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State Park

Photo: USDA Forest Service, Stanislaus National ForestPublic domainRecreation.gov

Verify with the state park system

State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.

Directions

3

Total Sites

0.0

0 Reviews

3 Group

Official sources & verification

Managed by State Park

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Source of truth

Reserve or permit

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We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this campground using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: Aug 8, 2026. Our copy is more than a month old — please reconfirm with the agency before relying on it.Spot an error in our data?

Live availability

via Recreation.gov
See every open campground nearbySame dates & filters, across the whole area

Availability is a recent snapshot, not a live hold — you always complete the booking on recreation.gov.

About

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.

Reviews

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How busy it gets

Recreation.gov
3.8

8 camper reviews on Recreation.gov

Amenities

Picnic Tables
Fire Rings

Cell reception

Camper reports · checked Sep 29, 2026

Good Coverage

Average 3.3 of 4 bars · 3 reports across 1 carrier

Uninterrupted voice connection; consistent but possibly weak/slow data service; rare and/or very small drop-outs at site/facility. Signal may not show as full-strength across site/facility. Slower social media photo/video upload speeds.

  • Verizon

    Good Coverage

    3.3/4

    3 reports

Reported by campers on Recreation.gov, not measured by us. Reception varies by handset, weather, and where you stand in the campground. Recreation.gov

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in 2:00 PM

Check-out 11:00 AM

Campground Rules

  • Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting

Reservations

This campground accepts reservations. Book early for popular dates.

Make a Reservation

Individual Sites (3)

1
#1

1

Loop PION

Check official pricing Max 50 guests40 ft
CampsiteGroupPets OKCampfires
Reserve
2
#2

2

Loop PIO2

Check official pricing Max 100 guests40 ft
CampsiteGroupPets OKCampfires
Reserve
3
#3

3

Loop PIO3

Check official pricing Max 50 guests30 ft
CampsiteGroupPets OKCampfires
Reserve

Within ~30 miles

Trails near Pioneer Trail

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Hunt context

Hunting units around this campground

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Nearby Campgrounds

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