Pinecrest Lake Resort Marina

Pinecrest Lake Resort Marina provides access to the peaceful waters of Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest. This high-altitude lake at 5,600 feet elevation offers a scenic, cooler-weather alternative to lower-elevation lakes. The marina rents out a variety of watercraft including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small motorboats to help visitors enjoy the lake.

The marina's single boat ramp can get busy on summer weekends, but waiting times are usually short. With 50 parking spaces for cars with trailers, the launch area can accommodate multiple groups launching at once. Nearby campgrounds provide convenient overnight options for those wishing to spend more time on the water. Anglers, pontoon boaters, and float tube users are common sights on the lake, making it a popular destination for various types of watercraft.

For paddlers, Pinecrest Lake offers a calm, protected environment to explore by kayak or canoe. The marina's rental fleet and single launch point make it easy for visitors to get on the water, whether for a leisurely paddle or a day of fishing. Boaters should be aware of the lake's high-elevation setting and prepare accordingly for potentially cooler temperatures, especially in the shoulder seasons.

Overview
Pinecrest Lake is located 40 minutes east of Sonora, California, and is within a 3-hour drive from major metropolitan areas including San Francisco, Sacramento and many valley cities. The lake is located at 5,600 feet elevation and provides cool summer relief, spectacular scenery, and lake shore beaches for relaxing, swimming and picnics.Recreation
Pinecrest Lake is popular for...

Overview
Pinecrest Lake is located 40 minutes east of Sonora, California, and is within a 3-hour drive from major metropolitan areas including San Francisco, Sacramento and many valley cities. The lake is located at 5,600 feet elevation and provides cool summer relief, spectacular scenery, and lake shore beaches for relaxing, swimming and picnics.Recreation
Pinecrest Lake is popular for swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing and sailing (small boats). A nearby resort offers boat rentals, lodging and groceries. Movies and interpretive programs are provided in the evenings at the amphitheater, also located in the day use area. Two campgrounds within the Pinecrest Basin offer opportunities at nearly 300 campsites within one mile from the Pinecrest Day Use Area. *Outdoor movie showings and interpretive programs typically end for the season by mid-October due to weather. Please check for availability.
Facilities
Group use sites are fully accessible and provide group size pedestal grills, food storage boxes, group picnic tables and food prep table. Water hydrants and recycle and garbage cans are also located within the sites. Flush toilets are located nearby. 
* Water hydrants are not available during the winter months due to freezing. ** Group sites may be under snow during winter months. Please plan accordingly as accessibility may be limited after heavy snowfall.
Natural Features
The day use area is surrounded by mixed conifer, providing shade during warm summer days. The group picnic sites are located within sight of the lake offering easy access to the lake, beach and hiking trails.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (209) 459-9236.
Nearby Attractions
The Pinecrest National Recreation Trail traverses Pinecrest Lake for an easy four mile hike. Numerous opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and lake play are within 100 feet from each group use picnic site.

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