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 because of its fine amenities and proximity to so many wonderful activities. Families return year after year to renew the Pinecrest experience.

Pinecrest Lake

Pinecrest Lake is only a short stroll from the campground. Families walk to the sandy beach in the Day Use Area, spread out their towels and chairs, and enjoy relaxing hours beside the lake. A designated swim area is the perfect spot for wading, swimming, and floating in tubes. Nearby is a marina with boat rentals. And a short walk the other way is a fishing wharf. Since water skiing and jet skis are not allowed on the lake, the calm water is popular for kayakers and standup paddleboarders. A favorite hike is the 4-mile circuit around the lake.

Pinecrest Campground - RV and Tent Camping

Pinecrest Campground features nearly 200 campsites for RV, trailer, and tent camping. Campsites are arranged through a pine forest in 4 loops with A Loop being the farthest from the lake and amphitheater, but also the quietest. Sites on the perimeters of loops tend to have more privacy. All campground roads and parking pads are paved, and most sites have good shade. All restrooms have flush toilets, sinks, and utility sinks. Except for 3 in D loop, restrooms have electricity for light and electrical appliances. Drinking water is available from spigots placed around the campground.

A paved bike trail links nearby Meadowview Campground and Pinecrest Campground with the lake.

More Pinecrest Lake Amenities


Pinecrest Lake Businesses

The shops in Pinecrest's little business district provide basic services for campground visitors. A grocery store is well-stocked with food and other necessities. Next door is a post office and then the Pinecrest Sports Shop and the Steam Donkey Restaurant. Close by are the Pinecrest Art Gallery, a bicycle rental kiosk, and the Pinecrest Lake Resort. A snack bar is at the beach.


Amphitheater

The Amphitheater, located in the Day Use Area, is the venue for a number of popular events. During the summer months, outdoor movies are shown several nights per week, with a continuously updated schedule of current movies appropriate for childen of various ages.

Ranger programs appropriate for all ages are presented once a week in the evenings and activities aimed at children during the day. Church services are offered on Sundays.


Dodge Ridge Summer Activities

Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort offers a variety of activities during the summer. Keeping up with their offerings on the website is the best way to know what is happening up the road: Dodge Ridge Summer Activities. Among their activities are mountain biking, scenic chair lift rides, a disc golf course, and yoga classes. You can always relax at Base Camp bar and grill. Dodge Ridge is only 4 miles from Pinecrest Campground.


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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
Reservations Recommended: Pinecrest Campground reservations will be 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: $40 per night
Reservations: Pinecrest Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Pinecrest Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets, tap water; no hook-ups
Showers: No, but available in Strawberry. Fee.
Dump Station: Nearby by Pinecrest Dump
Attractions near Pinecrest Campground:
  • 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.


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Updates Last Updated March 2025





Campsite at Pinecrest Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

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Reviews from Previous Campers

2023 - 2024

  • Clean campground, ample space in campsites.
  • Some campsites not very level.
  • Noisy on movie nights, but quiet by 10 PM.
  • Great place for families, lots of activities.
  • Close to the lake and boat rentals.

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.

  • Kennedy Meadows offers lodging, a pack station, a restaurant, and outstanding fishing.

  • Find excellent fishing in the Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir.

  • Saddle up for a trail ride at Kennedy Meadows or Aspen Meadows Pack Stations.

  • Explore the OHV routes at Niagara Creek and other locations.

  • 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.

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Key Pinecrest Lake Camping Regulations

  1. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Day Use 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Pinecrest Lake

Stanislaus National Forest


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