Pinecrest Campground

Area Status: Closed
Pinecrest Lake Pinecrest Campground Pinecrest General SignPinecrest Ampitheater Pinecrest Campground RestroomPinecrest Lake View

 

Pinecrest Campground is situated in the Pinecrest Basin adjacent to the Pinecrest Lake Day Use Area. It has 200 campsites, each of which has a metal fire ring and a picnic table.  Roads and parking areas, which vary in length, are paved.  Water hydrants are located to serve several sites.  All restrooms have flush toilets and sinks.  All restrooms, except for 3 in “D” loop, have electricity for light and electrical appliances.  Some restrooms are fully accessible.  This campground is on a reservation system with the National Recreation Reservation Service (1-877-444-6777).  It is essential that you have a reservation if you intend to camp in Pinecrest between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.  Plan early – this campground fills up fast in the summer months!

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Summit Ranger District (HWY 108) Reservations are required. Contact Dodge Ridge for more information at 209.965.3474, or at the Dodge Ridge webpage
Operational Hours: Visit Dodge Ridge Campgrounds // Dodge Ridge or Recreation.gov for more information. 
Reservations: For reservations, call National Recreation Reservation Services: 1-877-444-6777; TDD: 1-877-833-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov and search "Pinecrest", or click here  
Area Amenities:
  • Camping trailer
  • Picnic tables
  • Tent camping
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Drinking water
Fees: Dodge Ridge Corporation operates Pinecrest Campground and charges the following fees:
  • $36.00 for a single-family site
The Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Passes are honored and provide a 50 percent discount on camping fees in the campground.  Pass number must be written on fee envelope or Pass must be shown to Host. The Interagency Annual and Volunteer passes do not provide any discounts on camping. Dodge Ridge Corporation operates this campground under a special-use permit administered by the U.S. Forest Service. The fees collected from overnight campers go back into upgrading campground facilities and amenities.
Permit Info: If you wish to use a stove, grill, or have a campfire it is recommended, but not required, that you get a campfire permit.  This FREE Permit can be obtained at preventwildfiresca.org or at any ranger station. Do not burn plastic or metal. Please leave the area in as good (or better) condition than you found it.
Open Season: April - October
Usage: Heavy
Busiest Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Restrictions: Camp in designated sites only. The number of people allowed in a single campsite is six. The maximum length of stay in any campground is 14 days. Please leave the area in as good (or better) condition than you found it. Help ensure your favorite area remains open. Maximum Length RV/Trailer: 40ft
Closest Towns: Communities with gas and/or groceries:
  • Highway 108:
    • Sonora
    • Twain Harte
    • Cold Springs (last gas when traveling east)
    • Pinecrest
    • Strawberry
Water: Potable water is available at faucets throughout campground. Filling of RVs is prohibited.
Restroom: Several flush toilets are located throughout the campground. No RV dump station available.
Passes: The Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Passes are honored and provide a 50 percent discount on camping fees in the campground.  Pass number must be written on fee envelope or Pass must be shown to Host. The Interagency Annual and Volunteer passes do not provide any discounts on camping.
Operated By: Dodge Ridge Corporation

General Information

Directions:

One mile east of the California Highway 108 and the Pinecrest Lake Road junction within the Pinecrest Lake Recreation Area.


Accessibility:

Sites are not fully accessible for persons with disabilities.  Campground was built in the 1960's prior to accessibility standards.  Attempts to improve some sites and amenities have been made but are found sporadically in the campground.


Parking:

Parking is limited within Pinecrest Campground.  Extra vehicles must be parked in parking spur.  Extra vehicle cannot be parked in day use parking area.  Vehicle may be cited and towed if parked or left overnight in day use parking area.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Forested and open areas near the shore of Pinecrest Lake. Food, marina and other services available nearby at Pinecrest Lake Resort. Fishing, boat ramp, picnic, swimming and trails nearby at Pinecrest Lake Recreation Area. Campground policy prohibits dogs being left alone at the campsite.
No. of Sites 200
Reservation Info http://www.recreation.gov or call the National Recreation Reservation Service at 877-444-6777 (TDD 877-833-6777)

RV Camping

Lake and Pond Fishing

Pinecrest Lake is planted by California Fish and Wildlife (CAFW) with trout several times during the summer.  Go to the CAFW website to search the planting schedule by watername > https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishPlants/ 

Status: Open
Fees: Valid CA fishing license is required to fish
Hours of Operation: No overnight camping is permitted along the shoreline or in the Pinecrest Lake Day Use Area.  All camping within the Pinecrest Lake Recreation Area must be in a campground. Day use area is closed to the public from 10pm to 6am.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Featured Events

Location

 
  Latitude : 
38.1912

  Longitude : 
-119.9944

  Elevation : 
5,600 feet