Los Banos Creek Campground

4.33

109 reviews

Los Banos Creek Campground, Los Banos Creek Reservoir, CA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping

Quick Facts

328 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

328 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Los Banos Creek Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Each primitive campsite costs $20 per night. There is an $8.25 reservation fee charged when booking in advance.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

209-826-1197null

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 109 reviews

112 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwaterstafffriendly

"Los Banos Creek Campground receives mixed reviews, with positive remarks about its peaceful environment, proximity to water, and family-friendly atmosphere. Complaints focus on the lack of modern amenities, occasional noise from inconsiderate campers, and limited shade."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Los Banos Creek Campground, Los Banos Creek Reservoir, CA

Los Banos Creek Campground

Los Banos Creek Campground, Los Banos Creek Reservoir, CA

Driving directionsOn Highway 152, 7 miles West of I-5, or 33 miles East of Highway 101 from Gilroy, turn onto Canyon Road. Follow Canyon Road until reaching Los Banos Creek Reservoir.

The campground is accessible via paved roads; however, the area is prone to winter and road closures due to water releases from the reservoir.

Nearby places

Los Banos (15 miles, ~20 minutes), Gustine (20 miles, ~25 minutes), Gilroy (33 miles, ~40 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Los Banos, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Los Banos Creek Campground

Experience California's dramatic seasonal tapestry at Los Banos Creek, where blazing summer days soar into the mid-90s and occasionally dance past 100°F, creating perfect conditions for early morning hikes and refreshing reservoir dips. Winter brings a gentler touch, with temperatures rarely kissing the freezing mark, though mystical tule fogs often blanket the landscape in ethereal morning veils. Spring transforms the campground into nature's amphitheater, painting the surrounding hills in emerald green and splashing vibrant wildflower displays across the meadows.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Hot summers (mid-90s to 100+°F) and peak crowds/noise make summer mixed for comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant with fewer crowds; fewer direct comments than for spring or winter.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring noted for pleasant weather and fewer crowds — a favorable season for visiting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Winter is quieter and good for fishing, but occasional closures occur due to water releases.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends are considered peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; subject to winter closures due to water release.
Current Alerts: No active alerts specific to Los Banos Creek Campground at the time of review.

About Los Banos Creek Campground

Escape to Los Banos Creek Campground, where 20 secluded primitive sites await beneath starlit skies near the shimmering waters of Los Banos Creek Reservoir. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own fire ring and picnic table, perfect for evening gatherings and morning coffee rituals. While the camping experience embraces simplicity with portable restroom facilities, the natural beauty and tranquility more than compensate for the back-to-basics approach.

Los Banos Creek Campground offers primitive camping in a mostly natural setting with basic amenities suitable for tents and small RVs.

Historical SignificanceStep into living history along the legendary 'Path of the Padres,' where your campsite rests on ground that has witnessed centuries of California's evolution. Since the early 1800s, Spanish missionaries in rough-hewn robes and weathered ranchers driving cattle have traversed these very hills, leaving invisible footprints that still echo through the landscape. This historic corridor served as a vital lifeline connecting missions and settlements, making every camping trip a journey through time.

Weather and SeasonsExperience California's dramatic seasonal tapestry at Los Banos Creek, where blazing summer days soar into the mid-90s and occasionally dance past 100°F, creating perfect conditions for early morning hikes and refreshing reservoir dips. Winter brings a gentler touch, with temperatures rarely kissing the freezing mark, though mystical tule fogs often blanket the landscape in ethereal morning veils. Spring transforms the campground into nature's amphitheater, painting the surrounding hills in emerald green and splashing vibrant wildflower displays across the meadows.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable 328 feet above sea level, Los Banos Creek Campground offers the perfect sweet spot in the foothills—high enough to catch cooling breezes and expansive views, yet accessible enough for easy exploration. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate that balances comfort with adventure throughout the seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where golden grassy hills roll like frozen waves toward the sparkling reservoir, creating a stunning backdrop for your outdoor adventures. The campground's location at the intersection of prairie and riparian habitats creates a wildlife viewing paradise—watch for coyotes trotting along ridgelines at dusk, raccoons investigating the shoreline, graceful deer browsing in meadows, and the magnificent sight of bald eagles soaring overhead. Lucky visitors might even spot native turtles sunbathing on logs near the water's edge.

