Pines Group Campground caters to the large gathering — families of 20, friend groups plotting Yosemite adventures, church retreats needing space to spread out. The tent-only site sits at 3,200 feet in mixed conifers, 15 miles from Yosemite's boundary, designed for groups up to 50 people who want a base camp without the crowds.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 37.81831, -120.09570
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 209-379-2258
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The single group site occupies a mixed conifer forest setting where you'll have the entire campground to yourselves. It's tent-only camping, which keeps things simple and focused on the group experience rather than RV logistics. The 3,200-foot elevation puts you in that sweet spot where the air stays crisp without getting into serious altitude territory.
Winter camping is free here, though you'll need to bring your own water and toilet paper when the services shut down for the cold months. The year-round access makes this one of the few group sites where you can plan a snow camping trip without permit hassles.
What to Know
With space for 50 people, this isn't your intimate backpacking experience. It's built for the logistics of large groups — multiple families coordinating meal prep, Scout troops working on camping badges, or extended family reunions where someone inevitably forgets their sleeping bag.
The Tuolumne River runs nearby for wading and fishing access, though you'll need a short drive to reach the water. For groups with mixed hiking abilities, the Little Golden Forest Trail delivers with a half-mile interpretive loop that can extend to two miles for those wanting more distance.
Nearby
Yosemite sits just 15 miles away, making this a strategic base for groups wanting park access without park campground competition. Within Stanislaus National Forest itself, you're positioned for Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant, and Mokelumne Wilderness access — serious backcountry for group members ready to split off for day hikes or overnight trips.
Winter opens different possibilities with Dodge Ridge, Bear Valley, and Badger Pass ski areas all within striking distance. The campground becomes a budget-friendly alternative to lodge stays when your group wants to combine skiing with camping.
Dogs are welcome but need to follow Tuolumne County leash requirements — worth noting for groups where half the members are bringing their trail dogs.