Modesto Reservoir

We stayed here in B loop site 25 over Memorial Day weekend. The site was FHU with a level concrete pad for the RV. Each site has a concrete picnic table and very large concrete fire pit. That’s where all the good things about this campground end.

There are burrs, goose poop and spiders everywhere. Tent campers are allowed to reserve FHU RV sites, and many do. Because the 6 people per site rule is NOT enforced, the tent campers easily infringe on others’ campsites and are constantly walking through others’ campsites. When asked about the tents in RV sites, the staff at the campground entrance shack stated “We do not discriminate”, which clearly contributes to the chaos of the campground. The staff at the entrance shack are rude and incompetent.

There is absolutely NO enforcement of quiet hours. Other campers keep their music loud and the party going all night, every night. They literally never turned it down and were blasting it like they were at the club… 12am, 2am, 4am, 6am… ALL NIGHT. My kids and I couldn’t get a good night sleep because of it. This is not a true family campground. It invites all the wrong elements, because they don’t enforce the rules. Drunken, loud, yelling campers are everywhere at all times.

This is not relaxing camping. It’s just non-stop loud music and partying. I would NEVER recommend this campground to people I actually like, and will never be returning.

We recently camped at Vivian Cove and had a mixed experience.

The positives:
The natural setting is beautiful — right by the water with lots of ducks, and the campsite layout is quite nice. The stone seating areas are a great feature, and overall the location itself is very enjoyable. It feels more secluded compared to the main campground areas.

Important notes about facilities:
Be aware that facilities here are very basic. While the site may be listed as having amenities, in reality:

• There was no visible water access at the campsite
• No sinks or designated areas for washing dishes
• The restrooms are vault toilets (pit-style, no running water)

This may be expected for some campers, but it can be very different from what people assume if they see “restrooms” or “hookups” mentioned.

The main issue:
Our experience was heavily affected by a few groups who did not follow campground etiquette.

• When we arrived shortly after check-in time (~4:15 PM), our reserved site was already occupied by another group
• Some visitors appeared to be using campsites without proper reservations
• A small number of groups were extremely disruptive at night — loud music, generators, and shouting well past quiet hours

While many campers were respectful and quiet, it only took one or two inconsiderate groups to significantly impact the experience.

Enforcement:
There does appear to be enforcement — staff/patrol came through in the morning and disruptive groups were eventually asked to leave. However, quiet hours were not effectively enforced overnight.

Tips for future visitors:

• Bring earplugs
• Bring your own water and be prepared for no washing facilities
• Expect a more primitive camping setup

Overall:
The location is great, but the experience depends heavily on neighboring campers and expectations regarding facilit

Love coming here anytime of the year.Not to far out from Modesto Or Riverbank. There is an archery range here which I still need to check it out. Price has gone up compare to past years but I like it due to it location. Certain time of the year it get pretty busy but we always camp on the far end of the campground where there is less people. Good area to use a paddle boat or canoe, water lately isn't that deep. Always see people fishing off shore but I haven't had any luck there. Very peaceful area except for waking up to geese near the campsite but they won't bother you at all. Boys like coming here to relax and go in the water right next to the campsite. There is also a 1 Mile Orienteering Course which is used to train my boys to use a compass. Bow fishing is also allow certain time of the year.

Here is the link to the Orienteering Course

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.yosemitescouting.org/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx%3Fid%3D155218&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwip8Yy6wsncAhUoHzQIHVtCA5IQFggEMAA&client=internal-uds-cse&cx=006560653457896674193:x7x5xdc5ujm&usg=AOvVaw15PA6PXapbysl-Pgq2DWVQ