How much does camping cost at Pinecrest?

Camping fees at Pinecrest are $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pinecrest first-come first-served or reservation?

Pinecrest accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pinecrest before I book?

Yes! Pinecrest has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Pinecrest?

Pinecrest is open April 03 to October 19. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pinecrest?

Pinecrest does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Pinecrest have?

Pinecrest has 200 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pinecrest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pinecrest. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pinecrest?

Pinecrest offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pinecrest?

Popular activities at Pinecrest include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pinecrest

Q: Can I have a campfire at Pinecrest?

Fire policies at Pinecrest: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.21

889 reviews

18 Pinecrest Lake Road

Top 10% in CAFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

CReport Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping California

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Open May 8 - October...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Open May 8 - October...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Pinecrest

$40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Provider

209-965-3116Info@DodgeRidge.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

18 Pinecrest Lake Road

Pinecrest

18 Pinecrest Lake Road

Nearby places

Sonora - 30 miles

Strawberry - 3 miles

Kennedy Meadows - 30 miles

Weather at Pinecrest

Current alerts(2)

For more information on Stanislaus National Forest, click here
Welcome to Pinecrest.

Best Time to Camp at Pinecrest

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest mountain weather, cooler days and crisp nights—perfect for hiking and fishing with far fewer crowds than summer. Expect daytime highs in the 55–70°F range and night lows dipping into the 30s–40s, making layered clothing ideal and campfires pleasant when allowed. Lakeshore boating and paddling remain enjoyable through mid‑October, and the campground is quieter so amphitheater programs and wildlife viewing feel more peaceful. Note the campground closes October 20, so aim Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Best season per description: clear weather, cooler temps, far fewer crowds—ideal hiking/fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 03 to October 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 8 - October 20, 2025, reservable starting June 22, 2025.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Pinecrest

Pinecrest sits in mid-elevation Stanislaus National Forest, operated by Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort and serving as base camp for Pinecrest Lake access. This very large seasonal campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and an on-site camp store. Campers hike, fish, swim, bike, and boat during their 14-day stays, with fall bringing the clearest weather and smallest crowds.

Pinecrest Campground accommodates a range of campers, from tent to RV users, though no hookups are provided. Some sites are designed for group camping, and the proximity to Pinecrest Lake enhances the overall experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest mountain weather, cooler days and crisp nights—perfect for hiking and fishing with far fewer crowds than summer. Expect daytime highs in the 55–70°F range and night lows dipping into the 30s–40s, making layered clothing ideal and campfires pleasant when allowed. Lakeshore boating and paddling remain enjoyable through mid‑October, and the campground is quieter so amphitheater programs and wildlife viewing feel more peaceful. Note the campground closes October 20, so aim Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5600 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines provide shade across the campground, creating dappled light patterns on the forest floor. The lake sits just steps from many sites, with views of granite peaks to the east. Wildlife appears regularly: marmots whistle from rocks, squirrels investigate campsites, and deer move through at dawn and dusk. On clear days, you can glimpse the Central Valley stretching west beyond the mountains. The setting feels crowded in summer but peaceful during shoulder seasons.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or cabins are available within the campground itself. However, nearby Pinecrest Lake offers recreation cabins and other lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs and ranger-led activities are highlights at Pinecrest, including evening movie screenings at the amphitheater. Seasonal events such as wildflower hikes are also offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max. of 6 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground has paved pathways and proximity to restrooms and water spigots, but no specific mention of ADA-compliant facilities.

Site SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with some large enough to accommodate multiple tents or small RVs. However, specific campsites vary significantly in size, and a few are noted to be uneven or on steep inclines.

PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is limited, as sites are relatively close together with sparse natural barriers in some areas.

Total Campsites200 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop D offers easy access to Pinecrest Lake and the amphitheater. Sites D017 and D030 are noted for spaciousness and proximity to facilities.

Best CampsitesSites in Loop D earn recommendations for their proximity to the lake and water views. Campers suggest arriving early to claim lakefront spots, especially on weekends.

Need help booking Pinecrest?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Pinecrest Campground offers a variety of amenities, including paved parking pads, picnic tables, and campfire rings at each campsite. Drinking water is readily available, and restrooms feature flush toilets, sinks, and utility sinks. However, there are no RV hookups and no showers on-site. Firewood and ice can be purchased at a kiosk at the entrance, which also serves as the check-in area for reservations. Many campsites are shaded by trees and offer proximity to the 300-acre Pinecrest Lake.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Pinecrest

Pinecrest Campground provides a range of recreational opportunities, from hiking and fishing to boating and wildlife viewing. The nearby Pinecrest Lake features a 4-mile walking trail and offers swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding options. Evening programs, such as outdoor movies, are also available during the summer season.

