Pinecrest
Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates from mid-March through mid-October, with shoulder season first-come, first-served camping mid-March to early May and mid-September to mid-October. Reservations required Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Extension of Seasonal Road Closures
Following a series of evaluations by Stanislaus National Forest Recreation Specialists, the Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-04 cleaving closed several roads in the forest’s higher elevations. Conditions will continue to be monitored on a regular basis and when applicable, roads will…
Beardsley Lake Boat Ramp Closure thru June 15
At the request of Tri-Dam, the Stanislaus National Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-03; effective April 15 through June 15, 2026, closing the Beardsley Lake Boat Ramp for all use.
Temporary Road Closures
This Forest Order closes the below listed roads beginning Aug 7, expiring on Dec 31, 2026.Calaveras District Roads (Exhibit A):• Forest Road No. 4N40• Forest Road No. 4N80Y (Candy Rock Road), from the gate at approximately 3.5 miles fromHighway 4 then continuing to its terminus. 36 CFR…
Cherry Lake Camping Restrictions
Camping, cooking, building a campfire, or storing fuel on National Forest Lands at, below or within 100 feet above the Cherry Lake high water mark (4702 feet elevation), or on the island within Cherry Lake
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
About
Pinecrest Campground is a large, heavily-used campground situated in the Pinecrest Basin adjacent to Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest, 30 miles east of Sonora. At 5,600 feet elevation, the campground offers 200 campsites with paved roads and parking areas of varying lengths. Each site includes a metal fire ring and picnic table. Water hydrants serve multiple sites, and all restrooms feature flush toilets, sinks, and most have electricity. Some restrooms are fully accessible. The campground is within walking distance of the lake, swimming beaches, marina, visitor center, and amphitheater where educational programs are offered. The easy 4-mile Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail circles the lake, and rainbow trout fishing is popular. A small shopping center near the lake offers conveniences, and bike rentals are available. Nearby attractions include Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort (summer mountain biking, hiking, disc golf), Aspen Meadow Pack Station for horseback riding, and Kennedy Meadows for river fishing and hiking. The campground sits in beautiful mountain landscape with views of snow-capped peaks and opportunities to spot marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer. Pets are welcome but must comply with Tuolumne County leash laws. Generator use is limited to 3 hours per day between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Directions
From Sonora, take Highway 108 east for 30 miles, take the Pinecrest exit onto Pinecrest Lake Road and continue to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Info@DodgeRidge.com | |
| Phone | +1 (209) 965-3116 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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