San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group Campground

4.14

49 reviews

31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

292 ft

Price

$40 - $127/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

292 ft

Price

$40 - $127/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group Campground

$40.00 - $127.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for group camping mentioned as $127 for Memorial Day weekend. Standard hookup sites are $40 per night, with an additional $8.25 reservation fee.

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Hookup Site Fee$40.00

Premium Site Fee$40.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$127.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

(209) 826-1197null

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 49 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showersspacioussites

"Reviews highlight the spaciousness and suitability of the site for group events but note issues like strong winds, smelly bathrooms, and limited shade. The campground is highly rated for group activities but experiences vary due to weather and maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group 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.

Highway 152 provides direct access, with paved routes suitable for most vehicles. No seasonal closures are mentioned.

Nearby places

Gustine (approx. 7 miles), Gilroy (approx. 33 miles east), Los Banos (approx. 20 miles west).

Nearby supplies

No detailed information provided on supply locations. Mention of wood for sale at park entrance or camp host site.

Best Time to Camp at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group Campground

Experience the valley's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Spring arrives in a burst of color as wildflowers carpet the hillsides under gentle skies. Summer brings intense heat with temperatures soaring from the mid-90s to over 100°F, but cool evening breezes off the water provide sweet relief. Winter wraps the landscape in mysterious tule fogs that drift across the water, with freezing temperatures making only rare appearances.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is peak season but can be intensely hot; open water helps but heat and winds are factors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as a popular season with milder weather and comfortable group outings.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and mild weather; popular season for groups and outdoor activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but winters bring cold nights and windy conditions that can affect comfort.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Current restrictions include algal blooms at Dinosaur Point Boat Launch and invasive species inspections for watercraft.

About San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group Campground

Nestled along the scenic shoreline of O'Neill Forebay, these two group campgrounds offer the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures. Wake up to waterfront views and spend your days exploring nearby hiking trails, then gather around the fire rings under shade ramadas as the sun sets. Modern amenities including flushable toilets and hot pay showers ensure comfort meets wilderness in this lakeside retreat.

The San Luis Reservoir SRA Group Campground is tailored for group camping experiences and offers amenities suitable for large gatherings.

Historical SignificanceThis land holds centuries of stories within its rolling hills. Once the cherished homeland of the Northern Valley Yokuts people, these grounds later witnessed Spanish missionaries traversing ancient paths between coastal missions and inland settlements. The surrounding landscape was eventually incorporated into the vast El Rancho San Luis Gonzaga, adding another layer to its rich cultural tapestry.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the valley's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Spring arrives in a burst of color as wildflowers carpet the hillsides under gentle skies. Summer brings intense heat with temperatures soaring from the mid-90s to over 100°F, but cool evening breezes off the water provide sweet relief. Winter wraps the landscape in mysterious tule fogs that drift across the water, with freezing temperatures making only rare appearances.

ElevationElevation information not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryRolling grassy hills dotted with majestic oaks create a quintessential California landscape that stretches to meet the shimmering waters of O'Neill Forebay. Wetlands teem with wildlife while sudden winds sweep across the open terrain, adding drama to the serene setting. Each spring, nature puts on a spectacular show as wildflowers transform the hillsides into a living canvas of vibrant colors.

Geological RegionSet within the western San Joaquin Valley near the historic Pacheco Pass, this campground occupies one of California's most ecologically diverse regions. The terrain seamlessly blends grassy hills with oak woodlands and precious wetland habitats, creating a mosaic of ecosystems that support an abundance of plant and animal life throughout the year.

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 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy for most sites is 8 individuals.

Groups

Group Camp A accommodates 60 people and 15 vehicles, while Group Camp B accommodates 30 people and 10 vehicles. Both sites feature shade ramadas, fire rings, flush toilets, and pay showers. Reservations are required.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup sites feature shade ramadas, dining areas, and proximity to lakefront trails.

