Pines Campground

4.03

39 reviews

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

Quick Facts

3,268 ft

Price

$21/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,268 ft

Price

$21/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Pines Campground

$21.00 - $21.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$21 per night, first-come, first-serve. No reservation fees mentioned.

Standard Site Fee$21.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

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What Campers Say

4.03

Satisfactory

Based on 39 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

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.

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

Accessible via Old Highway 120, which appears to be paved and provides straightforward access. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are explicitly mentioned.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Groveland, approximately 9 miles away, offers markets for firewood and other supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Pines Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Sierra seasons at Pines Campground. Summer brings warm days perfect for exploration, though savvy campers come prepared for the occasional fly that buzzes through the forest canopy. As autumn arrives, crisp air signals the transition to quieter months when water systems hibernate for winter. Cold-weather adventurers will find solitude in the winter months, when the campground transforms into a serene wonderland—just remember to pack that portable heater for cozy nights under star-filled skies. Spring awakens the forest with fresh growth and the return of flowing water to the campground.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer potable water available and warm days; reviews note flies and need for shade.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Sierra fall offers pleasant weather and lower crowds; specific fall notes limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers seasonal variability and trails but water availability varies with season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round per reviews but potable water may be off; vault toilets remain open.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Likely summer months for potable water availability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Available year-round based on user reviews, but services like water may be seasonal.
Current Alerts: Water availability is seasonal ('waters off for the season' during colder months).

About Pines Campground

Nestled beneath towering conifers, Pines Campground offers an authentic Sierra Nevada camping experience just steps from the Groveland Ranger District Office. This peaceful retreat features well-appointed sites with picnic tables and campfire rings complete with grills, where evening stories and s'mores await. Modern vault toilets and refreshing potable water (available during summer months) ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. The campground serves as your gateway to the enchanting Little Golden Forest Trail, making it perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a blend of accessibility and immersion in the forest.

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.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific site remains quietly tucked among the pine needles, Pines Campground sits within the greater tapestry of the Sierra Nevada's rich heritage. The surrounding forest has long served as a sanctuary for those seeking respite from civilization, continuing a tradition of mountain camping that spans generations.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Sierra seasons at Pines Campground. Summer brings warm days perfect for exploration, though savvy campers come prepared for the occasional fly that buzzes through the forest canopy. As autumn arrives, crisp air signals the transition to quieter months when water systems hibernate for winter. Cold-weather adventurers will find solitude in the winter months, when the campground transforms into a serene wonderland—just remember to pack that portable heater for cozy nights under star-filled skies. Spring awakens the forest with fresh growth and the return of flowing water to the campground.

ElevationPositioned at a comfortable mountain elevation within the mixed conifer belt, Pines Campground offers that perfect sweet spot where the air is crisp but not thin, and the climate remains temperate through much of the camping season. The elevation provides natural cooling during summer months while maintaining accessibility year-round.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of mixed conifers where pine, fir, and cedar create a multi-layered canopy overhead. The campground's proximity to Little Golden Forest Trail opens up a world of exploration through diverse forest ecosystems. Previous visitors consistently praise the 'total nature' experience, where the only sounds are wind through branches and birds greeting the dawn. This quiet atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with the natural world, whether you're sipping morning coffee at your picnic table or stargazing from your campfire circle.

Geological RegionSet within the western Sierra Nevada's mixed conifer belt, Pines Campground occupies a geological wonderland where ancient granite meets volcanic soils, creating the perfect conditions for the diverse forest ecosystem. The nearby Little Golden Forest Trail winds through this varied terrain, showcasing the region's complex geological history written in stone and soil beneath the towering trees.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time mentioned.

Check-out

No specific check-out time mentioned.

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

Site layoutNot a loop layout; sites are spread across the campground.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve; no reservation required.

Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-serve basis; no advanced reservation or cancellation fees apply.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility options are not detailed in the source materials.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingThe campground is located adjacent to the Little Golden Forest Trail, which offers opportunities for hiking. Specific details about trail difficulty and length are not mentioned.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity, particularly due to the natural setting of the campground. Bears have also been noted in the area, so proper food storage is essential.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMention of bears ('be mindful') and seasonal presence of flies. Bear boxes provided at each site.

Active AlertsWater availability is seasonal ('waters off for the season' during colder months).

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

Fire PolicyCampfire pits with grills available at each site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesGroveland Ranger District Office (adjacent), other emergency services null.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesClose to Rainbow Pool (~short drive).

Camp HostCaretaker noted during summertime; 'manager was there in the morning cleaning up sites.'

Weather at Pines Campground

Reviews

4.0

39 reviews

Satisfactory

Pines Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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