Stay at Pinecrest Lake Resort, a 4.6-rated resort hotel with cabins and lakefront dining in Pinecrest, CA. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking, and kid-friendly lodging near Dodge Ridge.
Guests appreciate the resort’s lakeside location and natural beauty, along with its cozy accommodations and family-friendly atmosphere.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Pinecrest Lake Resort is a woodsy property situated at 5,600 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, overlooking scenic Pinecrest Lake. Located within the Stanislaus National Forest, it features a mix of motel rooms, cabins, and townhouses, some of which include kitchen facilities. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking, though there is no pool, fitness center, or airport shuttle service available on-site.
The resort’s lakeside setting offers access to a marina and a lakefront snack bar, alongside an on-property restaurant. Reviewers frequently highlight the proximity to the five-mile trail around Pinecrest Lake, suitable for hiking and snowshoeing, and note that the area’s elevation means cooler temperatures, especially in winter months. Families appreciate the kid-friendly environment, though pets are not permitted.
Visitors often praise the natural surroundings and nearby outdoor activities, including winter sledding when the lake is drained, and wildlife viewing such as eagles fishing. While the rooms are described as simple but comfortable, some guests mention that internet speeds can be slow. The resort’s location, just a few miles from Dodge Ridge Ski Area, makes it a practical choice for those interested in combining nature with winter sports.
Nearby accommodations include the Strawberry Inn River Front Resort and Pinecrest Chalet, both under a mile away and offering alternative lodging options. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM with check-out by 11:00 AM, accommodating typical travel schedules for visitors exploring this forested region.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Beautiful amazing wildlife and beautiful lake… I captured this in the winter time pretty cool.
We dropped in for the day in the heart of winter. Apparently PGE has rights to drain it for hydro-electric use at this time of year. Well, I would say it really adds to the experience because you can sled down the banks of the lake with the kiddos. Great spot for a picnic, but its up there at like 6000’ elevation, so rug up
We booked a family trip for late March as it was much more budget friendly than later in the year! Our group reserved a total of 6 cabins all in the same area. Our cabin was within walking distance from Pinecrest Lake and a bunch of great hiking trails. Cabins themselves were very simple but cozy! It was in the 30’s and we were nice and toasty!
Nice day trip from the central valley ,(in California) for an easy hike around the lake. We took a picnic for the opposite side of the lake. For those that prefer a lunch with table and chairs, there are tons of picnic tables for a seated lunch. These are located by parking and the beach.
The steam donkey is a cool bar. No dogs allowed but you can get food to go and sit behind the restaurant. No dogs on their patio either. Bartender was super slow but a nice man. Don't take your beer from the bar into their attached gift store. Unless you want to get scolded like your a toddler.
Love this place so much. Got the townhouse and with its airy ceilings and spacious room, excellent proximity to lake we had a blast. Definitely coming back.
So close to great snowshoeing trails! Staff and locals are very friendly and helpful. Internet is very slow and not fast enough for basic video calls.
We used a friend's cabin so I can't speak to the rooms or service, but the location is awesome. I love kayaking on the lake, and watching the Eagles fish, or just watch the clouds go by. There is a 5 mile trail around the lake with some breathtaking views. If you want a place to relax and enjoy nature this the place. There are cabins, townhouses, and trailer sites available as well.
Overlooking Pinecrest Lake, this woodsy resort is within the Stanislaus National Forest at an elevation of 5,600-ft elevation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Dodge Ridge Ski Area is 4 miles away.
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