Pioneer Trail
Closed for reservations during winter. Winter camping available first-come, first-served. Reservations typically required during summer months.
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
Pioneer Trail Group Campground offers groups the opportunity to camp in a wooded setting near Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest. The campground features three group sites: Sites 1 and 3 accommodate up to 50 people each, while Site 2 can host up to 100 people. Each site includes large campfire circles, multiple picnic tables, paved parking areas, and vault toilets. The campground sits at 5,600 feet elevation in a mixed conifer forest. Located about 1.5 miles from Pinecrest Lake on Dodge Ridge Road, the campground provides easy access to the 300-acre lake and its amenities. The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail offers an easy 4-mile loop around the lake, and swimming is available at designated beach areas. Rainbow trout fishing is popular in the lake. The spectacular mountain region provides opportunities to view marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer. The campground operates on a reservation system during summer months but offers first-come, first-served winter camping. Pay showers are available within a few miles. Highway 108 and Sonora Pass provide scenic access to this central Sierra Nevada destination between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite.
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 Trails Campground, located on the left.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $133 |
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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