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June Lake Campground – Inyo National Forest
- Boulder Drive, June Lake, Mono County, California, 93529, United States
- (877) 444-6777
- October 28, 2025
Pinecrest Campground | Stanislaus National Forest
Description
OVERVIEW
Tucked high in the Sierra Nevada at about 5,600 ft elevation, Pinecrest Campground sits beside Pinecrest Lake and surrounded by forest in the heart of the Stanislaus National Forest. This 300-acre alpine lake offers swimming, paddle-boarding, fishing and a peaceful mountain escape that balances recreation and forested calm. Whether you’re pitching a tent under pines or parking a small trailer, you’ll find the kind of mountain-camping feel that’s both accessible and rejuvenating.
THE CAMPGROUND
- There are nearly 200 campsites available, each with a paved parking pad, picnic table, and metal fire ring.
- Facilities include flush toilets, potable water hydrants, and well-maintained restrooms.
- No full RV hookups; the focus is more rustic-mountain than luxurious RV park.
- Reservations are strongly recommended (especially summer months) — yes: it fills fast.
- Campsites are shaded by mixed conifers and set around the lake basin, offering forest comfort and easy lake access.
THE LAKE, TRAILS & LOCAL ADVENTURE
- Pinecrest Lake itself is stocked with rainbow trout and offers a sandy swim beach, boat rentals and serene shoreline views.
- The “Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail” loops the lake (~4 miles), making for an easy but scenic hike or bike ride.
- Mountain biking, disc golf and forest-trail hiking are available via the nearby Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort in summer, and the entire region is a winter destination too.
- Wildlife watching: look for deer, marmots, forest birds, and the peace that comes with high-altitude forests.
EVENING VIBES & FAMILY TRADITIONS
Evenings here bring the whisper of pines, the glow of fire rings, and a deep mountain quiet. Imagine:
- Dinner cooked over the fire, kids telling stories, the lake reflecting evening light.
- After day-activities, a calm stroll by the lake as the sun sets behind peaks.
- Lying back on a blanket, listening to forest silence, spotting stars above.
- Families returning year after year, building traditions of lakeside mornings and forest nights.
It’s a setting where boots come off, tents go up, and the rhythm slows down.
WHO IT’S FOR
Pinecrest Campground is ideal for:
- Families who enjoy nature with amenities (flush toilets + potable water) and a lake-setting.
- Couples or solo adventurers seeking a mountain escape with lake views and forest trails.
- Anglers, paddlers and swimmers drawn to alpine lake recreation.
- Tent campers or smaller trailers looking to trade hookups for high-forest ambiance.
- Anyone wanting a balance between active outdoor fun and peaceful nature respite.
ADDRESS & KEY LOGISTICS
Address: 18 Pinecrest Lake Road, Pinecrest, CA 95364.
Elevation & Season: ~5,600 ft — prepare for cooler nights even in summer. The campground is seasonal in some loops (typically April–October).
Reservations: Call 1-877-444-6777 or reserve online via Recreation.gov. Plan early.
Vehicle & Site Notes: Maximum site occupancy is typically 6 people; up to 2 vehicles per site.
Tip: Because of elevation and mountain weather, bring layers, check for forest fire restrictions, and be sure your vehicle/trailer is prepared for high-altitude driving.
WHY PINECREST CAMPGROUND?
Because sometimes what you really need is crisp mountain air, the gentle lap of pine-shaded lake, and a campsite where the forest edge meets water. At Pinecrest Campground you’ll find more than just “a place to sleep” — you’ll find space to reconnect: with nature, with loved ones, with a slower pace. Whether you’re casting a line in the lake, hiking to a lookout, or simply sitting by the fire as stars emerge, this is a place to breathe deeper and remember what matters.
Location
18 Pinecrest Lake Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364
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