Pinecrest Lake
- Type
- Mountain lake
- Elevation
- 5,600 ft
- Size
- About 300 acres
- Launch fee
- Free
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Boat rentals
- Fuel dock
- Camping
- Accessible
About this lake
Pinecrest Lake is a 300-acre lake at 5,600 feet in the Stanislaus National Forest. PG&E owns the lake, and the Forest Service runs the recreation area.
On the water
Launching is free at the Pinecrest boat launch. The speed limit is 20 mph, dropping to 5 mph near the marina and swim area, and personal watercraft aren't allowed. The marina rents boats and sells fuel, tackle and supplies.
Around the lake
The swim area at Beach 1 is marked by white buoys. The Pinecrest National Recreation Trail circles the lake for about 4 miles, and the Pinecrest and Meadowview campgrounds have about 300 sites. Rainbow trout are stocked by the state; fishing isn't allowed at the marina docks, the launch or the swim area.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Pinecrest is off Highway 108; the marina is on Pinecrest Lake Road.
Launching
The state boating database lists the launch for boats from 10 to 24 feet.
Hours
The day use area is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Speed limit
- 20 mph; 5 mph near marina and swim area
- Not allowed
- Personal watercraft
- Ranger district
- (209) 965-3434
What's here
Launch
Free public boat launch
Boat rentals
Marina boat rentals
Fuel
Fuel sales at the marina
Swimming
Swim area at Beach 1
Camping
About 300 sites at Pinecrest and Meadowview campgrounds
Fishing
Stocked rainbow trout; accessible fishing pier
Accessible
Accessible fishing pier
Trails
4-mile Pinecrest National Recreation Trail
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- 20 mph speed limit; 5 mph near the marina and swim area; no personal watercraftfs.usda.gov ↗
- No fishing at the marina docks, boat launch or swim areafs.usda.gov ↗
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