Pinecrest Lake
Fishing, Boating, Camping, Swimming, Hiking, Outdoor Movies
Pinecrest Lake draws thousands of visitors every year, but it still retains its friendly, small community atmosphere that has made it a favorite vacation destination for generations of families.
Thirty miles east of Sonora in Tuolumne County, California, Pinecrest Lake and its surrounding community are easy to reach via uncrowded Highway 108 in summer and winter.
Pinecrest Run 2024
The date is set for the 48th annual Pinecrest Run! Don't miss out. Five-mile run or a FREE one-mile Fun Run. Race Day registratioin open at 7:30 AM on the First Beach at Pinecrest Lake. Fun Run starts at 8:30 AM; Five Mile Run at 9:00 AM. Pre-register at Pinecrest Run Pre-Registration Volunteers needed for traffic control, registration, water stations, t-shirt sales, etc. Facebook: Pinecrest Run
Pinecrest Lake is well known for great fishing and boating, a friendly marina and free boat launch ramp, a fishing dock, sandy beaches and roped off area for swimmers. A 20 MPH speed limit on the lake and restrictions against water skiing and jet skis help to maintain Pinecrest Lake's tranquil atmosphere. At an elevation of 5,616 feet, 30-acre Pinecrest Lake is high enough to remain balmy and comfortable even during the heat of summer.
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Pinecrest Marina
Pinecrest Lake Marina is open from 6 AM to 8 PM during the summer and 8 AM to 6 PM during spring and fall. They rent aluminum fishing boats with outboard motors. The boats hold five people.
The Pinecrest Lake Marina also rents paddle (pedal) boats, which hold up to 4 people. Kayaks (both single or double seaters) are available.
Sunfish sailboats can be rented for 2 hours or for a half day of sailing on Pinecrest Lake. Two sizes of pontoon "partyboats" are available with a maximum capacity of 10 or 15 people. Reservations for the partyboats are strongly recommended: (209) 965-3333
Temporary boat slips are available to rent by the night, week or month.
Pinecrest Lake Campgrounds
Pinecrest Campground
Pinecrest Campground is located within easy walking distance of Pinecrest Lake. The campground has 22 tent-only sites and 175 tent or RV sites. Reservations are strongly recommended (877-444-6777). Typical Pinecrest Campground campsite facilities include a paved parking pad, picnic table and fire ring. The majority of the sites are forested. Bathrooms have flush toilets, sinks and a utility sink.
No RV hookups area available. There is a dump station available nearby. The campground has water faucets with potable water.
Cost: $36 per night
Meadowview Campground
Meadowview Campground is located about a mile from Pinecrest Lake on Dodge Ridge Road. A paved walking/bicycle path connects Meadowview Campground with Pinecrest Campground and Pinecrest Lake. Meadowview Campground campsites have paved parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings. the campsites are scattered through forested area. Bathrooms have flush toilets, sinks and a utility sink. They have 13 tent-only sites and 84 tent or RV sites. No RV hookups area available. The campground has water faucets with potable water. It is a first come, first served campground.
Cost: $34 per night.
Pioneer Trail Group Campground
Pioneer Trail Group Campground is located about a half mile from Pinecrest Lake by dirt trail and two miles by road. Pioneer Trail Group Campground is perfect for groups from 50 to 100 people.
Pioneer Trail Group Campground is divided into three shaded group areas. No hook-ups or electricity available. Campground reservations are required during the summer months.
For more campground information, see Pinecrest Campgrounds
Pinecrest Lake Amenities
- Picnic Area - A large picnic area with 50 tables shaded by trees is adjacent to the swimming beach on the west end of Pinecrest Lake.
- Bicycle rentals at The Pinecrest Hub near the stores in Pinecrest, range from $8 for 1½ hours for children to $10 for adults. All-day rentals run $20 to $25. They also rent electric scooters and wagons.
- Amphitheater - The amphitheater, located next to the picnic area, is used for Ranger programs, outdoor movies, and Sunday church services.
- Fishing Dock - The fishing dock is on the southwest corner of the lake, providing a safe area for children to try their luck catching rainbow trout.
- Stores - A cluster of stores just west of the lake include a grocery, post office, sporting goods, coffee kiosk, the Steam Donkey Restaurant, and bicycle rentals.
- The Pinecrest Art Gallery is upstairs above the Pinecrest Lake Resort office next to the bicycle rental area.
- RV Waste Disposal - located at the dump, off Highway 108, a half mile west of the Summit Ranger Station.
Visitor Activities and Campfire Programs are usually announced in late May: Pinecrest Visitor Activities and Campfire Programs Schedule
