Explore Free Camping Options in Summit Ranger District: Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Adventures

Nestled within the stunning landscapes of Stanislaus National Forest, the Summit Ranger District offers a variety of camping options perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 1,500 miles of trails and approximately 52 campgrounds, visitors can easily immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Popular campgrounds such as Pinecrest Lake and Clark Fork provide essential amenities, while also showcasing the region's natural beauty. For those seeking a more secluded experience, free camping options are available at dispersed sites throughout the district, allowing for an unadulterated connection with nature. As the summer season approaches, the district is known for its crystal-clear lakes, vibrant wildflower blooms, and expansive alpine forests, making it an ideal destination for families and adventurers alike. Whether you’re hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or enjoying water activities, the Summit Ranger District is a haven for all outdoor lovers.

Pinecrest Campground is located in the Summit Ranger District, Stanislaus National Forest (2 hrs 23 min southeast of El Dorado Hills, CA) with an elevation of 5,602 feet. There are a total of 196 campsites including 2 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid October. 193 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $32.14 per night. Some amenities include swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.

0 Available Campsites

Pioneer Trail Campground is located in the Summit Ranger District, Stanislaus National Forest (1 hr 44 min northeast of Merced, CA) with an elevation of 5,861 feet. There are a total of 3 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $105.36 to $145.54. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.

0 Available Campsites

What campsites would you like us to monitor for you?

Campsites at a Popular / Sold-Out campground.

Campsites I have already saved on my Favorites page.

Choose a campground for this alert:

If you want to track more than one sold-out campground, create an alert for each one. Pro members can have up to 5 concurrent alerts running w/ unlimited edits.

Choose the campsites for this alert:

Any of my favorite campsites.

Any of my favorite campsites within a set distance from my homebase.

Homebase zip code is missing from your profile.

Any of my favorite campsites at specific campground(s).

What is the minimum number of consecutive nights you would like to camp?

Setting a high number of consecutive nights reduces your chances of getting a spot.

Do you have a specific date in mind or would you like to define an open date range?

I want to arrive on a specific date.

I'm flexible. Just keep me alerted if a matching campsite becomes available.

What day of the week would you like to arrive? If you don't care leave all the days selected blue.

Select which campsites you want us to monitor. Use the filters to narrow the results.

Please review your alert. If you need to make any changes, simply click the back button below. Don't worry—you can edit your alert as often as you like after it's created.

🎉 Earn +5 marshmallows for adding your first favorite.

Use your earned marshmallows to enter our monthly giveaways or to get a Pro Subscription.

Air Quality	BLM	OHV MVUM	Love's
D Dump Stations	W Water	LP Propane	P RV Parking
Super Walmart	Cracker Barrel	Bass Pro Shops

1 Year PerfectCamp Pro Subscription 4/12/2025 thru 4/12/2026	$29.95
Remove Apply	- $0.00
Total:	$29.95

Explore Free Camping Options in Summit Ranger District: Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Adventures

Pinecrest

Pioneer Trail

Map Settings

Purchase Pro Subscription

Please enter the one time passcode to verify your account