Everything you need before you go.
How to get here, what to pack, how the gate works, and answers to the questions everyone asks.
Getting here
~2.5–3 hrs
Hwy 580 → 205 → 120 east through Oakdale, then up Priest Grade.
~2.25 hrs
Hwy 99 south, then 120 east through Oakdale.
~5.25 hrs
I-5 or 99 north to Manteca, then 120 east. Or via Hwy 49 north from Mariposa.
SMF · FAT · SFO
Sacramento and Fresno are about 2.5 hrs; the Bay Area airports 2.5–3.5. Private pilots: E45 is inside PML.
Download offline maps before you leave the valley. Cell service fades on the climb up. Coming up Highway 120, take New Priest Grade, which is gentler, unless you love hairpins.
The gate, step by step
- We register you. Before arrival, we add your name to Pine Mountain Lake’s rental guest list.
- Use the Main Gate. Guests must enter through the Main Gate. Other gates are exit-only for you.
- Check in at the booth. Give your name and our address, and pay the per-vehicle access fee (about $50 per car).
- Hang your pass. Keep the orange pass visible. You’ll need it for the Marina, pool and beach parking.
- One car at a time. Wait for the gate to close behind the car ahead. Tailgating through damages the arm, and the driver pays.
- Drive 25 mph to Base Camp. Watch for deer. We’ll send door instructions privately before your stay.
PML gate & Department of Safety: 209-962-8615 (24 hours).
Build your packing list
Pick your season and plans. We’ll tell you what to bring, and what’s already waiting at the house so you don’t overpack.
Pack this
Already at Base Camp
Questions people ask
Do you allow pets?
Sorry, no. Service animals are always welcome. Pine Mountain Lake also doesn’t allow dogs at any beach or amenity.
How many people can stay?
Up to 10 guests. There are 6 bedrooms with 7 beds, plus two floor mattresses in the kids’ rooms.
What time is check-in and checkout?
Check-in is after 4:00 PM and checkout is before 12:00 PM.
Is there a fee to get into Pine Mountain Lake?
Yes. The community charges renters a per-vehicle access fee at the Main Gate (about $50 per car, paid on arrival). We register you ahead of time so check-in is quick.
Can we bring our kayaks or paddleboards?
No. Pine Mountain Lake only lets owners launch registered watercraft. The Marina Store rents kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats and fishing boats from late May through Labor Day.
Can we use the pool, beaches and pickleball courts?
Yes. As registered guests you can use the three beaches, the seasonal heated pool, the trails, and the tennis and pickleball courts (a court pass is sold at the Main Gate). Golf, The Grill and the Equestrian Center are open to the public.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, plus ceiling fans. Summer days can reach the 90s; the nights cool off nicely.
Can we use the fireplaces?
Yes. Both wood-burning fireplaces can be used all year, and the living room has an electric fireplace too. The June 1–Nov 15 burn ban only covers outdoor fires.
Can we have a campfire?
Not a wood one. Pine Mountain Lake suspends outdoor wood burning from June 1 to Nov 15, and only propane grills and fire pits are allowed then. Fireworks are illegal year-round.
Is there EV charging?
Yes. Please bring your own charging cable.
How’s the wifi and cell service?
The house has wifi. Cell coverage around Pine Mountain Lake is spotty: AT&T and Verizon do best, and T-Mobile is weak. Turn on Wi-Fi calling when you arrive.
Is it kid-friendly?
Very. There’s a play corner with a toy kitchen in the living room, two kids’ rooms on the main floor, a downstairs movie room, board games, a lake beach with a playground, pedal boats, a heated pool in summer, and steam-train rides at Railtown 1897 nearby. See “Traveling with kids” on The House page for the full list.
Are there stairs?
Yes. It’s a three-level mountain home, so there are stairs between every floor.
Are there cameras?
There are exterior security cameras on the property. There are none inside the home.
Will it snow?
Sometimes. At about 2,900 ft we get a few snow days a year, usually December through March, and it tends to melt quickly. Carry chains in winter and check Caltrans before driving up Highway 120.
Do we need a Yosemite reservation?
Not in 2026. There are no timed-entry reservations; entry is $35 per car for 7 days. See the Yosemite page for details.
What about bears?
Black bears live here and are rarely seen, but they have excellent noses. Keep trash in the bear-safe bins and never leave food in your car, here or in Yosemite.
Where do we get groceries?
Mar-Val in downtown Groveland, about 8 minutes away, is open 7am–10pm. We suggest stocking up there on the way in.
A few simple rules
- No pets. Service animals are always welcome.
- Max 10 guests.
- Check-in after 4:00 PM, checkout before noon.
- Quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM (a Pine Mountain Lake rule, too).
- No parties or events.
- No smoking or vaping anywhere on the property, indoors or out.
- Park on the property only. PML tows cars parked on the street.
- Outdoor fires: propane only from June 1 to November 15. The indoor fireplaces are fine year-round.
- No fireworks. They are illegal everywhere in Tuolumne County.
- Trash in the bear-safe bins, always.
- There are exterior security cameras on the property. There are no cameras inside the home.
Good to know, hopefully never needed
Emergencies
Call 911 first.
PML Department of Safety (24 hrs): 209-962-8615
Nearest ER: Adventist Health Sonora, 1000 Greenley Rd (about 45–60 min)
Walk-in clinic: Adventist Health Groveland, 18661 Hwy 120, Mon–Fri 8–5, 209-962-7121
Wildfire
Fire season runs roughly June to November. Sign up for zone alerts at Genasys Protect, and keep a full tank of gas.
In an evacuation you can leave by any PML gate. See PML emergency info.
Wildlife
Deer are everywhere, especially at dusk, so drive slowly. Black bears are around but shy. Keep trash in the bins and food out of cars.
Pine Mountain Lake is a wildlife refuge: no feeding, no hunting.