Geological RegionNestled in the western reaches of the San Joaquin Valley near the historic Pacheco Pass, Los Banos Creek Campground showcases California's diverse geological story. This unique location blends the valley's characteristic grasslands with water-carved canyons and reservoir basins, creating a fascinating mosaic where prairie ecosystems meet riparian corridors. The surrounding hills, shaped by millions of years of geological forces, provide both shelter and spectacular vantage points for sunset viewing.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site is 8 guests.

Groups

Group camping is not available at Los Banos Creek Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged along the shoreline of the reservoir. Sites #5–9 are directly across from the water.

Reservation PlatformsReservations made through ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling their hotline.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is offered; however, the campground often closes once sites are occupied.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy mentioned. Reservations are subject to standard ReserveCalifornia policies.

AccessibilityPorta-potties and picnic areas with shade ramadas are accessible, but no specific details about ADA compliance are provided.

Site SizeIndividual campsites vary with tent pads generally around 10x10 feet. Site #5 is noted to be the largest.

PrivacyCampsites are close to each other, offering minimal privacy. Site #5 is next to the bathrooms but avoids odor issues according to reviewers.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites with uneven terrain like #2 and #11. Bring warm clothes and avoid open sites prone to wind if using tents with mesh netting.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Los Banos Creek Campground offers a tranquil spot for water-based activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing, alongside hiking opportunities in nearby areas. User reviews emphasize its peaceful environment and suitability for family outings.

HikingWhile the campground itself doesn’t feature major trails, nearby paths like the Path of the Padres hike offer exploration opportunities. Adjacent areas have trails with varying difficulty levels.

FishingFishing at Los Banos Creek Reservoir includes opportunities to catch trout, bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass. User reviews highlight morning hours (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) as optimal for fish activity.

SwimmingSwimming is possible directly from the campground waterline. The shallow waters are suitable for children, as noted by reviewers.

BoatingBoaters can beach their boats overnight but are restricted to a speed limit of 5 mph. Boating is prohibited after sunset.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include coyotes, raccoons, bald eagles, and deer. User reviews mention the peace and quiet interrupted only by the sounds of nature.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsSeasonal programs such as the Path of the Padres hike provide educational insights into the history and natural features of the area.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include sudden high winds, shallow water areas, and wildlife such as rattlesnakes and coyotes.

Active AlertsNo active alerts specific to Los Banos Creek Campground at the time of review.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in provided fire rings; no ground fires permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are officially set from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are available in Los Banos, approximately 15 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThere are large trash cans provided at every site, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesAll sites are steps away from the waterline of Los Banos Creek Reservoir.

Camp HostRangers and staff are generally friendly and helpful, with one specific ranger named Jorge noted for his kindness.

Weather at Los Banos Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3

109 reviews

Recommended

Los Banos Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Los Banos Creek Campground receives mixed reviews, with positive remarks about its peaceful environment, proximity to water, and family-friendly atmosphere. Complaints focus on the lack of modern amenities, occasional noise from inconsiderate campers, and limited shade.

Review Summaries

Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground’s cleanliness, proximity to the water, and tranquil environment. Families find it particularly suitable for children due to shallow swimming areas. Staff and rangers are...

Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

Common critiques include the absence of proper toilets and showers (porta-potties only), limited shade, and occasional disturbances from noisy campers. Some users also report issues with locked gates...

Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive before sunset to avoid locked gates. Bring warm clothing for cold nights and provisions for shade. Users recommend Site #5 for its size and convenient access to the water spigot.

Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular but can be crowded, with occasional noise from other groups. Winter offers quieter experiences, making it ideal for fishing. Spring is noted for pleasant weather and fewer...

Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'No matter what site you’re at, you’re steps away from the waterline.' 2. 'Site #5 is by far the largest site. You are right next to the bathrooms but we didn’t get any smell.' 3. 'We noticed how...

Based on 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 is identified as the largest and most convenient due to its proximity to amenities. Site #2 is marked as small and uneven, while Sites #6 and #7 offer good tent pads and shade structures.

Based on 109 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited, with chemical toilets and primitive paths. Reviews do not provide specific accounts from disabled users.

Based on 109 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on a leash, but users emphasize keeping them controlled, especially at night. Dogs are appreciated for their company during camping trips.

Based on 109 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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