Hiking4.0/5

4-mile Pinecrest Lake loop plus nearby hikes (Cleo's Bath, other trails) directly accessible.

Fishing4.0/5

Rainbow trout common; mornings near the lake inlet recommended; fishing is a popular activity.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Sandy day-use beach a short walk from campground; swimming allowed at the lake.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Bike rentals available; trails and easy loops around the lake are popular.

Boating4.0/5

Marina offers boat, motorboat, kayak and paddleboard rentals; boating is a core activity.

Beach activities4.0/5Top 24% in California

Sandy beach area ideal for sunbathing, picnicking and water activities close to sites.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Varied photo subjects: lake, granite peaks, forested shore, and wildlife sightings.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available at designated dumpsters throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, and overflowing trash bins have been reported during peak seasons.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at Pinecrest Campground varies by provider. Verizon users have reported good coverage, while AT&T users may experience little to no reception.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Pinecrest

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From Booking Sources

4.2

889 reviews

Satisfactory

Pinecrest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Pinecrest Campground are mixed, with many praising the beautiful lake setting and family-friendly atmosphere. However, common complaints include overcrowding, dirty restrooms, and lack of adherence to quiet hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 889 reviews

What Campers Love

The location is often described as 'beautiful,' 'peaceful,' and 'a perfect family getaway.' Campers enjoy the proximity to Pinecrest Lake, the availability of recreational activities, and amenities...

Based on 889 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints frequently cite overcrowding, unclean bathrooms, and lack of rule enforcement. Noise, generator use, and trash management are also recurring issues.

Based on 889 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site preferences vary widely. D Loop is often preferred for its proximity to the lake, while A Loop is noted for being quieter but further from activities.

Based on 889 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a good spot at the lake, bringing extra supplies due to limited local availability, and checking weather conditions before visiting. Some highlight the lack...

Based on 889 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer brings the highest crowds, leading to complaints about noise and cleanliness. Off-season visits, such as in May or September, are praised for their quieter atmosphere and easier access to...

Based on 889 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The hike around the lake is gorgeous. It was a little rainy during our trip, but we still had fun!' (User at C023) - 'The outdoor movie theater was an experience you must do! So cool to see a...

Based on 889 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 889 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, but there are leash laws and restrictions on beach access. Some users expressed frustration over non-compliance by other campers.

Based on 889 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Pinecrest

$40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-965-3116Info@DodgeRidge.com

Go if

you want a scenic lakeside base for a family trip and are picking D Loop for easy water access

Skip if

you need reliably clean restrooms, strict quiet hours, or a low-crowd escape, especially on summer weekends

Nearby alternatives

Three hand-reasoned picks from nearby campgrounds — one per reason you might prefer it over this spot.

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Mi Wok Ranger District Campgrounds sit in mid-elevation forest within Stanislaus National Forest, operated by Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort. The campgrounds offer convenient access to Pinecrest Lake for swimming, boating, and fishing, with flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables across a very large network of sites. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, with trails fully accessible and marina services running at full capacity.

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Recreation Point is a very small campground operated by CLM Services on the shore of Bass Lake in Sierra National Forest's oak-studded foothills. The site offers direct beach access for swimming and boating, with flush toilets and potable water serving a handful of tent and group sites. Fall brings mild temperatures and warm oak colors along the shoreline, though the lake drains seasonally for water management.

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212.355 km

No fees available

Campgrounds

Stanislaus National Forest

Pinecrest

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 20% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 705 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B.Bugs & weather
Grade B-.Things to do
Grade B-.Value

Watch-outs

Grade D.Rules & policies
Grade C-.Booking
Grade C-.Safety

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall

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Beach Camping in California

Pinecrest

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Pinecrest

Campground Map

Weather at Pinecrest

Current alerts(2)

Best Time to Camp at Pinecrest

Planning Tips

About Pinecrest

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Pinecrest?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Pinecrest

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Meadowview Campground

Fraser Flat Campground

Herring Creek Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Pinecrest

Current alerts(2)

Best Time to Camp at Pinecrest

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Pinecrest?

Amenities available

Things to do at Pinecrest

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Nearby alternatives

Meadowview Campground

Fraser Flat Campground

Herring Creek Campground