Pinecrest Campground
Pinecrest Lake

Pinecrest Lake, Stanislaus National Forest, California
Pinecrest Lake, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Pinecrest Campground
Pinecrest Lake


Pinecrest Campground

Pinecrest Campground ranks among the most popular in Northern California. The campground is conveniently located close to Pinecrest Lake. Families can walk to the beach or over to the marina to rent a small boat. Water skiing and jet skis are not allowed on the lake. A favorite hike is the 4-mile circuit around the lake. A paved bike trail links Meadowview and Pinecrest campgrounds with the lake.

During the summer months, outdoor movies or ranger programs are offered every night at the amphitheater within walking distance of Pinecrest Campground. Fishing is a favorite past-time from boats, the shore or the designated fishing wharf. In the adjacent community of Pinecrest are a grocery store, sporting goods store, restaurant, bike rentals, and coffee bar. A snack bar is at the beach.

Campsites at Pinecrest Campground are arranged in 4 loops with A Loop being the farthest from the lake and amphitheater, but also the quietest. Most campsites have good shade. Some are close together. Those on the perimeter tend to have more privacy. Overflow parking has been moved to a location off the Dodge Ridge Road on Old Pinecrest School Road.

Shop Amazon: Camping Essentials



Pinecrest Campground Basics
Pinecrest Campground Location: Off Highway 108, 30 miles east of Sonora
Elevation: 5,700 feet
Miles/Driving time: Stockton - 93 miles, 1:52
Camping Season: Open mid-March through mid-October, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 196
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 (incudes autos, trailers, boats, etc.), fee per night for 2nd vehicle
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Dodge Ridge Corporation for the Stanislaus National Forest
Summit District Ranger Station: (209) 965 3434

Reservations at Pinecrest Campground
Reservations Recommended: Reservations are available for camping dates from early May through mid-October. At other times when the campground is open (mid-March to early May and mid-September to mid-October), campsites are first-come, first-served.
Reservations are essential from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Campground Map: Pinecrest Campground Map
Favorite Campsites: A Loop: 4, 6, 7, 18, 32, 34, 41, 48, 51
B Loop: 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 29, 30
C Loop: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 18, 23
D Loop: 7, 8, 13, 26, 30, 31
Fees: $36 per night
Reservations: Pinecrest Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 11:00 AM

Pinecrest Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets, tap water; no hook-ups
Showers: No
Dump Station: Nearby by Pinecrest Dump
Attractions near Pinecrest Campground: Enjoy Pinecrest Lake boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Visit nearby Strawberry, Beardsley Reservoir, and Twain Harte. Drive up scenic Sonora Pass. Stop in at Kennedy Meadows. Visit nearby Aspen Meadow Pack Station for trail rides. Hike and camp in the Emigrant Wilderness.




Campsite at Pinecrest Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Pinecrest Campground



General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate



Campsite at Pinecrest Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Pinecrest Campground

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Visitors to the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County discover a variety of activities and attractions. Campers at Pinecrest Campground have Pinecrest Lake within a few steps of their tents.

  • At Twain Harte enjoy weekly, outdoor summer concerts along with good restaurants and shops.
  • Drive up scenic Sonora Pass and over to Leavitt Meadow.
  • The Clark Fork has good camping, fishing, and hiking.
  • Kennedy Meadows offers lodging, a pack station, and a restaurant.
  • Find excellent fishing in the Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir.
  • Take popular hiking trails into the Emigrant Wilderness and Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
  • It's hard to beat Pinecrest Lake for boating and fishing.
  • Saddle up for a trail ride at Kennedy Meadows or Aspen Meadows.
  • Explore the OHV routes at Niagara Creek and other locations.
  • Take off mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Find a number of dedicated Horse Camps in the area.
  • Visit nearby geologic wonders such as Columns of the Giants and Trail of the Gargoyles.
  • Stop at scenic overlooks at Donnell Vista and farther up Sonora Pass.

Key Pinecrest Lake Camping Regulations

  1. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the beach area.
  2. There is a limit of 3 tents or 1 RV or trailer per site.
  3. A maximum of 2 licensed vehicles (includes trailers of all kinds) may be parked at campsite. Overflow parking is available.
  4. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  5. Generator use is limited to 3 hours per day and only between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

    Check Stanislaus National Forest - Pinecrest Campground for any campground updates.