Meadowview Campground
Stanislaus National Forest, CAMeadowview sits by Pinecrest Lake at 5,600 feet, 30 miles east of Sonora. The forested campground puts you walking distance from the lake's swimming beach, marina, and 4-mile loop trail. It's built for families and anyone wanting lake access without backcountry effort.
Campground Details
- 💵Fee per Night
- $38
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,600 ft
- 📍GPS
- 38.18640, -120.00380
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- (209) 965-3116
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The 300-acre lake anchors everything here. Most sites sit on the southwest side under tree cover, each with a paved parking pad, picnic table, and fire ring. You're close enough to walk to the beach, visitor center, and amphitheater without feeling like you're camping in a parking lot. The forested setting keeps things cooler at elevation, and wildlife — marmots, deer, coyotes — moves through regularly.
No RV hookups, but drinking water and flush toilets with sinks handle the basics. The small shopping center and coffee shop mean you don't have to haul everything from Sonora.
What to Know
Starting Summer 2026, all sites require advance reservations during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Previously first-come, first-served sites will no longer be available without booking ahead during those months. Currently, loops 100-200 stay first-come, first-served.
The change signals how popular Pinecrest has become. Plan accordingly if you want summer dates.
Nearby
The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail makes an easy 4-mile circle around the water — good for morning walks or evening bike rides (rentals available on-site). Rainbow trout fishing draws crowds to the lake, and the sandy swimming beach gets busy on warm days.
Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort, 30 miles away, flips from winter skiing to summer mountain biking and hiking basecamp. Aspen Meadow Pack Station, three miles out, offers horseback rides if you want to explore beyond the lake. Kennedy Meadows sits 30 miles east with river fishing access and more remote hiking options. Sonora Pass, the historic Sierra crossing route from 1852, provides scenic driving when you need a change from lake life.