Meadowview Campground

Welcome, California adventurers, to Meadowview Campground – your ideal local escape nestled in the scenic beauty of Pinecrest, CA. For those living in the Golden State, finding a perfect spot to unplug and reconnect with nature doesn't always require a cross-country journey. Meadowview Campground offers an accessible and enriching outdoor experience right in your backyard, within the breathtaking Stanislaus National Forest. This guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information about Meadowview Campground, helping you plan your next memorable camping trip.

Meadowview Campground provides a quintessential California mountain camping experience. Situated by the stunning Pinecrest Lake, at an elevation of 5,600 feet, this campground caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, from families seeking a relaxing lakeside retreat to avid hikers eager to explore the Sierra Nevada landscape. Many campsites are shaded by mature trees, offering a cool respite from the California sun, and provide a true sense of being immersed in the wilderness. The area is known for its abundant wildlife, where you might spot marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and even deer, making every visit a chance for a unique encounter with nature. It's an excellent base for experiencing the tranquility and natural splendor that the Stanislaus National Forest has to offer.

Meadowview Campground is conveniently located in Pinecrest, CA 95364, USA. It's approximately 30 miles east of Sonora, a manageable drive for many Californians looking for a quick getaway. The campground is situated in the Pinecrest Basin, about one mile from the Pinecrest Lake Day Use Area and a mere half-mile off Highway 108 and the Summit Ranger Station. This accessibility makes it a prime location for local users, minimizing travel time and maximizing your outdoor enjoyment. While the reviews suggest it's quiet and remote enough to enjoy the wilderness, it's also close enough to amenities for convenience. It's advised to arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), as the first-come, first-served loops fill up quickly. Loops 300 and 400 are reservation-only, while loops 100-200 remain first-come, first-served for the 2025 summer camping season.

Services Offered:

• Potable tap water available near each camping area, ensuring hydration and convenience.
• Bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks, providing a more comfortable camping experience compared to primitive facilities. Note: Showers are not available at the campground itself, but pay token showers can be found near the Pinecrest store.
• Dedicated trash containers, promoting cleanliness and responsible waste disposal within the campground.
• Paved roads and parking areas, offering easy access to campsites, which vary in length to accommodate different vehicle sizes.
• Individual campsites include a metal stove/fire pit and a picnic table, perfect for cooking and gathering.
• Firewood may be available for purchase on-site, or it can be sourced from nearby stores. Campfire permits are recommended and can be obtained for free online or at any ranger station.
• Pets are welcome, provided they comply with Tuolumne County leash laws.

Features / Highlights:

• Proximity to Pinecrest Lake: Meadowview Campground is within walking distance to Pinecrest Lake, a central hub for various water activities including boating, swimming at the sandy beach, and fishing for rainbow trout.
• Access to Stanislaus National Forest: The campground serves as an excellent gateway to explore the vast Stanislaus National Forest, offering numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
• Variety of Campsite Options: Meadowview offers a mix of tent, trailer, and RV camping sites. Some loops are reservable, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for different planning preferences.
• Nearby Amenities: A small shopping center, marina, restaurants, and boat rentals are available within the Pinecrest Lake area, ensuring that essentials and recreational equipment are easily accessible. An outdoor movie theater also provides evening entertainment.
• Educational Programs: The recreation area hosts educational programs, adding an enriching dimension to your outdoor adventure.
• Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort: In the summer, Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort, a short distance away, transforms into a basecamp for mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, and indoor/outdoor BBQ, expanding the recreational possibilities.
• Hiking Trails: The easy 4-mile Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail is a popular option for a scenic stroll around the lake. Numerous other trails are available for diverse hiking experiences.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural features of the Stanislaus National Forest provide ample opportunities to observe local wildlife, including marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and the vast California’s Great Central Valley, offering a picturesque backdrop to your camping experience.

Contact Information:

Address: Pinecrest, CA 95364, USA

Phone Number: For campground inquiries, please call (209) 965-3116 or (209) 965-3474 (Dodge Ridge).

Please note that while some sources mention a phone number of (209) 586-3234, the Recreation.gov and Stanislaus National Forest websites list (209) 965-3116 and Dodge Ridge's site offers (209) 965-3474 for more information, which is the most current and direct contact for operational inquiries.

Conclusion: Why Meadowview Campground is Suitable for Locals

For Californians seeking an accessible yet immersive outdoor experience, Meadowview Campground stands out as an exceptional choice. Its convenient location in Pinecrest, a relatively short drive for many residing in the Central Valley and Bay Area, makes it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or longer vacations without the hassle of extensive travel. The direct proximity to Pinecrest Lake means that a wide array of water-based activities, from swimming and fishing to boating and paddle sports, are right at your fingertips. This versatility ensures that every family member, regardless of age or interest, can find something to enjoy.

Furthermore, Meadowview Campground offers a genuine escape into the Sierra Nevada wilderness. With sites shaded by a natural tree canopy and opportunities for wildlife viewing, it provides a refreshing contrast to urban life. The well-maintained facilities, including potable water and flush toilets, strike a comfortable balance between rustic camping and necessary conveniences. While some reviews mention occasional noise, the overall sentiment points to a quiet and remote enough environment to truly unwind. The option for both first-come, first-served sites and reservable loops allows for flexible planning, catering to spontaneous adventurers and those who prefer to plan ahead. Whether you're looking to hike scenic trails, relax by the lake, or simply enjoy the peace of nature, Meadowview Campground offers a perfect blend of accessibility, amenities, and authentic outdoor beauty, making it an excellent choice for any local Californian seeking a rejuvenating escape.

Meadowview Campground

Pinecrest, CA 95364, USA