Groveland is a gold rush town at the edge of Yosemite. Old wooden buildings, a saloon that’s been running since the 1850s (the Iron Door), and just outside town, a private gated community called Pine Mountain Lake with its own lake, its own marina, hiking trails, and cabins tucked between the pines. That’s where we booked.
Drove up from LA for the weekend. Long drive, worth every hour.
Finding a cabin at Pine Mountain Lake, Groveland
A cabin on Pine Mountain Drive, inside the Pine Mountain Lake private community, about ten minutes down winding roads from the main highway. Quiet in the way only the Sierra foothills are quiet. Pine trees, a small deck, deer in the morning. And on our second day, a bear crossing the road right in front of us. Not close. Just close enough to remind you where you are.
Pine Mountain Lake is a private residential community with its own lake, marina, hiking trails, and cabin rentals throughout. It’s about 45 minutes from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance. Cheaper than staying inside the park, quieter than staying in the tourist strip, and it comes with lake access.
What we did in Groveland
Rented a boat at the community’s marina and spent an afternoon on the lake. Hiked the trails through the community and up into the surrounding pines. Wandered into Groveland itself for a burger and a beer at the Iron Door Saloon. Watched a bear cross the road (an unexpected highlight).
And of course, Yosemite. We drove into the park, hiked classic trails, and got the granite-cliff views that no photograph does justice to. Pine Mountain Lake’s location makes park access easy without the park pricing.
The whole weekend was wonderful. Cabin, lake, wildlife, and Yosemite all inside three days.
Groveland: our verdict after a weekend at Pine Mountain Lake
Groveland is a base camp if you’re doing Yosemite. Pine Mountain Lake is a destination in itself if you’re not. Do both and it becomes one of the best California mountain weekends you can book.
For a weekend from LA, a cabin at Pine Mountain Lake is genuinely one of the better setups we’ve found. The private lake, the trails, the wildlife, the town, and Yosemite up the road. All of it working together.
Groveland short-stay stats
- Duration: 3 days, early autumn
- Location: Pine Mountain Lake private community, Groveland, CA
- Cost tier: Mid-range
- Best for: Weekend cabin trips, Yosemite base camps, lake days, wildlife spotters
- Would return: Yes
Book the stay: Our Pine Mountain Lake cabin on Airbnb →
