Stanislaus National Forest

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services like trash removal, and few or no facilities such as tables and fire pits, are provided.

Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.

Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:

The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp.
Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.
Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas:
within one mile of Pinecrest Basin
along 7N83, Clark Fork Road
along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and  Kennedy Meadows Road
Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees.
Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil.
Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots.
If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest.

Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

[Fraser Flat Campground Sign](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd522831.jpg "Fraser Flat Campground Sign")[Fraser Flat Campground](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd522830.jpg "Fraser Flat Campground")[Fraser Flat Campground](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd522829.jpg "Fraser Flat Campground")[Fraser Flat Campground](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd522828.jpg "Fraser Flat Campground")[Fraser Flat Campground Restroom](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd522827.jpg "Fraser Flat Campground Restroom") Forested site on the South Fork Stanislaus River. Two sites, a vault toilet, and two fishing piers are accessible.

Fraser Flat Campground

Meadowview

[Meadowview Campground](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525156.jpg "Meadowview Campground") [Meadowview Sign](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525159.jpg "Meadowview Sign") [Meadowview Campground](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525160.jpg "Meadowview Campground") Meadowview Campground is situated in the Pinecrest Basin approximately one mile from the Pinecrest Lake Day Use Area and ½ mile off of Highway 108 and the Summit Ranger Station. Campers are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. It has 100 camping sites, each of which has a metal stove/ fire pit and a table. Roads and parking areas, which vary in length, are paved. Water hydrants are located to serve several sites. All restrooms have flush toilets and sinks. This campground fills nightly on weekends and many weekdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It is recommended that you arrive early in the day if you plan to find an available site.

Meadowview Campground

Pinecrest lake camping 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. Pinecrest 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 but there is a dump station. 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 Sonora Pass, a scenic winding highway that has guided people across the Sierra Nevada since 1852, is located nearby. ADA Access: N

Pinecrest Campground

## Overview

Pioneer Trail Group Campground offers groups of up to 100 people the opportunity to camp near the beautiful Pinecrest Lake. The campground is located within the Pinecrest Recreational Area just 2 miles from the lake, which beckons visitors with excellent fishing, boating, hiking and swimming opportunities.   
  
In this spectacular mountain region, wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer.

## 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 in designated beach areas.

## Facilities

Campsites 1 and 3 will accommodate up to 50 campers and Site 2 will accommodate up to 100 campers. Each site features a large campfire circle, picnic tables and vault toilets. No RV hookups or electricity are available. Pay showers are within a few miles. Winter camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws. 

## Natural Features

Pioneer Trail sits at an elevation of 5,600 feet, in a wooded area near the southwest side of the 300-acre Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest.  
  
Stanislaus National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. It boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley. 

## Nearby Attractions

The nearby Sonora Pass is a scenic winding highway that has guided people across the Sierra Nevada since 1852.

Pioneer Trail

[Sand Bar Flat Campsite](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd493067.jpg "Sand Bar Flat Campsite")[Sand Bar Flat Day Use Restrooms](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd493068.jpg "Sand Bar Flat Day Use Restrooms")[Sand Bar Flat Day Use Stream](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd493072.jpg "Sand Bar Flat Day Use Stream") Forested site on the Middle Fork Stanislaus River.

Sand Bar Flat Campground

[Hull Creek Information Board](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd493005.jpg "Hull Creek Information Board") [Hull Creek Restrooms](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd493004.jpg "Hull Creek Restrooms")[Hull Creek Entrance Sign](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd492933.jpg "Hull Creek Entrance Sign")[Hull Creek Water Pump](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd493015.jpg "Hull Creek Water Pump") Secluded area with small stream. For more information and other OHV riding opportunities on Forest Service lands, please visit the California State Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Website at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov.

