Pioneer Trail Group Campground

Diverging from typical expectations of tightly packed campgrounds, Pioneer Trail Group Campground offers a spacious and well-equipped retreat ideal for large groups seeking both convenience and natural immersion. Located within Stanislaus National Forest near Pinecrest Lake, this campground features three separate sites accommodating up to 50 or 100 individuals, making it perfect for family reunions, scout groups, or outdoor events.

Each campsite provides essential amenities, including pedestal BBQ grills, fire rings, multiple picnic tables, food preparation areas, and vault toilets. The paved parking areas can accommodate significant vehicle volume, with direct access to a one-mile trail leading to the Pinecrest Lake Day Use Area. Here, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing for rainbow trout, boating, and hiking along the scenic 4-mile Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot deer, coyotes, and marmots in the surrounding wooded basin.

Just 1.5 miles off Dodge Ridge Road from the Summit Ranger Station, the campground is easily accessible while preserving its serene forested ambiance. Within a short drive, Pinecrest Lake Resort offers additional amenities like a marina and pay showers, further enhancing convenience without compromising the natural charm. Whether for a summer gathering or adventurous winter camping, Pioneer Trail Group Campground is a versatile destination blending practicality with the rugged beauty of California’s Sierra Nevada.