Pinecrest Day Use Area

Stanislaus National Forest, California

Sold out? We check Pinecrest Day Use Area for cancellations and email you the moment a site opens.

Cancellation alerts

Sold out for your dates?

ArriveLeave

Free to start. Email alerts included.

As of September 2026, Pinecrest Day Use Area is a campground in Stanislaus National Forest, California with 3 campsites. Pinecrest Day Use Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Pinecrest Day Use Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Pinecrest Day Use Area is located at 38.1914° N, 119.9933° W.

people allowed on each site: 50

Pinecrest Day Use Area reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Pinecrest Day Use Area

FirPine

Group 3
Accessible 3

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Valley.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking.

All sites at Pinecrest Day Use Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the PINECREST DAY USE AREA loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Access
Cedar	Group	50	Accessible
Fir	Group	50	Accessible
Pine	Group	50	Accessible

About Pinecrest Day Use Area

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.

Recreation

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.

Facilities

Group use sites are fully accessible and provide group size pedestal grills, food storage boxes, group picnic tables and food prep table. Water hydrants and recycle and garbage cans are also located within the sites. Flush toilets are located nearby.

* Water hydrants are not available during the winter months due to freezing. ** Group sites may be under snow during winter months. Please plan accordingly as accessibility may be limited after heavy snowfall.

Natural Features

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (209) 459-9236.

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.

Rules and notices at Pinecrest Day Use Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 25, 2026. Check Pinecrest Day Use Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Dogs are not permitted in the Pinecrest Day Use Area fence area between May 15 to September 15; between September 16 to May 14 dogs are permitted in the Pinecrest Day Use Area.

Pine and Fir Groups sites are within the Pinecrest Day Use Area; therefore, dogs owners must comply with pet restrictions of the Pinecrest Day Use Area. Cedar Group site is outside of the dog restriction area and are permitted in the group site. Please plan accordingly and do not leave your pet in your vehicle.

Parking is generally difficult on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While there are parking spaces within 100 feet from each group site, the closest parking spaces generally fill by 10:00 a.m. on weekend days. Outlying parking may be up to one mile from the day use area.

Group site reservations does not include parking stalls or the use of the parking lot other than for parking; no BBQs or other activities are permitted in parking area.

A Group Picnic Site can be reserved year-round including during winter snow season. During the winter snow season, site may be buried under snow. If reserved during this season, snow removal is NOT provided per reservation to gain access to table and BBQ grills, the site will be in as-is condition during winter and may not be fully usable or accessible.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Pinecrest Day Use Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Pinecrest Day Use Area?

Pinecrest Day Use Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Pinecrest Day Use Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Pinecrest Day Use Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Pinecrest Day Use Area have?

Pinecrest Day Use Area has 3 campsites.