Pinecrest Lake is a recreation area in Stanislaus National Forest, about 40 minutes east of Sonora, California. You can swim and picnic at the lake-shore beaches, walk the surrounding trail and use the day-use area’s picnic facilities.
- Location: Stanislaus National Forest, at an elevation of 5,600 feet.
- Typical opening pattern: Campgrounds and the day-use area are usually open from the start of fishing season until mid-October.
- Walking: A National Recreation Trail circles the lake.
- Facilities: The day-use area has picnic sites, grills and flush toilets.
Times checked November 2026.
What can you do at Pinecrest Lake?
Pinecrest Lake activities include swimming, picnicking and walking, with facilities for group gatherings at the day-use area. The lake sits at an elevation of 5,600 feet in Stanislaus National Forest.
Lake-shore beaches provide places for swimming and picnicking. Watercraft are subject to speed limits: 20 mph on the lake and 5 mph near the marina, boat-launch dock and swimming areas. Personal jet skis are not permitted.
How do you explore the shoreline?
A National Recreation Trail circles Pinecrest Lake, giving you a way to walk along the shoreline and take in different views of the water and surrounding forest.
Plan your walk around the day-use area if you also want to swim or picnic. Dogs are not permitted inside the fenced Pinecrest Day Use Area during part of the year; seasonal rules apply.
What facilities and seasonal conditions should you know about?
The day-use area has group picnic sites with grills, food-storage boxes, picnic tables and food-preparation tables. Water hydrants, garbage and recycling cans are provided at the sites, and flush toilets are located nearby. Group-use sites are fully accessible.
Seasonal conditions can affect facilities and access. Water hydrants are unavailable in winter because of freezing, group sites may be snow-covered, and access may be limited after heavy snowfall. Group picnic sites can be reserved year-round, including during winter, but snow removal is not provided and a site may not be fully usable or accessible.
On weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, parking is generally difficult. The closest spaces generally fill by 10:00 a.m., and outlying parking can be up to 1 mile from the day-use area. Check the official site before you go for current conditions and seasonal details.
How do you drive to Pinecrest Lake from Sonora?
The day-use area is approximately 35 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108, followed by 1 mile along Pinecrest Lake Road from its intersection with Highway 108. The drive from Sonora takes about 40 minutes.
If you are arranging your stay, the lodge’s guest rooms are in Sonora.
FAQs
When is Pinecrest Lake’s day-use area usually open?
The day-use area is usually open from the start of fishing season until mid-October. Winter weather can affect access and facilities.
Can you swim at Pinecrest Lake?
Yes. The recreation area has lake-shore beaches for swimming and picnicking.
Are dogs allowed at Pinecrest Day Use Area?
Dogs are not allowed inside the fenced day-use area during its seasonal restriction period. Check the Forest Service’s current guidance before bringing a dog.