Can you reserve a site at Pioneer Trail?

Yes, Pioneer Trail is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Pioneer Trail?

40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Pioneer Trail?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pioneer Trail.

Are campfires allowed at Pioneer Trail?

Campfires are allowed at Pioneer Trail. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Pioneer Trail, California — 3 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

3 bookable sites
Vehicles up to 40 ft
Up to 100 people per site
Loops: PIO2, PIO3, PION

Site types

3 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed
Water hookups — not available
Sewer hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

3 campsites at Pioneer Trail

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
2	PIO2	Group Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	40 ft	100	🐾
3	PIO3	Group Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	30 ft	50	🐾
1	PION	Group Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	40 ft	50	🐾

Getting there

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.

38.18750, -119.98750 · 38°11'15.0"N 119°59'15.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 89°F in Jul, down to 49°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	49	51	55	61	70	81	89	89	82	70	57	49
Low °F	31	31	33	37	44	51	58	57	53	45	36	31
Precip in	9.7	8.3	7.4	3.9	2.6	0.8	0.3	0.1	0.4	2.7	4.6	8.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 15.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Pioneer Trail

Can you reserve a site at Pioneer Trail?: Yes, Pioneer Trail is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Pioneer Trail have?: 3 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Pioneer Trail?: 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Pioneer Trail?: Yes, pets are allowed at Pioneer Trail.
Does Pioneer Trail have hookups?: No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Pioneer Trail?: Campfires are allowed at Pioneer Trail. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Pioneer Trail

Pinecrest Day Use Area 0.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pinecrest 0.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Meadowview Campground 0.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Crabtree Cross-Country Ski Trailhead 1.2 mi · Facility
Gooseberry Cross-Country Ski Trailhead 1.4 mi · Facility
Sugar Pine Railway - Strawberry to Fraser 1.7 mi · Facility
TeleLi puLaya (Black Oak) Campground 3.6 mi · Campground
Fraser Flat Fishing Pier Day Use 4.9 mi · Facility
Herring Creek Campground 4.9 mi · Campground
Herring Reservoir Campground 5.1 mi · Campground
Beardsley Dam Campground 5.1 mi · Campground
Highway 108 Sno-Park 5.6 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Pioneer Trail