Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground

8800 McConnell Road, Ballico, CA 95303

Escape to a riverside oasis where 21 peaceful campsites nestle beneath a canopy of ancient trees along the meandering Merced River. McConnell State Recreation Area Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Whether you're casting a line into the gentle current, taking a refreshing dip in the river's cool waters, or gathering around picnic tables for memorable meals, this Central Valley gem delivers the quintessential California camping experience. Each thoughtfully designed site comes equipped with grills for evening cookouts, bear-proof food lockers for peace of mind, and access to coin-operated shower facilities that make extended stays comfortable and convenient.

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD., OAKDALE, CA 95361

Escape to McHenry Avenue Campground, where the gentle murmur of the lower Stanislaus River sets the soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. Tucked within the serene Stanislaus River Parks system, this hidden gem beckons tent campers seeking tranquility away from the crowds. Here, adventure flows as freely as the river itself—spend your days rafting pristine waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply savoring a riverside picnic while watching for local wildlife. The walk-in campsites preserve the campground's peaceful atmosphere, while modern conveniences like flush toilets and potable water ensure comfort without compromising the natural experience. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern holders, creating the perfect basecamp for your river valley adventures.

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD, OAKDALE, CA, 95361

Nestled along the lower Stanislaus River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Valley Oak Recreation Area offers a peaceful riverside retreat for tent campers seeking a more primitive outdoor experience. This environmental campground is part of the "string of pearls"—a collection of charming parks scattered along the Stanislaus River that wind through small foothill towns. Here, you'll find your tent site positioned right at the river's edge, shaded by a pleasant canopy of towering Valley Oaks, Fremont cottonwoods, and the occasional elderberry bush that filters dappled sunlight onto your camp. The surrounding landscape blends riparian woodlands with open grassy areas dotted with seasonal wildflowers, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes, and squirrels throughout the park. This is true walk-in camping: you'll park your vehicle in a front lot and carry your gear approximately a quarter-mile to your riverside campsite, ensuring a quiet, car-free camping environment. Each primitive site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern holder. The campground provides vault toilets and non-potable water (bring your own drinking water or plan to treat what's available), so come prepared for a more rustic experience. Valley Oak is one of only three reservable campgrounds in the Stanislaus River Parks system, making it easier to secure your spot through Recreation.gov rather than gambling on first-come availability. The recreation opportunities here center around the river itself. Walking and hiking trails wind through the park, while river access points provide excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. Summer months are ideal for rafting, with local outfitters offering both guided and self-guided float trips down the lower Stanislaus. If you're an experienced paddler seeking thrills, fall brings higher flows perfect for advanced whitewater in Goodwin Canyon. Autumn also delivers a spectacular natural phenomenon: thousands of Chinook salmon return to spawn, visible from several river access points along the park. Just fifteen minutes away, the historic gold rush town of Knights Ferry beckons with its visitor center museum and the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi—a National Historic Landmark worth the short drive. Whether you're looking for a quiet riverside base camp for river adventures or a peaceful escape with easy access to foothill history, Valley Oak delivers an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience.

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD

Nestled along the pristine waters of the lower Stanislaus River, Horseshoe Road Campground offers an intimate escape into California's natural beauty. This tranquil retreat, part of the cherished Stanislaus River Parks system, invites adventurers to pitch their tents mere steps from the river's melodic flow. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, navigating the gentle rapids by raft, or exploring riverside trails that wind through ancient oak groves, this peaceful sanctuary promises memories that linger long after the campfire dies.

TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA, 7200 REYNOLDS FERRY ROAD, SONORA, CA, 95370

Perched above the sparkling waters of New Melones Lake, Tuttletown Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtfully designed camping loops and endless recreational possibilities. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line from the shoreline, or exploring scenic hiking trails, this versatile destination offers modern amenities alongside natural beauty. Each camping loop presents its own character, from lakefront sites to secluded woodland spots, ensuring every visitor finds their perfect basecamp for adventure.

2713 Hogan Dam Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Perched along the shimmering waters of New Hogan Lake, Coyote Point beckons groups seeking adventure in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This expansive campsite serves as your basecamp for endless outdoor pursuits—from early morning fishing expeditions to sunset hikes through golden hills. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn or gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies, Coyote Point offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and recreational excitement.

8800 McConnell Road, Ballico, CA 95303

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD, OAKDALE, CA, 95361

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD

TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA, 7200 REYNOLDS FERRY ROAD, SONORA, CA, 95370

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.