OPERATIONAL STATUS
All campgrounds are currently open except for Boulder Flat. Please read below for updates.
Read below for details on all campground opening dates.
Scroll down for the complete list of campgrounds we operate.
Join The Summer Team
Take Time Off For A Fun Summer Job
Enjoy your summer in the sierra and work in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Join the campground team and help maintain the 11 different campgrounds that Dodge Ridge manages throughout the Stanislaus National Forest.
We'll also be developing our new summer operations at Dodge Ridge with mountain biking, lift-accessed disc golf, scenic chairlift rides, events and more. Keep an eye out as we post positions to support these new operations.
Please Read the Campground Rules and Regulations. Campers are responsible for knowing and abiding by these inn keeper rules and regulations to best ensure the quality camping experience by all visitors.
Reservation Information
Please visit Recreation.gov to make your reservation for the Pinecrest Campground or Pioneer Trail Group Campgrounds or call (877) 444-6777. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.
1/2 price for seniors 62 & older with Golden Access Pass.
Golden Access Passes can be purchased for $80 at any Forest Service Station.
1/2 price for campers with disabilities.
Must pick up a Disability Access Pass from any Forest Service Station.
Pinecrest Campground
Status: Now Open for camping by reservation (Occasional Same-Day Walk-In Sites Available)
Visit Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777 to make a reservation.
A short five minute walk from beautiful Pinecrest Lake, the Pinecrest Campground offers almost 200 sites for a variety of tent, trailer, and RV camping for access to all the fishing, hiking, swimming, paddling, and enjoyment that Pinecrest has to offer. The area is mostly forested and each site has a paved parking pad, picnic table, and fire ring. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.
- Occupancy in campsites will be strictly enforced: 6 people per site including children.
- Two Vehicles per site (includes trailers/RVs).
- If you or anyone in your party are feeling unwell, please stay home. We recommend that all visitors thoughtfully weigh their choice about travelling and heed recommendations set forth by County and State Health Officials, and the Center for Disease Control.
Meadowview Campground
Status: now open for first-come, first-serve camping
Fire restrictions will continue to be in place per forest order. These restrictions prohibit campfires, charcoal stoves, and smoking materials in the Forest.
Meadowview is located right next to the Pinecrest Campground and is a short five minute walk from beautiful Pinecrest Lake. Meadowview offers a variety of tent, trailer, and RV camping with access to all the fishing, hiking, swimming, paddling and everything else that Pinecrest Lake is famous for. The area is mostly forested and each site has a paved parking pad, picnic table, and fire ring.
Brightman Complex Campgrounds
Status:
- All Brightman Complex Campgrounds are now open for first-come, first-serve camping except for Boulder Flat
- Boulder Flat will open in June (check back for updates)
These five campgrounds are small, offering 10 – 35 sites per campground, providing a true high country camping experience. Located on the banks of the Stanislaus River, 20 miles East of Pinecrest, these campgrounds are some of the highest on the Sonora Pass. This area offers some of the best fishing, hiking and scenery in the region. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
The Brightman Complex is made up of the following 5 campgrounds (check each tab for pricing and dates of availability)
Fraser Flat Campground
Status: Now Open for First-Come, First-Serve Camping
Fraser Flat is located approximately 10 miles below Pinecrest on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. Fraser Flat is a picturesque campground located on a gently flowing section of the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. This campground has 38 sites, paved roads and parking pads, tables, fire rings, vault toilets and potable water. There are also 2 ADA accessible sites and 3 fishing piers on the river, one of which is ADA accessible. There are many Forest Service roads and trails in the area which provide access to the region's forest. Fraser Flat offers an interpretive program on a variety of topics including the History of the Tri Dam project, Mark Twain, and Campfire songs.
Pioneer Trail Campground
Status: Now open for camping by reservation-only
Visit Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777 to make a reservation.
Summer Camping
Pioneer Trail is a group campground with 3 large sites capable of accommodating 50 – 100 people each, perfect for youth groups, family reunions, scouting groups, social groups etc. Parking areas are paved. Each site has multiple picnic tables and large fire rings for serious outdoor cooking. It is a short walk down the hill to Pinecrest Lake and associated amenities. Reservations are required for this campground by calling (877) 444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.
Winter Camping (October 18, 2021 to mid-April 2022)
Pioneer Trail will open for first-come-first-serve, Winter Camping from October 18 through Mid-April. Winter camping is free for groups of 15 or less. Please send an email to [email protected] to inform our staff of your planned arrival date.
- Potable water is not available during winter camping.
- Vault toilets are available during winter camping.
- Garbage cans are not available during winter camping. You are responsible for packing-in and packing-out your trash.
Clark Fork Complex
Status: Now Open for First-Come, First-Serve Camping
- Clark Fork will not have potable water for it's opening weekend, beginning May 20. Make sure to bring your own.
Clark Fork and Sand Flat Campgrounds are situated along the Clark Fork banks of the Stanislaus River, 5 miles from the junction of Clark Fork Road and Highway 108. It is about 25 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station in Pinecrest.
Things to Do & Resources In The Pinecrest Area
Campground Rules and Regulations
Please read our Campground Rules & Regulations. Campers are responsible for knowing and abiding by these inn keeper rules and regulations to best ensure the quality camping experience by all visitors.
Campground Comments & Questions
- For questions about reservations or to make a reservation, call (877) 444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov.
- Feel free to send an email about your recent stay or about an upcoming stay at any of the campgrounds listed above to [email protected] or call the Pinecrest Kiosk (209) 965-3116
All prices listed are subject to change without notice
These campgrounds are operated by Dodge Ridge under a special use permit from the Stanislaus National Forest.
The US Forest Service