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Pinecrest
FSU.S. Forest Service — PINECREST · California · Stanislaus National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Stanislaus National Forest |
| Location | PINECREST · California · Stanislaus National Forest · 38.19083, -119.99722 · Map |
| Sites | 196 public sites counted from the federal listing — 196 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 196 sites Water hookups at 0 of 196 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 196 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 196 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 48 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 144 sites · 30 ft: 140 sites · 35 ft: 57 sites · 40 ft: 55 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 196 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 209-965-3116 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-04-07.
From the official listing
Overview Pinecrest features a large campground by Pinecrest Lake, just 30 miles east of Sonora, at an elevation of 5600 feet. The area includes a day-use beach and a marina, a small shopping center and recreation cabins.
The campground caters to all ages and is within walking distance of the lake, an amphitheater, visitor center, swimming beach and spectacular hiking trails.
Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws. Recreation The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail takes hikers on an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow trout is a common catch in the lake and swimming is enjoyed at the sandy beach. Educational programs are also a highlight of the recreation area. Bike rentals are on hand so campers can bike around the area.
Facilities Amenities for each site includes a paved parking pad, picnic table and campfire ring. Drinking water is handy and restrooms have flush toilets, sinks and a utility sink. No RV hookups area available and no showers. At the entrance of the campground is a kiosk to help with additional questions and where campground reservation check in will happne. Ice and fire wood is for sale here.
Natural Features Many campsites are shaded by trees and sit near the southwest side of the 300-acre Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest. In this beautiful mountain landscape, wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer.
Stanislaus National Forest is situated in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. The area boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley. Nearby Attractions Located in the nearby area are several activities. There are ample hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, mountain bike riding, and water activities. Pinecrest lake is a boating and swimming recreation area with restaurants, stores, boat rentals, and an outdoor movie theater. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is a ski area in the winter and in the summer is a basecamp for mountain biking, hiking, and a great indoor/outdoor BBQ. Aspen Meadow Pack Station is three miles from Pinecrest Lake and offers horseback rides and trail head for hiking. Kennedy Meadows is 30 miles east of Pinecrest and offers great river access for fishing, horse bike rides, hiking, and restaurants. Sonora Pass, a scenic winding highway that has guided people across the Sierra Nevada since 1852, is located nearby.
Directions, from the listing
From Sonora, take Highway 108 east for 30 miles, take the Pinecrest exit onto Pinecrest Lake Road and continue to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Pinecrest CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMeadowview Campground
0 mi straight-line · Pinecrest CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServicePioneer Trail
1 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceTeleLi puLaya (Black Oak) Campground
3 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceFraser Flat Campground
4 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Pinecrest
PINECREST · California · Stanislaus National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | PINECREST · California · Stanislaus National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 48 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 196 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232254 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.