## 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. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is open for summer operations offering mountain bike trails, hiking, disc golf, indoor and outdoor games and more!\_\_ 
## 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.\_\_ 
## 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.

Pinecrest Campground

Don't let the fact that this campsite has over 300 sites fool you - it books fast! We managed to secure one of the last spots one weekend. The sites are great because they are quite big. The terrain varies where you stay and if you are in D or E loop you are closer to the lake. Even though they are large, the tree coverage is bear on some of them so there isn't  much privacy. 

The other thing that varies is the shade coverage. Our site (we were in the D block closer to the lake) had minimal tree coverage so it was sunny and light at times in the tent. It didn't last long so it wasn't any problem. 
The bathrooms are mediocre - there was no lights in them at night so you need a headlamp. I didnt see showers in the one near us but am guessing there are some. You will have to look.

The lake is amazing and gets a lot of day trippers. You can walk around the lake, fish, rent kayaks or boats, paddleboards etc. There is also an ampitheatre and they had movies at night - families "reserve" their seating early by puttig blankets on the seats. There is a little 5 and dime store in walking distance as well.

Lovely campground walking distance to the lake

This is a nice campground on Pinecrest Lake near Sonora Pass in Stanislaus National Forest. There is a great hike around the lake close by, as well as swimming in the lake a marina and a convenience store. This campground is open seasonally during spring, summer and fall due to the snow in winter. It is located in gold country, so there are some great little western towns in the area.

Beautiful Environs, Full Facilities, Family Activities in the Sierra

Lake pinecrest is beautiful. The campground is in the wooded area. The lake is awesome for swimming, boating and fishing. In the summer, the chellet and little lake front stores offer a chance to pick up anything forgotten. We rented a pontoon boat and explored. There are so many hiking trails. Our favorite was Cleo's Bath. It's between 4 and 5 miles long, with a bit of rock climbing, but at the top there are georgous pools and a natural waterslide formed by the snow melt on the mountain. The water at the top is very cold, but crystal clear. The views are stunning. Some nights, they even play family movies at the little theater/gathering place. Excellent family campground.

Amazing hikes

Awesome camp ground! Might be biased, because I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, but it’s a great camp ground and atmosphere. Clean and well managed. Gave it four out of five only because it can get very crowded during the summer season. 

Awesome family glamping

I have camped at pinecrest about 5 times and every experience I’ve had is amazing. Pinecrest is a fun campground for the family, sometimes I enjoy my quiet camping where there aren’t a whole lot of amenities around then other times you want to be able to bring the kids around. Pinecrest has an amphitheater that has the mountains and lake in the back, they play movies that are currently in theaters and sell snacks too! Beautiful surroundings, fun for riding bikes around they have a snack shop right by the lake for ice cream and such. The camp store is also right nearby everything is walking distance. You pitch your tent and you start exploring. I love pinecrest! I have even camped here when it snowed (emptiest I’ve ever seen pinecrest).

Family campground

We’ve been coming here since I was a kid and it has hardly changed. The lake is loved to death but still a fun time for all. Hiking, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, outdoor movie theater - something for everyone. 

Great Family Campground

Pinecrest was an amazing place at the edge of the Stanislaus national forest. The community is great, the campground and bathrooms were very well maintained. It was a 10min walk to the lake. If you’re into fishing, there are trout in the area with some nice fishing spots labeled on the paper map. Even boat rentals to get into the open water. The hike around the lake was beautiful too, roughly 2-3 hr hike with some great views. Amazing place to camp.

Pinecrest campground

Had just an amazing time out in Pinecrest. I have been here a couple times before but this was the first time with a travel trailer. On their website it did state there was water hookups unfortunately there was not. Me and the girlfriend rented a boat for half the price as the early bird special and caught a bunch of trout. We used a size ten Tribble hook with about a foot leader and pinch weights with rainbow powerbait for those that want to catch fish for lunch. 

Great experience overall 

Stayed two nights. Had a large campsite with plenty of room and fairly secluded. Close to the restrooms, never did find showers. Enjoyed the proximity to the lake and had a great hike around it. Would return and stay a day or two longer.