
Do dogs have to be on a leash at Pinecrest Lake?
Pets MUST be on a leash at ALL TIMES in the Pinecrest Lake Recreation Area per Tuolumne County Ordinance. Boating is permitted on the lake and subject to a 20-mph speed limit on the lake and a 5-mph speed limit near the marina and swimming area, (personal watercrafts are prohibited).
Where can I park overnight in Pinecrest?
Welcome to Pinecrest. Overflow parking for extra overnight vehicles is located on Pinecrest School Rd. Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit
Can you swim in Sonora 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. From Sonora, take Highway 108 east for 30 miles, take the Pinecrest exit onto Pinecrest Lake Road and continue to the campground.

How much does it cost to get into Pinecrest Lake?
No fee for parking and visiting the day use area including for the use of a single picnic table and grill. For a large-group picnic site, the fee is $60 per-day per-site and can be reserved at Recreation.gov up to 12-months in advance. Fees are not accepted on site.
Does Pinecrest Lake have water now?
Today. Pinecrest Lake's current water temperature is 66°F. Today's forecast is: Clear throughout the day., with a high around 81°F and a low around 56°F.
What is the water temperature of Pinecrest Lake?
West Coast RV CampingLake Size:300 surface acressummer:79 degreesfall:71 degreeswinter:46 degreesSummer Surface Water Temperature:72 degrees9 more rows
Are there bears at Pinecrest Lake?
See Pinecrest Lake, the trees, the mountains behind the lake. See many squirrels, the occasional raccoon, and the very occasional black bear. (The bears are around, but shy.)
Is Pinecrest Lake open now?
Area Status: Open 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.
Where does Pinecrest Lake get its water from?
Lyons ReservoirPinecrest Lake and Lyons Reservoir are part of two hydro-electric power generation facilities owned, maintained and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG & E). In an agreement with PG & E, TUD receives its water supply from Lyons Reservoir through the 15.7 mile Main Canal.
Is Pinecrest Lake busy?
Pinecrest has something for everyone, including paved a walking path along the lake, easy for everyone to enjoy. The lake is pretty large and with a boat, you can probably find a secluded spot on the other side. Personally, this lake gets too crowded for my tastes.
When was Pinecrest Lake built?
1914Pinecrest Lake was built in the logging era of 1914. The lake was to provide drinking water to the lower elevations and generate power through the power house downstream at Spring Gap. Pinecrest Lake is the last in a series of dams constructed on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River.
How do you fish in Pinecrest Lake?
Shore fishermen are using power baits and doing good past third beach by cement ramp & dam. Bait fishing from a boat at inlet is great using pautske eggs, power bait. The trollers are doing well along south shore and dam down about 20 to 30 feet 25 to 35 at dam using blades with night crawlers or dodgers.
How far is it around Pinecrest Lake?
Pinecrest National Recreation Trail, a 4 mile hiking trail around the lake.
Are dogs allowed at Pinecrest Campground?
The campground caters to all ages and is within walking distance of the lake, an amphitheater, visitor center, swimming beach and spectacular hiking trails. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.
Is Pinecrest Lake busy?
Pinecrest has something for everyone, including paved a walking path along the lake, easy for everyone to enjoy. The lake is pretty large and with a boat, you can probably find a secluded spot on the other side. Personally, this lake gets too crowded for my tastes.
Is Pinecrest Lake low?
Sonora Pass & Campground Report Pinecrest Lake is at 5,679 feet of elevation.
How do you fish in Pinecrest Lake?
Shore fishermen are using power baits and doing good past third beach by cement ramp & dam. Bait fishing from a boat at inlet is great using pautske eggs, power bait. The trollers are doing well along south shore and dam down about 20 to 30 feet 25 to 35 at dam using blades with night crawlers or dodgers.
Is there cell service at Pinecrest Lake?
There is no cell or data coverage on my phone (AT&T) but there is wifi available for a fee. Fortunately the resort was having problems with the wifi and offered it free during the our stay, so that was nice. Wifi should be included with the cost of the room, which I thought was high for what it featured.
Can you store a boat on the beach?
Overnight boat storage on the beach or shore is prohibited which includes pop-up awnings and float toys, (items left overnight will be considered abandoned and removed).
Is there a swimming area at Beach 1?
The swimming area at Beach 1, marked by white buoys, is for swimming only. No boats or fishing in this area. Foot travel only is allowed on the Pinecrest National Recreation Trail. Water: Drinking fountain at Restrooms. Restroom: Flush toilets available throughout the day-use area. Operated By:
Can dogs go on a leash in Tuolumne County?
Dogs are required to be on a leash elsewhere within the Pinecrest Recreation Area (Tuolumne County Leash Law). Boating (except for personal watercraft) is allowed on the lake, subject to a 20 MPH speed limit on the lake and a 5 MPH speed limit near the marina and swim area.
Where is Pinecrest Lake Resort?
Pinecrest Lake Resort is located in beautiful Pinecrest, California just steps from the shores of Pinecrest Lake in the midst of The Stanislaus National Forest.
Can you swim in Pinecrest Lake?
You can swim near a sandy beach or wade into cold clear water of Pinecrest Lake cooling your feet while lost in the beauty of nature, or rent a boat on Pinecrest Lake and spend the day with your whole family. During the summer months fishing takes center stage in Pinecrest.
Is Pinecrest Lake fishing?
During the summer months fishing takes center stage in Pinecrest. Stocked with rainbow trout on a weekly basis Pinecrest Lake is sure to please any angler. The Pinecrest Lake Marina offers boat rentals to suit your pleasure and tackle on your way out on the water.
How long is Pinecrest Lake Trail?
Pinecrest Lake trail goes around the whole lake, eventually it'll bring you back to where you began. It's about 4 miles long. It possible to hike it quickly. But others will want to make a day of it. There are many nice spots to stop along the way and enjoy the sun and the water. It starts by the marina and goes over the dam. But you can hike it going the other direction.
Where is the Pinecrest Amphitheater?
The pinecrest amphitheater is located in the Pinecrest lake day use area above beach 2. The amphitheater plays host to many different events, including church services on Sundays and the Pinecrest Theater, where you can see your favorite movies under the stars.
How long is the Cleo's bath trail?
Cleo's bath trail is much less trafficked and significantly longer at about 7 miles.
Who owns Pinecrest Dam?
The current Pinecrest dam was built in 1916, it replaced the Strawberry dam, which was built in 1856. The Pinecrest dam is now owned and operated by PG&E for power generation.
What is the beach closest to the marina?
Beach 1 is the beach area closest to the marina and snack bar . This beach area is also usually the most crowded and the beach area with the least amount of shade. Beach 1 also has a paved path that goes through the middle of it when the water level is high.
Where is Pinecrest campground?
Pinecrest features a large campground by Pinecrest Lake, just 30 miles east of Sonora, at an elevation of 5600 feet. The area includes a day-use beach and a marina, a small shopping center and recreation cabins. The campground caters to all ages and is within walking distance of the lake, an amphitheater, visitor center, ...
How far to go from Sonora to Pinecrest?
From Sonora, take Highway 108 east for 30 miles, take the Pinecrest exit onto Pinecrest Lake Road and continue to the campground.
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