Pinecrest Day Use Area
This is a day-use only facility; overnight camping is prohibited. Open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Group picnic sites are reservable via Recreation.gov at $60 per day. Pets are restricted from the fenced day use area May 15 through September 15.
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.…
Road closure for Forest Road 1N98 due to repairs for the Cherry Valley Dam Spillway Project
Stanislaus National Forest issues closure for Forest Road 1N98, SFPUC to make repairs for the Cherry Valley Dam Spillway Short-Term Improvement Project June 1, 2026-May 31, 2027.
Stanislaus National Forest extends seasonal MVUM closure for two high elevation roads
Following a series of evaluations by Stanislaus National Forest Recreation Specialists, the Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-78 cleaving closed Forest Road No. 8N13 and a portion of Forest Road No. 4N12, two roads in the forest’s higher elevations. Although the Forest generally had a…
Mtn. Tunnel Project Temporary Road Closure of Forest Road No. 1S28B
Temporary road closure of Forest Service Road 1S28B for Mountain Tunnel Improvement Projects
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
About
Pinecrest Day Use Area sits along the shores of Pinecrest Lake in California's Stanislaus National Forest at 5,630 feet elevation, approximately 35 miles east of Sonora via Highway 108. This is strictly a day-use facility; overnight camping is prohibited, and the area operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily year-round. The day use area offers group picnic sites (Pine, Fir, and Cedar) with tables, pedestal grills, food prep tables, and food storage boxes. Flush toilets are available. Potable water availability is inconsistent; visitors should bring their own water supply. The nearby lake provides swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sailing opportunities, with a Forest Service boat ramp and dock. A nearby resort offers boat rentals, lodging, and groceries. Pets are restricted from the fenced day use area between May 15 and September 15, though the Cedar Group site allows dogs year-round. Two separate campgrounds (Pinecrest Campground and Pioneer Trail Group Campground) are located within one mile for those seeking overnight accommodations.
Directions
From Sonora, CA, drive approximately 35 miles east on Highway 108. Turn onto Pinecrest Lake Road and continue 1 mile to the day use area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 459-9236 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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