About Pinecrest
Pinecrest Lake has been a family vacation destination for more than a century.
Pinecrest Recreation Area is located at Pinecrest Lake, a 300-acre lake. It is located 30 miles east of Sonora on State Highway 108. The Recreation Area lies in a timbered setting at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly stocks Pinecrest Lake with rainbow trout. Groceries and other services are available at the Pinecrest town center.
In this beautiful mountain landscape, wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer. Stanislaus National Forest is situated in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. The area boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California’s Great Central Valley.
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 at the sandy beach. Educational programs are also a highlight of the recreation area. Bike rentals are on hand so campers can bike around the area.
Pinecrest Lake Marina
The Pinecrest Lake Marina offers boat rentals including fishing boats, pontoon boats, pedal boats, sailboats and kayaks. Nearby stores have supplies, and multiple lodges offer a variety of single, group and event accommodations.
Winter Sports
Pinecrest is an all-seasons destination. Just beyond Camp’s borders, within a short 10-minute drive, are prime winter recreation areas including Dodge Ridge ski and snowboarding, Long Barn ice rink, and Leland Meadows snow park.
Fishing
Fishing at Pinecrest Lake is mostly for rainbow trout. Anglers do well from boats and shore. A fishing pier, a safe place for children to cast their lines into the water, is located near the beach.
Campgrounds
Pinecrest Campground is located at the western end of the lake, with campsites close enough that campers can walk to the beach, marina, or fishing pier. Other campgrounds are located nearby, including a group campground overlooking the lake.
Lodging
Camp Sylvester
Educational and recreational rental camp facilities for use by youth organizations, university, families, weddings, and special events alike. Lodging for (15-195) total persons.
Pinecrest Lake Resort (0.5 miles from Camp Sylvester)
Guest and family lodging including motel rooms, townhouses, and private cabins.
Pinecrest Chalet (0.5 miles from Camp Sylvester)
Guest and family lodging including private cabins.
Community Amenities
The community of Pinecrest Lake has a grocery store, sporting goods store, and restaurant. Only a couple of miles away in Strawberry are another restaurant and store. More services can be found back down the mountain in small communities like Twain Harte or a half-hour away in Sonora.
Pinecrest Theatre
(209) 402-4870
Located along the Pinecrest beachfront overlooking the water, watch the latest box office films under the stars. Movie showtimes beginning at dusk, May – September (Weather Pending).