Top Free Dispersed Camping near Gustine, CA

Camping near Gustine, California, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From stunning landscapes to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park. “The trails are wild, like a moonscape,” one camper noted, highlighting the unique scenery. Another reviewer mentioned, “Beautiful, great trails,” making it a must-visit for hikers.
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground have spotted plenty of wildlife. One visitor shared, “Saw a lot of deer and wild turkey,” which adds to the excitement of camping in nature.
• Star Gazing: The dark skies at New Brighton State Beach Campground make it perfect for star gazing. A reviewer mentioned, “Very dark at night which is great for star gazing,” so don’t forget your telescope!

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Mount Madonna County Park. One camper said, “The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!” This attention to cleanliness makes for a more enjoyable stay.
• Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging. A visitor remarked, “The sites are really big,” which is great for families or groups looking for some space.
• Dog-Friendly Trails: Campers love that Mount Madonna County Park allows dogs on all trails. One reviewer noted, “It’s hard to find that sometimes, so we greatly appreciated how dog-friendly it was.”

What you should know:

• Heat in Summer: If you’re planning to visit Pinnacles Campground in the summer, be prepared for the heat. One camper warned, “It is WICKED hot in the summer,” so pack plenty of water and sunscreen.
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like California Sunset State Beach, have limited amenities. A reviewer mentioned, “Bathrooms were relatively clean but could do with renovating,” so manage your expectations.
• Narrow Roads: Accessing some campgrounds can be tricky. A visitor at Sanborn County Park noted, “To get to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road,” so drive carefully.

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At New Brighton State Beach Campground, one camper said, “Lots of families and lots of kids,” making it a great spot for family fun.
• Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has facilities like showers and restrooms. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, “Showers and toilets looked clean,” which is a plus for families.
• Plan for Wildlife: Kids will love spotting wildlife. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park shared, “We didn’t actually encounter anyone else as we hiked,” which can make for a fun adventure.

Tips from RVers:

• Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Yosemite Pines RV Resort, are big rig friendly. One reviewer said, “The RV sites have both water and electric hookups,” making it convenient for larger vehicles.
• Dump Stations: Check for dump stations before you go. A camper at Woodward Reservoir mentioned, “They offer senior and military discounts,” which can help save some cash.
• Stay Connected: If you need cell service, be aware that some campgrounds have limited reception. A visitor at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort noted, “Barely any cell reception, but wifi worked pretty well,” so plan accordingly.

Camping near Gustine, California, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun.