Located in the west central part of California and just 26 miles west of Yosemite National Park, Pine Mountain Lake is a crystal clear body of water surrounded by towering cliffs and offering approximately six miles of shoreline. Here, you can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing golf and more. There are plenty of shops and restaurants close by Pine Mountain vacation rentals that range from spacious homes in a gated community to fully furnished cabins with modern amenities. This guide offers 12 Pine Mountain Lake vacation rental locations worthy of your next getaway.

1. Groveland

Plan your vacation in the biggest town adjacent to Pine Mountain Lake. Small shops line the streets and offer gifts and keepsakes for the family. You can also take the family for a bite to eat and ice cream for dessert. Cool off in the summer at the Rainbow Pool watering hole. The tall cliffs offer a popular spot to jump and there are also several spots under the trees to picnic. Next check out the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum houses a collection of exhibits on the mythology of the area as well as the history of the Gold Rush.

2. Dunn Court Beach

Choose a vacation rental for the family near the Dunn Court Beach for some of the most fun south of the Mississippi. This public beach area sits on the west coast of Pine Mountain Lake. Go swimming or kayaking, or rent a sailboat and learn how to sail. The beach is dotted with beach chairs, so you can spend the day sunbathing while the kids play in the sand. Stay in the gated Pine Mountain Lake Community and enjoy the swimming pool and tennis courts, or watch the sun set from your deck.

3. Pine Mountain Lake Marina

The Pine Mountain Lake Marina is on the southern end of the lake. Here, you can rent a pontoon boat by the day or by the week for the family to enjoy, or rent canoes and explore the deep water areas. The Marina also has a small café where you can grab a bite to eat without leaving the park. There is a golf course and a casino close by for adult entertainment or take to kids to the Lazy G Bar Ranch for horseback riding.

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4. Fisherman’s Cove, Pine Mountain Lake

Bring your fishing poles and bait and spend some quiet time on one of the most popular fishing spots on Pine Mountain Lake. Choose a luxury vacation rental within the gated community and get full access to this private fishing spot. Rentals include single family homes with plenty of modern amenities. Fisherman’s Cove is ideal for fishing, swimming, relaxing, and just letting the kids play. Close by, the Pine Mountain Lake Hiking Trails offers paths for all skill levels and you’re welcome to bring your pet on a leash.

5. White’s Gulch

Explore the region of White’s Gulch and experience a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, including elk, deer, and plenty of birds. Hike along the Tomales Point Trail, or head to the Tomales Bay for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Sign the family up for a food and farm tour with the West Marin Farm Tour, or stop by the Tomales Bay Oyster Company for fresh oysters.

6. Second Garrotte Basin

Enjoy nature at its finest when you stay near the Second Garrotte Basin. Visit the Great Basin Park where you can spend the afternoon mining for gold and gemstones. Afterwards, the Merced Wild and Scenic River is the perfect spot to take the family white water rafting and tubing.

7. Big Oak Flat

Big Oak Flat is a small community in Tuolumne County within minutes from Pine Mountain Lake. The Big Oak Flats Community Park has an outdoor skate park, barbecue pits, picnic tables, and a basketball court, which makes it ideal for family gatherings and children’s birthday parties. Visit the Merced Grove of giant sequoias then head to the downtown shops for a bite to eat and shopping.

8. Tuolumne River Area

The Tuolumne River area that runs 149 miles from the high Sierra Nevada through the central part of California. It is just a few minutes to the north of Pine Mountain Lake. There are several wineries, including Costello’s Mountain Brow Winery, or you can enjoy the Black Oak Casino to test your luck. Sign the family up for a day of whitewater rafting down this waterway or go mountain climbing or take a guided tour through the hills.

9. Moccasin Creek

Home to the local fish hatchery near Pine Mountain is the town of Moccasin Creek. Here, you can learn about the life cycle of trout and even catch a bite to take back to your vacation rental to cook. Rent a boat at the Moccasin Creek Marina and spend the day floating around the water or you can go tubing or water skiing.

10. Big Humbug Creek Area

Kick your feet up and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds when you choose a vacation rental near Big Humbug Creek. This small stream is located within Tuolumne County near Pine Mountain Lake. In the winter, this area is ideal for cross country skiing and snowmobiling. In the summer, you can take the family hiking through the woods along the Humbug Creek Trail. Explore the Humbug ghost town and stop to have a chat with the proprietors who can give you the history of the place.

11. Pine Mountain Lake Airport Area

Just to the north of the lake is the Pine Mountain Lake Airport area. This location provides easy access to domestic flights coming in and out of the area, as well as easy access to the water and several vacation rentals in the area. Take a hot air balloon ride and get an excellent view of the valley below or sign up for a helicopter ride. ARTA offers whitewater rafting day trips or you can spend an afternoon on the greens at the Mountain Springs Golf Course.

12. Yosemite National Park Area

To the east of Pine Mountain Lake sits Yosemite National Park. This picturesque vacation spot offers plenty of activities for families. Visit the Yosemite shops for gifts and souvenirs, or stop by the Ansel Adams Gallery to view the various exhibits. The park offers hiking, whitewater rafting, biking and picnicking. If you are feeling adventurous you can sign up for a guided mountain climbing tour along the high peaks.


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