Medeiros Campground

4.00

115 reviews

31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

217 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

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

217 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

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

Medeiros Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $20 per night. Additional vehicles cost $10 each. There are no discounts for longer stays.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$20.00

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

209-826-1197access@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.00

Mixed Reviews

Based on 115 reviews

121 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefullake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews highlight Medeiros Campground as a convenient location for primitive camping near I-5, with beautiful lakefront views and opportunities for fishing and stargazing. However, criticisms include the lack of maintenance of the chemical toilets, prevalence of mosquitoes and ants, and garbage frequently left behind by previous campers. The wind can also be a challenge for tent campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322

Medeiros Campground

31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322

Driving directionsOn Highway 152, 7 miles West of I-5, or 33 miles East of Highway 101 from Gilroy.

Accessible by paved roads; seasonal closures and windy conditions may affect navigation. Located near major highways, making it highly accessible.

Nearby places

Gustine (approximately 7 miles, 15 minutes)

Gilroy (approximately 33 miles, 40 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Santa Nella town offers groceries, fuel stations, and camping supplies about 6 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Medeiros Campground

Experience the dramatic personality of California's inland climate at Medeiros. Summer days sizzle with temperatures soaring past 100°F, creating perfect conditions for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon swims, while evenings bring sweet relief with cooling breezes off the water. Winter transforms the landscape into a mysterious wonderland wrapped in thick blankets of fog, with temperatures staying comfortably above freezing. Spring emerges as nature's grand performance, painting the hillsides with vibrant wildflower displays beneath perfectly mild skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season (Memorial Day–Labor Day); very hot (>100°F) but active for water recreation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Quieter in offseason; can be windy and chilly in November.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring implied as appealing in description; mild temps and scenic blooms likely.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but can be windy/chilly; lacks winter-sport value.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day is the busiest period.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Wind conditions are monitored and may lead to sudden lake closures. Harmful algae blooms have been detected at Dinosaur Point Boat Launch.

About Medeiros Campground

Tucked along the sun-dappled southern shores of O'Neill Forebay, Medeiros Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience. This hidden gem offers sweeping lakefront vistas and the simple pleasure of sleeping under California's vast sky, all without breaking the bank. Wake to the gentle lapping of water against the shore and spend your days exploring this peaceful primitive retreat where nature takes center stage.

Medeiros Campground provides primitive camping opportunities along the southern shoreline of O’Neill Forebay. It is suitable for tents, small RVs, and trailers, and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where centuries of stories whisper through the oak trees. Long before European settlers arrived, the Yokuts people called these hills home, living in harmony with the land for thousands of years. Spanish missionaries later traversed these paths, followed by fortune-seekers racing toward Gold Rush dreams. The campground bears the name of early pioneering families who transformed this wilderness into ranchland, and keen eyes can still spot weathered fence posts and stone foundations - silent monuments to California's ranching heritage.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of California's inland climate at Medeiros. Summer days sizzle with temperatures soaring past 100°F, creating perfect conditions for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon swims, while evenings bring sweet relief with cooling breezes off the water. Winter transforms the landscape into a mysterious wonderland wrapped in thick blankets of fog, with temperatures staying comfortably above freezing. Spring emerges as nature's grand performance, painting the hillsides with vibrant wildflower displays beneath perfectly mild skies.

ElevationElevation data not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryGolden grassy hills roll like ocean waves toward the shimmering expanse of O'Neill Forebay, creating a landscape that captures the essence of California's untamed beauty. Ancient valley oaks dot the hillsides, their gnarled branches providing shade and shelter for countless creatures. Come spring, these hills explode in a riot of color as lupines, poppies, and countless other wildflowers carpet the slopes in purple, orange, and gold. The lake itself serves as the campground's centerpiece, its calm waters reflecting dramatic sunsets and offering a tranquil soundtrack to your outdoor adventure.

