Pinecrest Day Use Area

4·5 reviews
·Stanislaus National Forest

Overview

Pinecrest Lake is located 40 minutes east of Sonora, California, and is within a 3-hour drive from major metropolitan areas including San Francisco, Sacramento and many valley cities. The lake is located at 5,600 feet elevation and provides cool summer relief, spectacular scenery, and lake shore beaches for relaxing, swimming and picnics.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Bbq

    (2 of 3 campsites have Bbq)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Food Storage Locker

    (2 of 3 campsites have Food Storage Locker)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (Majority of the campsites have true)

Natural Features

Pinecrest Day Use Restroom Facilities - Credits: USDA Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest
Pinecrest Recreation Area - Credits: USDA Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest
Map of the Pinecrest Day Use Area - Credits: USDA Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest
Pinecrest "Fir" Group Picnic Site - Credits: USDA Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest
The day use area is surrounded by mixed conifer, providing shade during warm summer days. The group picnic sites are located within sight of the lake offering easy access to the lake, beach and hiking trails.

Recreation

Pinecrest "Fir" Group Picnic Site - Credits: USDA Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest

Pinecrest Lake is popular for swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing and sailing (small boats). A nearby resort offers boat rentals, lodging and groceries. Movies and interpretive programs are provided in the evenings at the amphitheater, also located in the day use area. Two campgrounds within the Pinecrest Basin offer opportunities at nearly 300 campsites within one mile from the Pinecrest Day Use Area. *Outdoor movie showings and interpretive programs typically end for the season by mid-October due to weather. Please check for availability.

Nearby Attractions

The Pinecrest National Recreation Trail traverses Pinecrest Lake for an easy four mile hike. Numerous opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and lake play are within 100 feet from each group use picnic site.

Additional Information

Campsites