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Pinecrest Day Use Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — Pinecrest · California · Stanislaus National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Stanislaus National Forest |
| Location | Pinecrest · California · Stanislaus National Forest · 38.19139, -119.99333 · Map |
| Sites | 3 public sites counted from the federal listing — 3 group picnic area |
| 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 3 sites Water hookups at 0 of 3 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 3 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 3 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 | Not reported in the federal data |
| 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 8:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessible sites | 3 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Flush toilets |
| Phone | (209) 965-3434 |
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 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Pinecrest Lake is located 40 minutes east of Sonora, California, and is within a 3-hour drive from major metropolitan areas including San Francisco, Sacramento and many valley cities. The lake is located at 5,600 feet elevation and provides cool summer relief, spectacular scenery, and lake shore beaches for relaxing, swimming and picnics. Recreation Pinecrest Lake is popular for swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing and sailing (small boats). A nearby resort offers boat rentals, lodging and groceries. Movies and interpretive programs are provided in the evenings at the amphitheater, also located in the day use area. Two campgrounds within the Pinecrest Basin offer opportunities at nearly 300 campsites within one mile from the Pinecrest Day Use Area. *Outdoor movie showings and interpretive programs typically end for the season by mid-October due to weather. Please check for availability.
Facilities Group use sites are fully accessible and provide group size pedestal grills, food storage boxes, group picnic tables and food prep table. Water hydrants and recycle and garbage cans are also located within the sites. Flush toilets are located nearby.
* Water hydrants are not available during the winter months due to freezing. ** Group sites may be under snow during winter months. Please plan accordingly as accessibility may be limited after heavy snowfall.
Natural Features The day use area is surrounded by mixed conifer, providing shade during warm summer days. The group picnic sites are located within sight of the lake offering easy access to the lake, beach and hiking trails. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (209) 459-9236. Nearby Attractions The Pinecrest National Recreation Trail traverses Pinecrest Lake for an easy four mile hike. Numerous opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and lake play are within 100 feet from each group use picnic site.
Directions, from the listing
Pinecrest Day Use area is located approximately 35 miles east of Sonora, CA on Highway 108. The day use area is located on Pinecrest Lake Road, 1 mile from the intersection with Highway 108.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · PINECREST CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServicePioneer Trail
0 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMeadowview Campground
1 mi straight-line · Pinecrest 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 Day Use Area
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 | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 3 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/118995 · 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.