Geological RegionMedeiros Campground rests in the embrace of the western San Joaquin Valley's rolling terrain, near the historic Pacheco Pass that has served as a natural gateway for centuries. This unique geological setting creates a diverse ecosystem where valley grasslands meet oak woodlands, forming a tapestry of California's most iconic landscapes. The undulating hills, carved by ancient waterways and shaped by tectonic forces, create natural amphitheaters that burst with seasonal wildflower displays, making every visit a visual feast for nature enthusiasts.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Groups

No group-specific camping sites are mentioned for Medeiros Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are spread along the southern shoreline, with clusters such as 1-19 near the entrance and 20-27 farther down the dirt road.

Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation available; first-come, first-served only.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations allowed.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation required; first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThree accessible campsites are available at Medeiros Campground along with accessible restrooms (non-flushable).

Site SizeSites can accommodate tents and trailers/RVs, with some spots offering lakefront views.

PrivacySites are generally spaced out but lack significant privacy due to minimal tree coverage. A user noted, 'Campsites are fairly spaced out, but there aren’t many trees for privacy.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the lake for the best views and access to water. Avoid sites near the northwest due to traffic noise from Highway 152.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Medeiros Campground offers opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing, with its lakefront location serving as a highlight for many campers. While this is primarily a primitive camping experience, the natural surroundings make it suitable for those seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Medeiros Campground, with the O’Neill Forebay providing opportunities for catching species such as striped bass and catfish. One user remarked, 'You can fish from your campsite.'

SwimmingThe campground offers direct access to the water, but reviews suggest caution as there are no designated swim zones or lifeguards.

BoatingBoating is permitted at Medeiros, but all boats must be removed from the water by sunset. The campground’s proximity to the O’Neill Forebay makes it convenient for boaters.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as coyotes and toads have been observed by campers, adding to the natural charm of the area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include high winds, which can arise suddenly, and wildlife such as coyotes and rattlesnakes. Heavy mosquito presence reported in warmer months.

Active AlertsWind conditions are monitored and may lead to sudden lake closures. Harmful algae blooms have been detected at Dinosaur Point Boat Launch.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers available at sites, enhancing wildlife safety and food storage.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in provided fire rings. No ground fires permitted, and wood gathering is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include Gustine police, fire department, and medical facilities approximately 7 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available throughout the campground, but reviews mention that garbage is frequently left behind by campers, creating a littered environment. 'There is a lot of garbage everywhere. I don't blame the park service people as much as the people who stay here and dump their trash everywhere,' one reviewer commented.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the southern shoreline of O'Neill Forebay, providing easy lake access for fishing and scenic views.

Camp HostFriendly staff mentioned in user reviews, but no specific host details provided.

Weather at Medeiros Campground

Reviews

4.0

115 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Medeiros Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Medeiros Campground as a convenient location for primitive camping near I-5, with beautiful lakefront views and opportunities for fishing and stargazing. However, criticisms include the lack of maintenance of the chemical toilets, prevalence of mosquitoes and ants, and garbage frequently left behind by previous campers. The wind can also be a challenge for tent campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 115 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the lakefront views, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient access to fishing and stargazing. 'Beautiful spot for overnight camping,' said one user. Another noted, 'Great for...

Based on 115 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of chemical toilets, litter left by previous campers, and challenges posed by mosquitoes and ants. Many reviewers also mentioned wind as a significant...

Based on 115 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing insect repellant, preparing for windy conditions, and choosing weekdays for quieter stays. One user advised, 'Go Monday maybe Tuesday for a private stay.' Another suggested...

Based on 115 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is generally quieter during the offseason, with more privacy and less crowding. However, offseason visits still require preparation for windy and chilly conditions, as noted in...

Based on 115 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice camping along the lake. Camping costs $20 at the ranger station ($10 per additional car).' - Sam 2. 'Good Verizon coverage.' - Carl Strohmeyer 3. 'Used to be a decent place to stop for a...

Based on 115 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details include comments on proximity to the entrance and lake. 'Campsites 1 through 19 are located together closest to the entrance. 20 to 27 are farther down the dirt road,' stated...

Based on 115 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features include three accessible campsites and accessible restrooms (chemical toilets).

Based on 115 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. One user cautioned, 'Don't tie up your dogs outside or leave food out!' Coyotes were noted as frequent visitors.

Based on 115 reviews

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