Forest camping near Los Banos
Camp in fields of wildflowers, talus caves, and chaparral on a trip to Los Banos.
- Los Banos
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9 top forest campgrounds near Los Banos
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest camping near Los Banos guide
Overview
Situated within the San Joaquin Valley southwest of Merced, Los Banos has quickly grown to become a central hub for many natural attractions in northern California. Along with its own historic downtown and a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, Los Banos also offers easy access to nearby camping opportunities. Henry W. Coe State Park (the largest state park in the region) presents a bounty of wildflowers, mountain views, and hiking as well as backcountry camping or drive-in campsites. Sierra National Forest is the gateway to the Sierra Nevadas, a mountain range full of fishing, hiking, and snow activities. Or set up camp in Pinnacles National Park to experience geologic wonders, awe-inspiring terrain, and birding opportunities.
Where to go
Henry W. Coe State Park
Encompassing over 87,000 acres of hillsides and mountain ridges, Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in northern California. It offers a rich natural display, particularly in spring when the wildflowers bloom and blanket the fields. Campers can trek through more than 250 miles of hiking trails and ranch roads to take in views of the area. The park also hosts fishing spots for anglers and horseback riding trails for equestrians. Along with rugged backcountry camping, there is one on-site developed campground outfitted with 20 drive-in campsites. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, and access to vault toilets and potable water nearby.
Sierra National Forest
An hour and a half east from Los Banos is the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Sierra National Forest presents a diverse habitat comprising five wilderness areas, two nationally designated scenic rivers, and three nationally designated trails. The forest is also known for its incredible mountain vistas and pristine lakes that offer fishing opportunities. In winter, campers can snowmobile, cross-country ski, or downhill ski and snowboard on forest hills, as well. Then, spend the night at one of the campgrounds at Bass Lake, Merced River, Rock Creek, or High Sierra.
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is the result of massive volcanic and geologic activity millions of years ago. It now includes diverse biomes of chaparral, canyon bottoms, and oak woodlands. Hike over 30-miles of trails that travel through talus caves, over rocky spires, and across stretches of wildflower-covered grasslands. Or rock climb among local birdlife including California condors and acorn woodpeckers. Pinnacles Campground offers several campsites for tents and RVs with fire rings and picnic tables as well as water, flush toilets, coin-op showers, and even a swimming pool (April to October). Most RV sites have electrical hookups and nearby dump stations, as well.
When to go
Los Banos features year-round camping fun for the entire family. Summer months, particularly holiday weekends, are popular times to visit. July is historically the hottest month with an average high of 92°F. December is considered the coldest month with average lows of 38°F. While winter might be offseason to some, the nearby Sierra Nevadas and Sierra National Forest are favorites among campers who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
