Is Pines Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pines Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Pines Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Pines Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pines Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pines Campground?

Pines Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pines Campground?

Popular activities at Pines Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pines Campground

3.85

39 reviews

9 miles east of Groveland on Old Highway 120, just east of the Groveland District office.

Featured in:Best Campgrounds California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,268 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,268 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Pines Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

No phone number provided.No email provided.

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Pines Campground

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Campground Map

9 miles east of Groveland on Old Highway 120, just east of the Groveland District office.

Pines Campground

9 miles east of Groveland on Old Highway 120, just east of the Groveland District office.

Nearby places

Groveland (9 miles), Yosemite National Park entrance (~15 miles).

Weather at Pines Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pines Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and services: daytime highs are commonly in the mid-70s to low-90s°F (24–32°C) with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F (7–13°C), making long days on trails comfortable. Trails and the Little Golden Forest access are fully open, potable water is typically available at the campground, and hiking, wildlife viewing, and evening campfires are at their peak. Expect the busiest weekends and some weekday overflow in July–August, and be mindful of summer fire- Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer has reliable weather, potable water runs and open trails—peak season per notes.

Planning Tips

About Pines Campground

Pines Campground sits in the Stanislaus National Forest foothills near Groveland, a short drive from Yosemite's western entrance. Operated by American Land and Leisure, the campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors use it as a base for hiking and exploring the Little Golden Forest, drawn by its quiet atmosphere and proximity to Yosemite.

The Pines Campground caters primarily to tent and RV campers, with additional options for group camping. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is described as a peaceful alternative to the busier camping spots near Yosemite.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and services: daytime highs are commonly in the mid-70s to low-90s°F (24–32°C) with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F (7–13°C), making long days on trails comfortable. Trails and the Little Golden Forest access are fully open, potable water is typically available at the campground, and hiking, wildlife viewing, and evening campfires are at their peak. Expect the busiest weekends and some weekday overflow in July–August, and be mindful of summer fire- Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation3268 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the western Sierra's mixed conifer belt, where granite meets volcanic soils under a canopy of pine, fir, and cedar. The Little Golden Forest Trail starts nearby, winding through terrain that shows the area's geological layers in exposed rock and soil. Reviewers describe a "total nature" experience with bird calls and wind through branches instead of traffic noise. The forest stays dense enough to provide shade but opens in places for stargazing.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about hotel-style lodging options is provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No specific stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limits mentioned.

Groups

The campground includes one large group site, though specific capacity limits are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; first-come, first-serve.

PrivacySome sites offer a degree of privacy, as noted in user feedback: 'A few slightly private sites on far left.' However, detailed descriptions of campsite sizes and layouts are not available.

Recommended SitesChoose shaded campsites to avoid sunny spots in summer; bring earplugs to mitigate noise from late-night campers.

Best CampsitesSites on the far left offer slightly more privacy according to user reviews. Arriving early improves your chances of securing one of these spots, especially during peak summer weekends.

Amenities available

Pines Campground is a less-visited campground located near Yosemite, offering a serene environment surrounded by a mixed conifer forest. It provides basic amenities such as picnic tables and campfire pits with grills at each site. Vault toilets and potable water are available during the summer months. The campground is adjacent to the Little Golden Forest Trail and includes a large group site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pines Campground offers limited recreational activities, focusing primarily on its natural surroundings and proximity to nearby attractions such as the Little Golden Forest Trail and Yosemite National Park. Wildlife viewing and hiking are the most prominent activities noted, along with the serene environment for relaxation.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes available at each campsite; user reviews warn of ants and recommend sealing food.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

39 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pines Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews depict Pines Campground as a quiet, less crowded, and conveniently located site near Yosemite. It is appreciated for its cleanliness, serene setting, and well-maintained facilities. Some reviewers highlight the absence of amenities such as on-site firewood sales and Wi-Fi as limitations.

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive mentions include 'super close to Yosemite,' 'cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen,' 'quiet and relaxed atmosphere,' and 'very well-maintained toilet facilities.'

Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

Common criticisms include the lack of firewood sales on site, poor Wi-Fi service, and occasional noise from other campers.

Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Highlighted sites include slightly more private ones on the far left. Some reviews indicate that pathways to bathrooms can be unclear, making early arrival advantageous to familiarize oneself with...

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot, especially in peak seasons, as the campground is first-come, first-served. They also advise bringing sealed food containers due to ants and bears in...

Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends suggest that the campground sees reduced water availability in winter, though vault toilets remain open. Summer reviews note the presence of flies and the importance of shade in...

Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'We had a great time for two nights, super close to Yosemite. Not hard to find a spot if you get here before sunset.' - Monica Hirst Huge - 'Cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen! Didn't even smell...

Based on 39 reviews