Mi Wok Ranger District Campgrounds
01 reviewMi Wok Ranger District Campgrounds
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates during peak season from May 08 to October 20, 2025, are $40 per night for standard nonelectric sites. Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Stanislaus National Forest, Pinecrest Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to a mountain paradise at 5,600 feet elevation. This expansive facility serves as your gateway to the pristine waters of Pinecrest Lake, where days unfold with endless possibilities. Whether you're launching from the marina at dawn, gathering for evening programs at the amphitheater, or exploring miles of scenic hiking trails, Pinecrest offers something for every member of your camping party. The visitor center provides insights into the area's natural wonders, while the inviting swimming beach and day-use areas create perfect settings for family memories.
This campground supports tent camping and accommodates RVs without hookups. Group camping and other forms of camping such as cabins or glamping are not detailed.
Historical SignificanceThe Pinecrest area stands as a testament to California's commitment to preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment, offering generations of families a consistent mountain retreat within the Stanislaus National Forest.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, Pinecrest transforms into a high-country haven where warm summer days invite lake adventures and cool mountain evenings call for campfire stories. While winter blankets the area in snow, forcing seasonal closure, the camping season brings ideal conditions for outdoor recreation. Summer temperatures provide welcome relief from valley heat, making this elevation perfect for those seeking comfortable camping weather in California's Sierra Nevada.
ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Pinecrest Campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere. This elevation delivers refreshingly cool summer temperatures that provide natural air conditioning, while the thinner mountain air adds a crisp quality to every breath. The altitude creates an ideal climate for comfortable camping, where warm days give way to pleasantly cool nights perfect for sleeping under the stars.
Natural Features and SceneryThe crown jewel of this mountain setting is the spectacular 300-acre Pinecrest Lake, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding forest canopy. Towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral around your campsite, while the diverse ecosystem supports an enchanting array of wildlife. Early risers might spot marmots sunning on granite boulders, while playful squirrels provide endless entertainment throughout the day. As evening approaches, keen observers may glimpse coyotes moving through the shadows or deer gracefully stepping through the forest understory, reminding visitors they're guests in this thriving mountain habitat.
Geological RegionSet within the granite backbone of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Pinecrest showcases the dramatic geological forces that shaped California's most iconic landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information regarding accessibility features.
Sites SizeNo specific sizing information for sites beyond the inability to accommodate large motor homes and trailers at certain areas.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy details for campsites are not specified.
Total Campsites300 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2P.M.
Check-out
11 A.M.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit throughout the year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 people per site.
Groups
No group site-specific details are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites include paved parking pads, picnic tables, and campfire rings. The campground entrance features a reservation check-in kiosk.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations May 08 to October 20, 2025. Can be booked up to six months in advance.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov website and mobile app, contact center, and in-person reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up/first-come-first-serve availability outside of reservation season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 cancellation fee and additional penalties for late cancellations, including forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A wide range of recreational activities is available, including hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, boating, and educational programs. The nearby Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort offers additional activities such as mountain biking, disc golf, and outdoor games.
Hiking
The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail offers an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake.Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout is popular in Pinecrest Lake.Swimming
Designated swimming areas, including a sandy beach, are available.Biking
Bike rentals are available, and biking trails are present in the area.Boating
Boating activities are supported, including boat rentals at Pinecrest Lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer.Beach activities
A day-use beach area is available for sunbathing and swimming.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are offered within the recreation area.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Boating and kayaking opportunities are mentioned, but no explicit details about water sports such as paddleboarding or windsurfing are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire rings only. Daytime fires are discouraged, and only dead and downed wood may be used.
- Quiet hours from 10 P.M. to 6 A.M.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as coyotes and marmots. Campers must also adhere to bear-safety measures.
Active alertsNo active alerts noted.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 08 to October 20, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are available. Trash should be disposed of inside dumpsters with the lid closed and locked.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Pinecrest Lake, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention lack of up-to-date information on closures and campfire restrictions.
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Mi Wok Ranger District Campgrounds has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as less visited with mixed reviews. Overall sentiment for the campgrounds is rated at 1.0 out of 5.0.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's proximity to Pinecrest Lake and its range of recreational activities are appreciated.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Reviews did not highlight specific complaints, but ratings indicate dissatisfaction with some campers.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations from user reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends or variations in reviews are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"They were closed, and the information was not up to date on the closures and campfire info."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific information about individual campsites or their reviews is provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
There is no feedback related to accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must comply with Tuolumne County leash laws.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025