Pinecrest Campground Entrance
Campground Kiosk and information
Sunrise on the lake

Pinecrest

Closed — 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.

Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA

10:34 AM — April 11th, 11:15 AM

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

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.…

Forest Order No. STF-16-2026-02 Cottonwood Temporary Road Closure

Cottonwood Road Temporary Closure for storm damage repairs

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…

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

Email Info@DodgeRidge.com
Phone +1 (209) 965-3116

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Pinecrest Campground Entrance
Campground Kiosk and information
Sunrise on the lake
Movies under the stars
Fishing on the lake
Boat Rentals

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