I see that the beach is $3 per car but if I already paid to camp what happens then? Is there an easy hike into the beach area from Pine Knob Loop campground so I don't have to park my car there?

I do not believe they are charging to swim this year at all.

There is unfortunately no easy way to get to the beach unless you drive. It is a rather long trip down the hill to the beach. I recently camped there and I was under the impression, I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that with my paid camping the water was included the beach is also open to the public and I believe that anyone not paying to Camp is who they are referring to with the $3 per car I would however call and ask to confirm this there is also a campground host on-site that you could question I hope this helps