Pioneer Trail Group Campground
Stanislaus National Forest

Pinecrest Lake, Stanislaus National Forest, California
Pinecrest Lake, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Pioneer Trail Group Campground
Stanislaus National Forest


Pioneer Trail Group Campground

Pioneer Trail Group Campground is on a forested ridge overlooking Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest. By foot, the lake is less than ½-mile away; by car, about 1½ miles. Pioneer Trail Group Campground has 3 sites, 2 of which can accommodate up to 50 people and a third site which can hold up to 100. Parking lots will hold 10, 15, or 25 vehicles depending on vehicle size The campground is open year-round, allowing individuals to use it without cost for snow camping during the winter.

During the summer months, outdoor movies or ranger programs are offered every night at the Pinecrest Lake amphitheater. Fishing is a favorite past-time from the shore or the designated fishing wharf. In the adjacent community of Pinecrest are a grocery store, sporting goods store, restaurant, bike rentals, and coffee bar. A snack bar is at the beach.

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Pioneer Trail Group Campground Basics
Pioneer Trail Group Campground Location: On Dodge Ridge Road, 1¼ miles off Pinecrest Lake Road
Elevation: 5,850 feet
Miles/Driving time: Stockton - 94 miles, 1:55
Camping Season: Open year-round (no services in winter)
Number of Sites: 3
Max. People per Site: 50, 50, 100
Vehicles per Site: 10, 15, 25
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Dodge Ridge Corporation for the Stanislaus National Forest
Summit Ranger District: (209) 965 3434

Reservations for Pioneer Trail Group Campground
Reservations Required: May through mid-October; forst-come first-served at other times of the year
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 12 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated, access to ADA restroom
Fees: $118 per night for smaller sites
$163 for the larger site
Reservations: Pioneer Trail Group Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 11:00 AM

Pioneer Trail Group Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic tables, pedestal grills, fireplaces
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water; no hook-ups
Showers: Nearby, next to Pinecrest Store
Dump Station: Nearby off Hwy. 108 at Pinecrest Dump
Attractions near Pioneer Trail Group Campground: Visit nearby Pinecrest Lake boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. More good fishing is found at Strawberry and Beardsley Reservoir. Visit Twain Harte. Head up Sonora Pass to Kennedy Meadows. Take a short drive to Aspen Meadow Pack Station for trail rides. Find trails into the Emigrant Wilderness. Just up the road is Dodge Ridge Ski Resort.







General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate



Pioneer Trail Group Campgrond, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Pioneer Trail Group Campground

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Visitors to the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County find a wide range of activities and attractions. Groups who set up their tents at Pioneer Trail Group Campground are only a short hike or drive from Pinecrest Lake.

  • At Twain Harte enjoy weekly, outdoor summer concerts along with good restaurants and shops.
  • Drive up scenic Sonora Pass and over to Leavitt Meadow.
  • The Clark Fork has good camping, fishing, and hiking.
  • Kennedy Meadows offers lodging, a pack station, and a restaurant.
  • Find excellent fishing in the Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir.
  • Take popular hiking trails into the Emigrant Wilderness and Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
  • It's hard to beat Pinecrest Lake for boating and fishing.
  • Saddle up for a trail ride at Kennedy Meadows or Aspen Meadows.
  • Explore the OHV routes at Niagara Creek and other locations.
  • Take off mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Find a number of dedicated Horse Camps in the area.
  • Visit nearby geologic wonders such as Columns of the Giants and Trail of the Gargoyles.
  • Stop at scenic overlooks at Donnell Vista and farther up Sonora Pass.

Key Pioneer Trail Group Campground Regulations

  1. Avoid the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.
  2. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  3. Generator use is limited to 3 hours per day and only between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
  4. Dogs should be on leash and attended at all times.

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