Pioneer Trail

Star2.15
11 reviews
STANISLAUS, CA, USA

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$133 - $184/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 8, 2025 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Pioneer Trail
$133.00 - $184.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $133 to $184 depending on the group size and season. Additional non-refundable reservation fees ($8 online, $3 in person) apply.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$133.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
209-965-3474Info@DodgeRidge.com
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What Campers Say

2.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

Most mentioned

shade

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Pioneer Trail Group Campground reflect a mix of experiences, ranging from positive remarks about the spaciousness and facilities to complaints about noise and strict cancellation policies."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

STANISLAUS, CA, USA

Pioneer Trail

STANISLAUS, CA, USA

Driving directionsFrom Sonora, California, take Highway 108 east for about 30 miles. Exit at Pinecrest Lake and turn right on Dodge Ridge Road. Continue 1 mile to Pioneer Trails Campground, located on the left.
Paved roads provide access to the campground. The route includes a winding highway (Sonora Pass) that can be challenging for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Sonora (~30 miles, approximately 45 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found within a few miles, including pay showers and likely groceries at Pinecrest or Dodge Ridge areas.

Best Time to Camp at Pioneer Trail

Experience the crisp mountain air and brilliant sunshine that define the peak camping season, where dry conditions and cool temperatures create ideal outdoor conditions. When winter transforms the landscape into a wonderland of deep snow and frosted pines, Pioneer Trail reveals its other personality as a haven for cold-weather camping enthusiasts seeking the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada in its white winter coat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is popular for lake/beach activities but also sees higher noise in peak months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Peak season runs into fall; crisp mountain air and sunshine noted—potentially quieter.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Season opens in May; late spring conditions likely good though early spring access may be limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter camping permitted F-C-F-S but is less commonly reviewed and likely limited services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 8, 2025 - October 20, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 8, 2025 to October 20, 2025 during peak season. Winter camping available as first-come, first-served.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts noted.

About Pioneer Trail

Nestled in the heart of the Pinecrest Recreational Area, Pioneer Trail Group Campground welcomes gatherings of up to 100 adventurers seeking the perfect basecamp for Sierra Nevada exploration. Just 2 miles from the sparkling waters of Pinecrest Lake, this spacious group site serves as your gateway to endless mountain adventures—from early morning fishing expeditions and leisurely boat rides to challenging hiking trails that wind through ancient forests and granite peaks.
Pioneer Trail Group Campground is designed for group camping experiences, with accommodations for up to 100 campers at its largest site.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly noted.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly noted.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of recreational activities centered around the nearby Pinecrest Lake and surrounding natural features.
HikingThe Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail offers an easy 4-mile loop around Pinecrest Lake, making it accessible and enjoyable for hikers of all skill levels.
FishingRainbow trout fishing is a popular activity at Pinecrest Lake, which is located 2 miles from the campground.
SwimmingDesignated beach areas at Pinecrest Lake offer opportunities for swimming.
BoatingBoating is available at Pinecrest Lake, which is a short distance from the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer can be observed in the surrounding wooded area.
Beach activitiesVisitors can enjoy beach activities at designated swimming areas near Pinecrest Lake.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific wildlife safety hazards noted except general consideration for marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer. Heavy snow may pose challenges in winter.
Active AlertsNo active alerts noted.

Weather at Pioneer Trail

Reviews

2.2
11 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Pioneer Trail has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pioneer Trail Group Campground reflect a mix of experiences, ranging from positive remarks about the spaciousness and facilities to complaints about noise and strict cancellation policies.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its ample space designed for large groups, availability of picnic tables and BBQ grills, and shaded areas for comfort.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with noisy neighbors disrupting the stay, the perception of overly strict ranger surveillance, and dissatisfaction with the cancellation policy, which some users found to be...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to book early due to limited availability of group sites and to be aware of the strict cancellation policy. Bringing earplugs is recommended for those sensitive to noise.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as a popular season for beach and lake activities, while winter camping is available but less commonly reviewed. Noise levels appear to be higher during peak summer months.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"There was plenty of space for a large group to gather. Plenty of parking, picnic tables and BBQ grills. Also plenty of shade." - KA T (06/12/2023) "Very noisy campers next to us. Up yelling all...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2 received positive remarks for its spaciousness and facilities accommodating up to 100 campers. Site 1 was noted for noise disturbances in at least one review. Site 3 had a complaint about the...
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Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews or mentions focus on accessibility features.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no complaints or notable experiences related to pets were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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