Pioneer Trail

Overview

Pioneer Trail Group Campground offers groups of up to 100 people the opportunity to camp near the beautiful Pinecrest Lake. The campground is located within the Pinecrest Recreational Area just 2 miles from the lake, which beckons visitors with excellent fishing, boating, hiking and swimming opportunities.

In this spectacular mountain region, wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer.

Recreation

The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail takes hikers on an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow trout is a common catch in the lake and swimming is enjoyed in designated beach areas.

Facilities

Campsites 1 and 3 will accommodate up to 50 campers and Site 2 will accommodate up to 100 campers. Each site features a large campfire circle, picnic tables and vault toilets. No RV hookups or electricity are available. Pay showers are within a few miles. Winter camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.

Natural Features

Pioneer Trail sits at an elevation of 5,600 feet, in a wooded area near the southwest side of the 300-acre Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest.

Stanislaus National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. It boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley.

Nearby Attractions

The nearby Sonora Pass is a scenic winding highway that has guided people across the Sierra Nevada since 1852. 

Camp site features

Across 3 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 3 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 3 sites
  • Group sites: all 3 sites
  • Longest RV: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 100 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest water fill: 1.2 mi

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

8 reviews
5 stars
4
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 stars
1
Rafael R
Loop:Pio3
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Nice lake
Marisol S
Loop:Pio3
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Great campsite! 3 huge tables, 2 grills, 3 water spigots. Alot of space for kids to runaround. And we had 10 tents.
Angel Q
Loop:Pion
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Spacious, clean and amazing views. The big fire pits were amazing.
Holy Y
Loop:Pio3
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
Peace and quiet
Carlos C
Loop:Pion
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
Very noisy campers next to us. Up yelling all night. Didn’t sleep very much because of this. Would like a refund.
Ka T
Loop:Pio2
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
There was plenty of space for a large group to gather. Plenty of parking, picnic tables and BBQ grills. Also plenty of shades.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 7, 2027 – Oct 11, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 7, 2028 – Oct 19, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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