Reservations at Pinecrest Campground fill fast despite the site count topping 300, so booking ahead is essential, especially for summer weekends. Sites run $40 per night, and the campground operates seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with snow closing the area through winter. RVs up to 48 feet can be accommodated, with water and sewer hookups available. Drive-in and walk-in access both work here, and a restaurant and general store sit directly across from the campground entrance, within easy walking distance.
The layout spreads across multiple loops, and the camping experience varies noticeably depending on where you land. Sites in the D and E loops sit closest to Pinecrest Lake, though some of those sites have limited tree cover, meaning more sun exposure during the day. Tall conifers shade much of the campground, but reviewers consistently note there is little understory, so privacy between sites is minimal. Bathrooms are on-site, though at least some lack interior lighting, so a headlamp is worth packing. Ravens are a regular presence. Crowding is a real factor on summer weekends, when day-use visitors add to the campground population at the lake.
The lake is the main draw. Campers fish for trout from shore or rent boats and kayaks to get out on the water. Swimming is popular too. A short walk from camp leads to a trail that circles the lake, which reviewers put at roughly two to three hours. Allison describes having "a large campsite with plenty of room and fairly secluded," though experiences vary by loop. An amphitheater near the lake hosts movie nights during peak season, and a snack shop operates nearby. Anglers report catching trout using powerbait and small hooks with a leader setup.
Crowd patterns shift significantly by season. Visiting at the tail end of October, after the official season winds down, one reviewer found the campground nearly empty and the lake accessible without the summer activity. For campers with dogs, the campground allows pets. Those exploring pet-friendly camping near Stanislaus National Forest will find Pinecrest among the more developed options, with hookups and on-site amenities that suit longer stays. Ruben N. notes "there are trout in the area with some nice fishing spots labeled on the paper map," which is worth picking up at check-in.
Campers wanting a smaller, quieter footprint nearby can consider Meadowview Campground, located less than half a mile away.
Description
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.
Reservation Info
Campground is open from April through October, weather permitting.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
CAMPGROUND POLICY: Off-highway electric motorcycles are not permitted in the campground. Per Cal. Veh. Code 38301(a), operation is restricted to designated OHV areas and private property only.
Overnight parking located across from the Pinecrest Kiosk is now designated as day-use only. Overnight parking for the campgrounds has been relocated off of Dodge Ridge Road on Old Pinecrest School Road. Please plan accordingly. For more information about the improvements planned please visit www.pinecrestlakeupdate.com
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPinecrest Campground is located in California near Long Barn
Directions
From Sonora, take Highway 108 east for 30 miles, take the Pinecrest exit onto Pinecrest Lake Road and continue to the campground.
Address
18 Pinecrest Lake Road
Pinecrest, CA 95364
Coordinates
38.1908333 N
119.9972222 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 33 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 38 min from Stockton, CA
- 3 hrs 5 min from Carson City, NV





















