Within San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, Basalt Campground sits approximately one mile uphill from the main reservoir, managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation. This established campground operates year-round with sites accessible by vehicle, though campers can also reach it on foot or by boat.
The campground features generously spaced sites across open terrain with minimal vegetation between neighbors. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit with grill, plus individual running water spigots for dishwashing and cleanup. Recent facility upgrades have added shower facilities to complement the restroom buildings and dump station. Sites accommodate RVs and tents, with the ranger assigning specific spots upon arrival even for advance reservations.
The elevated location above San Luis Reservoir means exposure to afternoon winds and heat, particularly during summer months. Joshua H. notes that "each site has running water to wash dishes and/or hands and feet." Campers frequently drive down to the reservoir's boat ramps and day-use areas for fishing, swimming, and water recreation. The nearby town of Santa Nella provides supply runs.
Gnats can be present around sites and facilities, though the campground often sees light use outside peak seasons. For those planning trips in the Central Valley, camping near Los Banos offers access to this reservoir system and surrounding agricultural region.
Description
The only campground located near San Luis Reservoir, Basalt has 79 developed family campsites in a shaded, wind-protected valley. Some sites will accommodate trailers and motor homes up to about 30 feet. Each site has a fire ring and table with water faucets nearby. New restroom facilities offer hot pay showers and flushable toilets. A dump station is available to registered campers. Reservations can be made year round.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBasalt Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is located in California
Directions
Located on On Highway 152, 7 miles West of I-5, or 33 miles East of Highway 101 from Gilroy.
Address
31426 Gonzaga Rd
Gustine, CA 95322
Coordinates
37.02928164 N
121.06201082 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 users
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 users
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 57 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 6 min from San Jose, CA
- 1 hr 7 min from Salinas, CA
