Pioneer Trail
Open for the season. Operates year-round with reservations via Recreation.gov during regular season. Winter camping available first-come, first-served. Potable water is not available during winter months. Check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM. Quiet hours 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
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.…
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
Pioneer Trail Group Campground offers groups the opportunity to camp near the beautiful 300-acre Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest. Located in the scenic Pinecrest Basin at 5,600 feet elevation, the campground features three well-equipped group sites. Sites 1 and 3 accommodate up to 50 people with parking for 10-15 vehicles, while Site 2 handles groups up to 100 with parking for 25 vehicles. Each site is equipped with pedestal BBQ grills, fire rings, multiple picnic tables including a dedicated food preparation table, and water hydrants. Flush toilets and potable water are available during the regular season. The campground sits just 1.5 miles from the Pinecrest Lake Day Use Area via Dodge Ridge Road, with a one-mile trail connecting directly to the lake. Pinecrest Lake beckons with excellent rainbow trout fishing, swimming at designated beach areas, and the 4-mile Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail circling the lake. Wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer. Nearby amenities include a sport shop, market, coffee shop, restaurant, and post office. Pay showers are available within a few miles.
Directions
From 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 Trail Campground on the left.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $184 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Info@DodgeRidge.com | |
| Phone | +1 (209) 965-3474 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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