The best camping near Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Turlock Lake State Recreation Area adventure.

83% (7 reviews)

Park with both lake and river offers camping and water recreation in the San Joaquin Valley.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

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Turlock Lake Campground

111 sites · RVs, Tents In Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

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Diamond Gulch

44 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CA

CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.

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Walden Ranch

2 sites · Tents300 acres · Linden, CA

Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures. Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands. This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot!

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Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CA

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

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Cole Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Waterford, CA

"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank- Serene, quiet acreage on the Tuolumne River, with views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas on a clear day. Scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers, and many more. Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Like to fish? Fishing at Cole Ranch is a Love/Hate thing. If you Love to Fish, you will Hate to leave. Gateway to Yosemite National Park, the Mother Lode region, hiking trails, and spelunking opportunities, Cole Ranch has just about everything a camper would look for. All sites have access to our community outdoor kitchen, which has a refrigerator, coffee bar, sink, BBQ's, and stoves. Also available are our bathrooms, quite possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms in the 13 western states, which include flushable toilets, two sinks, and warm showers. Book your visit now. (Group bookings must be approved by host. Group bookings that have not been pre-approved may be cancelled.) ** Ever see a meteor shower? Cole Ranch is a perfect place to view one. Following is a list of Meteor Showers in 2025. (Dates indicate best night to see meteors) Lyrids. - April 22 Eta Aquarids. - May 4 Delta Aquarids - July 30 Perseids - Aug 12 Orionids. - Oct 22 Leonids. - Nov 17 Geminids - Dec 13 (Cole Ranch is a working ranch, surrounded by walnut and almond orchards. Harvest for these orchards occur mid-August thru September, and can create dust and noise. Occasional noise from common ranching activities may be heard. Landscaping activities like mowing, watering, etc. generally occur Mondays-Wednesdays) Check back here periodically for advisories on river conditions. ** ADVISORY - 2/3/25 ** River is currently at normal level - Easy access and gentle current. I expect minor fluctuations this spring due to average rain/snow falls so far this year. Feel free to text or call Barry at (209) 484-2675 if you have any questions.

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The Painted Lake

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Copperopolis, CA

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Yosemite Colfax Spring

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA

Welcome to Yosemite Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!

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Red Tail Ranch at Yosemite

12 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Groveland, CA

Only 25 minutes from Yosemite's entrance gate, come stay at stunning Red Tail Ranch and avoid the crowds of the big campgrounds. With fast wifi, abundant hot water for showers, clean/flush toilets and inside space for cooking with a commercial sink for dishes, all the necessities for a comfortable stay are on site. Use Red Tail Ranch as an ideal launching off point for Yosemite or stay on the property and enjoy all that it has to offer. Red Tail Ranch is a beautiful 90 acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Among the oak woodlands, meadows and coniferous forest, there are numerous trails to explore the property and direct riding access to a developed mountain biking area nearby. Great birding, botanizing and wildlife watching opportunities abound. We have RV sites with hookups, a five site drive-in campground and one walk-in campsite- all with clean, flush toilet bathrooms, hot outdoor showers, indoor camp kitchen and gathering space. Whether your pitching a tent, parking a campervan or rv, there are opportunities for everyone. For large events, workshops or reunions, Red Tail Ranch can be rented out in its entirety- please reach out with any questions or how to do this. New additions to the campground include hammocks, basketball, cornhole, darts and a ring toss game for all to enjoy. We are 10 minutes from the small town of Groveland with a market and restaurants and just down the road from the put in for rafting on the Tuolumne river. Our pricing is a little higher than other places nearby and this is due to the property's great locations, incredible beauty, and all of the amenities added for a great experience. If wanting more information about Yosemite or the surroundings, host Robb Hirsch is a biologist and professional nature photographer with 25 years of experience in the area. He also is connected with all the local guides for any outdoor adventure referrals. Concerned about getting into Yosemite with the new summer reservation requirements? We know all the details, including how to navigate and get through or around the system. Stay with us and we will show you how to access the park with or without reservations.

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Private Reservoir

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Valley Springs, CA

Private property on a private reservoir. Enjoy some quiet time on the water, swimming, fishing, camping or just sitting and enjoying this hidden gem. Conveniently located a couple minutes from town to get some groceries or even fast food and gas. Also minutes from the large lake of New Hogan if your brining a jet ski or boat. Come relax on this 10 acres of private water access. Fish till your heart is content. Please catch and release. We have a variety of fish: Bass, Blue Gill, Cat fish and even some big Carp. Use our row boat or bring your own kayak, SUP, canoe etc. Newly added large floating dock, sand beach and large swing set/ hammock polls. Come play and have fun and listen to the sounds of frogs at night and the birds in the morning.

