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Pioneer Trail Campground in California
Hard to BookNational Forest

Pioneer Trail Campground

Stanislaus National Forest, California

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As of October 2026, Pioneer Trail Campground is a campground in Stanislaus National Forest, California with 3 campsites. Pioneer Trail Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Pioneer Trail Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Pioneer Trail Campground is located at 38.1875ยฐ N, 119.9875ยฐ W.
people allowed on 2 of 3 sites
50
people allowed on the largest site
100

Pioneer Trail Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Taxes apply
  • Maximum per transaction: 3 reservations per transaction

Published by Recreation.gov for Pioneer Trail Campground, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Pioneer Trail Campground

  • Group 3

What an RV fits

  • 30 ft1 site
  • 40 ft2 sites

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • showers

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Pioneer Trail Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

SiteLoopTypeSleepsMax RV
2PIO2Group10040 ft
3PIO3Group5030 ft
1PIONGroup5040 ft

About Pioneer Trail Campground

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.

Rules and notices at Pioneer Trail Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Pioneer Trail Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Pets are allowed, but not in day-use area

Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis outside the reservation season

For more information on Staunislaus National Forest, click here

Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Pioneer Trail Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Pioneer Trail Campground?

Pioneer Trail Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Pioneer Trail Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Pioneer Trail Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Pioneer Trail Campground have?

Pioneer Trail Campground has 3 campsites.

More campgrounds in Stanislaus National Forest

Same forest, same drive. Set an alert on any of them alongside this one.

All 16 Stanislaus National Forest campgrounds

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