Hull Creek Campground

[Cascade Creek Campground Stream](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525183.jpg "Cascade Creek Campground Stream") [Cascade Creek Campground Sign](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525182.jpg "Cascade Creek Campground Sign") [Cascade Creek Campground Restroom](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525181.jpg "Cascade Creek Campground Restroom") [Cascade Creek Campground](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525179.jpg "Cascade Creek Campground") Cascade Creek Campground situated in a mixed conifer forest and is located on Highway 108, about 11 miles from the Summit Ranger Station. There are 14 sites; each site has a table and a fire ring. The main road and parking pads are dirt-surfaced. Potable water is not available. Toilets are vault-style. Fee charged for extra vehicle parking.

Cascade Creek Campground

[Niagara Creek Campground Information Board](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525207.jpg "Niagara Creek Campground Information Board") [Niagara Creek Campground](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525205.jpg "Niagara Creek Campground") [Niagara Creek Campground Sign](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525198.jpg "Niagara Creek Campground Sign") [Niagara Creek Campground Restroom](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd525201.jpg "Niagara Creek Campground Restroom") Niagara Creek Campground situated in a mixed conifer forest. It is located on Forest Road 5N01. Turn right off of Highway 108 at Eagle Meadow Road (5N01), about 15 miles from the Summit Ranger Station. There are 10 sites; each site has a table and a fire ring. The main road and parking pads are dirt-surfaced. Potable water is not available. Toilets are vault-style. Fee charged for extra vehicle parking.

Niagara Creek Campground

Private - Members Only Campground

The Three Links Camp is a great place for individuals and groups to enjoy the beautiful Sierra forest in scenic Tuolumne County! Since 1958, when it was established by the California Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Fraternal Order, the Three Links Camp has provided a welcome retreat from the pressures of everyday life.


Open year around to members, the public and “children of all ages”, the Camp is located on 25 acres in central California. It is about 18 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108 in the Stanislaus National Forest, then about a ½ mile more on a gravel road. The Camp offers all the joys of camping without having to pitch a tent (but you can).


While the Camp rents to individuals, it is especially good for family reunions, community and social groups, meetings, weddings, etc. It has a multipurpose building with full kitchen and dining facilities, chapel, swimming pool, amphitheater and crafts building, RV spaces, tent spaces, and Dorm beds, all at reasonable rates.


At about 4,800 feet in elevation, snow helps create winter activities, with access almost always available. The Camp is a great place for snow play or to take advantage of Dodge Ridge (snowboarding/skiing), about 18 miles east on Hwy 108. Summer activities abound at or around the Camp including hiking and swimming. Beautiful Pinecrest Lake with fishing and boating available, is just 9 miles east.


Make the Camp your base for other points of interest, including Mi-Wuk, historical Twain Harte, Sonora, Jamestown, Columbia, and other areas to the west on or near Hwy 108 or Hwy 49. Activities and interests include dining, shopping, antiquing, classic trains, historic parks, etc., and all are within 30 miles or less from the Camp.


The Camp is overseen by an Board of Directors who are appointed by the Grand Master. The Board provides oversight and guidance for Camp operations according to its bylaws and government requirements, and meets on a monthly basis to take care of Camp business.

The Camp Manager reports directly to the Board.

Rental Information – RV, Tent Camping and Cabins (Dormitory Style)



• RV Spaces •


Over 40 RV spaces set among the trees in the forest shadows, let you rest in the comfort of your own RV. Most spaces have full hookups, and some can accommodate the larger RVs. Some spaces have no sewer line, but our convenient dump station is also available. Individuals or groups of RVs are welcome.


• Tent Sites •


Numerous unimproved tent sites are also available to individuals or groups. The number of people allowed per site may be limited at the discretion of the Camp Manager.


• Dormitories •


Five dormitories (Dorms) handle groups of up to 108 people. Each Dorm has 10 or more single person bunks, two doublewide bunks, and a small restroom with toilet, sink and shower. According to the size of your group, one, two, some or all Dorms may be rented.

Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

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