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Treehouse Geodome In The Sierras

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Mountain Ranch, CA

Come experience the beauty of the Sierras nestled amongst the trees in our Treehouse Geodome. Our 550 sq ft, well insulated dome boasts a king bed, queen bed loft, outdoor bathtub with a view, indoor kitchenette and outdoor gas grill. You have seasonal access to our pool and the opportunity to get up close with our barn cats, hens, alpacas and goats. Locally, you can pan for gold, hike to waterfalls, explore the largest cave in CA, wine taste, and visit Big Trees State Park. Other things to note *During winter months, we provide propane for overnight heating (1 tank per day). Any additional tanks needed will be charged $30 per tank and must be requested* We are happy to offer Starlink highspeed internet- please note though: due to tree lines, connectivity is not solid in the dome so we have a comfortable outdoor workplace available by our pool with strong connection. (In colder months, we have a large outdoor heater there)

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LDMA Italian Bar

13 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Columbia, CA

The Lost Dutchman Italian Bar Camp is a 160 acre campground in the Stanislaus National Forest and on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River, which runs through the camp. Camping is available on both side of the river making the Italian Bar camp a destination for campers since we rebuilt the camp from the ground up in the late 1970’s. Whether you want to relax in your campsite listening to the river, dip your toes in the cool waters or try your hand at panning for gold, I-Bar offers all of this and more. There are miles of hiking opportunities around the camp as well, from short river hikes to Trailblazing like the Miners of old. We are betting that you can find the types of hiking you are looking for. You camping includes access to the Bathhouse with commodes and showers. And yes there is even hot water. Little History: The property was discovered and first settled around 1849 as a gold rush mining camp. At one time over 3,000 people lived here and mined for gold. When the gold rush came to an end so did Italian Bar. Until over a hundred years later, In 1976 when our founder fell in love with this remote property and purchased the land and we began rebuilding the I-Bar camp from the ground up and opened it to our members. It didn't hurt that somewhere close by Our founder found a 800oz pocket of gold. Even today, Prospecting for gold is encouraged! Big Trees State Park: 1 1/2 hour drive Yosemite National Park: 2 hour drive

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Prospect 772 Winery & Event Center

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Angels Camp, CA

Nestled in the picturesque Sierra foothills, this stunning 25-acre property features 5 acres of flourishing vineyards. Enjoy ample space for tent or RV camping, along with two charming glamping cabins equipped with air conditioning and heating. The site also includes three restrooms, one of which is ADA accessible, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.

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Rocksteady Adventures

7 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Copperopolis, CA

Off-grid campground adjacent to 1000 acre private reservoir perfect for fishing, kayaking & paddle boarding. 70 acres in Sierra Nevada Foothills with Valley Oaks, Gray Pines & Manzanita. Best birding in Calaveras County with over 188 species including Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Osprey & waterfowl. Reservoir is a no-wake waterbody created for irrigation of the surrounding private rangeland. Jet Skiing and WaterSkiing is not allowed. Boats of all sizes are welcome for the purposes of fishing. Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing with all of those available for rent on site. Please note we host events throughout the year. Upcoming we have: June 22-23 - APBA Boat Racing - no boats or swimming on water July 4-6th - Rocksteady Campout for Celebrate Americana so expect full campground with a laser show on the 4th and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Sept 20-21 - Rocksteady Campout with Goonies & Pirates so expect full campground with live music on Friday and Saturday night Oct 4-5 - Rocksteady Campout TBD so expect full campground with live music on Friday and Saturday night.

The best camping near Turlock Lake State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Nestled in the foothills east of Modesto, the SRA covers 228 acres between the Tuolumne River and Turlock Lake. A popular summer destination to escape the heat of the San Joaquin Valley, visitors flock to the lake to take advantage of its 26 miles of shoreline, ideal for boating, water sports, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and bird watching. Just one mile away from the lake, a year-round campground offers 66 shady campsites for tents and small RVs and trailers, with picnic tables, fires rings, and grates, and additional amenities that include flush toilets, pay showers, drinking water, and dump station.

Notable campgrounds

Best for boaters: Campsites 15 to 27 are the closest to the hand boat launch area at Turlock Lake Campground.
Best for space: Campsites 35, 36, 39, 40, 42, and 43 offer the most space per site.
Best for hikers and bikers: Campsite 58 is available for hikers and bikers only.

Tips for snagging a campsite

During the busy season, reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates. Campgrounds can be reserved at least two days and up to six months in advance between late March and mid September.
If your plans are flexible, try to visit during the week or during non-holiday periods.
Arrive early to grab a first-come, first-served site at other times of the year.

When to go

The park is busiest between Memorial Day and Labor Day. September and October are ideal times to visit for warm days and smaller crowds. Enjoy ranger-led programs at the campground campfire center over the summer. From September 25 to February 15, certain southern portions of the lake are restricted to duck hunters only. Trout fishing is good year-round, while summer is a good time for bass fishing.

Know before you go

Bring your own boat or watercraft; rentals are not available at the park. Boating hours are from 8am to sunset; boats are not permitted in the water overnight.
There’s a separate swim beach and ski beach. Lifeguards are not available.
Bring repellent; mosquitos and ticks can be an issue in the area.
Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 or over.
Do not gather dead wood or plant materials for fires. Firewood is available for sale.