The best camping near Modesto Reservoir Regional Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Modesto Reservoir Regional Park adventure.

Discover the allure of Modesto Reservoir Regional Park.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Modesto Reservoir Regional Park

97%
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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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$38
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98%
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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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$30
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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. 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. The Perseid meteor shower is active mid-July through August, with the most active night being August 12. The moon will be 50% illuminated that night, and will set around midnight. With few lights around, there will be lots to see.*%*% (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. ###EXCITING NEWS### We are working hard to open at least THREE new campsites. These new sites will be more secluded and private than current sites, each with its own path to the river. Earliest these will be open is Mid-September. Contact Barry, coleranch23@icloud.com, for more information. NEW ADDITION We have added two picnic tables with benches to our inventory. These tables are available like our other equipment, First come First served. All we ask is you return any of or stuff to its place after use. **ADVISORY** 6/20/24 River is currently running at normal levels. 4/18/24 River is currently running about 3' above normal. Except for Fisherman's Hideout, all sites remain open. Fisherman's Hideout is currently under water, but should be open some time in May. Fishing is great right now, but water activities will be limited. Will update as changes occur.
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$64
 / night
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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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$81
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Squirrel Rock RV Campground

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Columbia, CA
Private gated RV campground in the Gold Country. Located in the historic townsite of Columbia known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines". There is 1 site so you'll have the campground to yourselves. There are 2 electrical panels so you can bring your family or friends if you like. If there are 2 RV's you can reserve the campground as a double site. WE ONLY ACCEPT FULLY SELF CONTAINED RV'S ONLY. NO TENTS Campsite has 2 electric pedestals 50/30/110. Water hookups at each site. NO SEWER. NO DUMP NO RESTROOMS AVAILABLE. Includes picnic table, camp fire ring, Weber BBQ, doggie station, horseshoe pit, corn hole, walking trails, and garbage/recycle bins. Winter camping dates subject to weather conditions. Located 0.6 mile to Columbia State Historic Park, parking and entrance is free and open year around. It is about a 15 minute walk. Close to Murphys, New Melones lake and Tuttletown recreation area, Moaning Caverns, Downtown Sonora, Mother Lode Escape Rooms, Columbia Airport, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Black Oak Casino, Chicken Ranch Casino, Indigeny Reserve, Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp with other wineries and breweries nearby. About a 50 minute drive to Big Trees State Park and Pinecrest Lake. Yosemite National Park is about 1-1/2 hour drive to the Yosemite valley floor. Check for YARTS for transportation from downtown Sonora to Yosemite valley. There are several rafting outfitters in the area. Restaurants in the immediate vicinity include Mandy's Breakfast-Lunch, Columbia Frosty, El Jardin, St. Charles Saloon Pizza. Gas, diesel mini mart, market store nearby.
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$65
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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.
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$40
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Red Tail Ranch at Yosemite

10 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 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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$59.50
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Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

37 sites · Lodging36 acres · Mariposa, CA
Wildhaven Yosemite offers glamping tents and cabins on a beautiful property with mountain views in Mariposa, CA, just outside Yosemite National Park. Our glamping experience provides the comfort, cleanliness, and customer service of a hotel while keeping everything you love about a night outdoors in nature. Our extra-large, safari-style tents feature comfortable beds with linens, electricity, heaters, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Looking for a little more structure in your night outdoors? Our larger glamping cabins provide a kitchenette, bathroom & shower, AC and heating, improved sound insulation, upgraded views, large windows, and a private patio to get you the fresh air you need. Your stay includes more than just a comfortable place to sleep. Guests are treated to hiking trails, communal spaces to socialize, trip planning help, Wi-Fi, and on-site activities such as yoga, wine tasting, and live music (spring through fall). The 36-acre hillside property is the star attraction, providing sweeping views towards the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, down onto scenic Mariposa, and across miles of rolling hills.
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$119
 / night

The best camping near Modesto Reservoir Regional Park guide

Overview

About

In Stanislaus County just east of Modesto, the Modesto Reservoir is one of several great options for hitting the water. Camping grounds, hiking trails, and archery are just some of the activities you will find here. It's proximity to Turlock Lake gives even more options for outdoor activities during your trip.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Modesto Reservoir Regional Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are less ideal due to cooler temperatures and reduced services.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable visit.
  • Be aware of park hours, which are from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Remember to bring water and snacks, as options may be limited within the park.
  • Review the rules and regulations for reservoirs and OHV areas before your trip.
  • Contact the park at (209) 525-6750 for the latest information on closures and accessibility.

Top cities near Modesto Reservoir Regional Park

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