copperopolis quickly grew into one of the largest copper-producing regions in California, playing a critical role in supplying copper for the Union during the Civil War. The town’s name reflects its mining origins, and many of the original buildings from the mining era still stand today. After the decline of copper mining in the late 19th century, Copperopolis transitioned into a quieter, rural community. In recent years, the town has experienced growth due to its scenic location and proximity to major highways, making it an attractive place for residential development and tourism.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Copperopolis is served by the Calaveras Unified School District, with Copperopolis Elementary School providing education to local students. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Copperopolis Armory, built in 1864, which now serves as a community center and event space, and the Copperopolis Town Square, a modern development that blends historical architecture with shops, restaurants, and cultural events. The nearby Lake Tulloch offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports, attracting visitors from across the region. Copperopolis’ rich mining history, combined with its modern amenities and scenic beauty, make it a unique and significant community in Calaveras County.

Map of Cities in Calaveras County, CA