Take 3N14 off of Highway 108 and proceed 2 miles to reservoir
BBQ pits, Tables, garbage service, drinking water, and restrooms available. Fishing from shoreline is allowed. No swimming / wading or boating/OHV allowed and also no dogs allowed in water. (drinking water)
Dogs are not allowed in the Day Use Area (between Pinecrest Lake Road/Pinecrest Avenue and the lake and the boat launch and the fishing pier) between May 15 and September 15.
Dogs are required to be on a leash elsewhere within the Pinecrest Recreation Area (Tuolumne County Leash Law).
Boating (except for personal watercraft) is allowed on the lake, subject to a 20 MPH speed limit on the lake and a 5 MPH speed limit near the marina and swim area.
Fishing is allowed everywhere on the lake, except at the marina docks, Forest Service boat launch area or in the designated swimming area.
The swimming area at Beach 1, marked by white buoys, is for swimming only. No boats or fishing in this area.
Beach Access - Swimming / Lounging
Boat Rentals (209) 965-3333 - Marina located at 31 Lakeshore Dr, Pinecrest, CA 95364
Bike Rentals (209) 965-3411- Pinecrest HUB located at 421 Pinecrest Lake Rd Pinecrest, CA 95364
Road is gated about 1/4 mile from lake access. Boats cannot be left in or near Donnell Lake. Take them out with you. Be aware of season road closures due to weather.
Donnell Reservoir is located in a steep rocky canyon of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River approximately 5 miles upstream from Beardsley Reservoir, 7 miles from Highway 108 off Beardsley Road on 5N09X, a rough, narrow and winding route where safe travel speeds average 5-10 mph. High clearance vehicles are recommended for travel on this road. No facilities are provided for boating. The steep rocky terrain limits foot access to only small portions of the shoreline. No developed recreation facilities exist at the reservoir; however, the area is popular for day use, dispersed camping and fishing. The reservoir is open all year with road access subject to winter closure. Donnell Reservoir visitors enjoy dispersed camping, fishing and hiking.
Access to North Fork of the Tuolumne River. Day Use area has BBQs, tables, restrooms, and there is a seasonal swimming area. River is swift with boulders.
Fraser Flat Day Use Area - Day use sites include tables, restrooms and garbage service. 2 accessible fishing piers on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. All toilets are accessible. NO WATER. Bring drinking water.
There is a $5.00 fee for use of picnic tables, parking, and/or BBQ grills. Fishing only is no charge. River is flat with vegetation on sides.
Access to Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. Two Day Use sites with picnic tables, BBQ grills, drinking water, restrooms, and garbage service. No fees. Overnight camping is prohibited at all day-use sites. Larger, longer pools upstream of Sand Bar Flat. There are small rocky rapids with pools upstream of the bridge, still water downstream. Forested with steep banks except at the flat area of the day use and campground.