Reservation PlatformsReservations for developed campsites and group sites can be made via ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityMedeiros and Los Banos Creek primitive campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up sites are available but may fill quickly on weekends.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations for refunds must be reported to park rangers before departure. Reservation holders are encouraged to contact the park staff for policies.

AccessibilityThe group campground features accessible infrastructure, including flush restrooms. Accessibility is highlighted in many parts of the San Luis Reservoir SRA.

Site SizeGroup campsites can accommodate larger groups, including space for up to 60 people and 15 vehicles at Group Camp A. Group Camp B accommodates 30 people and 10 vehicles.

PrivacySites are configured for group usage with shared facilities, which may lack individual privacy. The setting is described as scenic but windy.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #7 noted for shade and lake views. Group sites recommended for large gatherings due to spacious accommodations.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and access to beach areas for water-based activities. Wildlife viewing and camping programs are also available, though seasonal weather impacts overall user experiences.

HikingHiking trails around the San Luis Reservoir SRA offer scenic views but may be impacted by wind. A paved trail along the shoreline is accessible and connects the group campground to other areas.

FishingFishing is a popular activity in the recreation area, with species like largemouth black bass and striped bass available. No specific details about fishing opportunities at the group campground itself are provided.

SwimmingSwimming is allowed at designated areas like North Beach, but lifeguards are not on duty. The group campground does not feature a direct swimming area.

BikingBiking is a noted activity, especially for groups like Cub Scouts who found the trails enjoyable. "The kids went on a really fun bike ride," per User Ramona Eshagh.

BoatingBoating is accessible throughout the San Luis SRA, though no specific docking facilities are mentioned for the group campground.

Wildlife viewingWildlife, including birds and other fauna, can be observed in the area. Seasonal weather and wind may impact viewing conditions.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards from high winds, sudden weather changes, and fluctuating water levels. Wildlife includes rattlesnakes and coyotes.

Active AlertsCurrent restrictions include algal blooms at Dinosaur Point Boat Launch and invasive species inspections for watercraft.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in designated fire rings. Wood gathering is prohibited; wood available for purchase.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesFor emergencies, call 911. Closest known contact: Four Rivers Sector Office (209) 826-1197.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details or schedules are mentioned for trash or recycling facilities. However, waste disposal is likely coordinated due to the group-oriented nature of the campground.

Water FeaturesLocated along the O'Neill Forebay shoreline, with trails connecting to fishing and day-use areas.

Camp HostUser reviews indicate mixed satisfaction with camp host responsiveness.

Weather at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group Campground

Reviews

4.1

49 reviews

Satisfactory

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the spaciousness and suitability of the site for group events but note issues like strong winds, smelly bathrooms, and limited shade. The campground is highly rated for group activities but experiences vary due to weather and maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 49 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the spaciousness of the group sites, the accessibility of amenities like showers and flush toilets, and the suitability for large gatherings. "The space was huge...we were a fairly...

Based on 49 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include strong winds, smelly bathrooms, lack of shade, and maintenance issues with fire pits. "The wind at night is very strong," per User D Murillo. "Bathrooms are smelly BECAUSE they do...

Based on 49 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan for winds by bringing gear to secure tents and avoid exposed areas. Choose shaded sites where possible and check conditions ahead of time. User Mike Bachman recommends, "check the Google...

Based on 49 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular seasons due to milder weather and group events like Cub Scout outings. Summer can be hot, while winter winds and cold nights may affect comfort.

Based on 49 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice lake, quiet in the off season for sure," per User Mike Bachman. "Gated group site allows around 100 people, nice setting and view," per User Vivian Tang.

Based on 49 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best sites for shade and group activities include Group Camp A and B. Site 7 is noted as a good individual option due to shade and lake views.

Based on 49 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is noted in the general reviews, with flush toilets and paved paths accommodating users with mobility needs.

Based on 49 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and kept under control. Rules are enforced to maintain safety.

Based on 49 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 13, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds

San Luis Reservoir SRA

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area Group Campground