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Water

Established Camping

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect

There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Attention Alert and Important Information: Discount Pass must be presented at the time of check in. Your DMV Disabled Placard/License Plate does not automatically give you a discount on your campsite. You will need to obtain a CA State park-issued Disabled Discount Pass (DDP) or Distinguished Veterans Pass (DVP). Kiosk in the campground is closed; please check with the Camp Host or use the Iron Ranger. Fees include entry for 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer, additional vehicles will be charged per night at the park. Although your site may hold 2 or more vehicles, your reservation only covers 1 vehicle (except for group or specialty sites).

Due to fluctuating water levels, the dock may be unusable and boat launching will be at the discretion of the vessel___s owner.

The Turlock Lake SRA Day Use is now open. Due to low water levels boat launching will be at the discretion of the vessel___s owner. COVID-19 guidelines are posted through the park for your review. We now accept Debit & Credit cards which are preferred but cash will also be accepted. Please do not park along the roadway. The Tuolumne River Campground and boat launch remain closed until further notice. Only authorized personnel and vehicles are permitted to enter. The Turlock Lake Stanislaus County Fishing Access will open as well.

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground, near La Grange, California, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it offers a rustic experience right next to the Tuolumne River, making it a great choice for families and groups.

The campground is shaded by big oak trees, providing a nice escape from the sun during the day. Visitors have mentioned the convenience of having water access nearby, and many enjoy spending their days by the river, soaking up the peaceful sounds of nature. As one camper put it, “My favorite time is during the late hours of the evening when things quiet down and falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and the river flowing by.”

For those who love a good swim, the area has a boat launch and plenty of opportunities to cool off. While the facilities are basic, with no drinking water and limited amenities, campers appreciate the simplicity and the chance to connect with nature. Just be prepared for some bugs if you're planning to hang out outside!

If you're looking to explore, Turlock Lake is just across the street, offering additional recreational activities. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, this campground provides a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding and enjoying the outdoors.

Description

State Park

Campground (sites 1-66)

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Location

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located about 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River. From Modesto take Highway 132 East 14 miles to Waterford; in Waterford turn right on Hickman Road (county road J-9) and drive 1 mile to Lake Road. Turn left on Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA.

Address

22600 Lake Road
La Grange, CA 95329

Coordinates

37.630566 N
120.580446 W

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 12, 2022

Abandoned

It is completely empty you can still go there it’s quite no bathrooms but you do have water due to the lake.. no drinking water..

Site The reservoir
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2022

Great hidden local gem

The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Adequate parking and tent area. Best feature (besides the fact its only 20 min from our home) are the sites the run along the river. We hung out in the river all day located about 60ft from our campsite. My favorite time is during the late hours of the evening when things quiet down and falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and the river flowing by....

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 4, 2018

Another great local spot

Located across the street from the lake: THERE ARE NO CAMPGROUNDS ON THE LAKE. The campgrounds are located across the street next to the banks of the tuolumne river. Very shady campgrounds with big oak trees providing shade throughout the day and night. Relatively small area but great for big groups and hardly full of campers. Great in late summer or early fall to escape the heat. Has water & electricital hook ups and fire rings and every camp site.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 8, 2018

River is really nice

Bugs everywhere! Haha, if you got an easy up screened in, you can manage.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2016

Turlock sucks, but this campground doesnt

A large group of us decided to go camping relatively last minute last June. We wanted to go boating, so a lake/reservoir was a must. Lake Turlock was the only place we could get a reservation, so I didn't have high hopes. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised. The camping area was shady and right next to a creek. Bathrooms and showers are available. It can get loud at night, which could be a good or bad thing depending on what you want from your experience. The lake itself was pretty empty and easy to launch the boat. Overall, I'd recommend this site.

  • Review photo of Turlock Lake State Recreation Area by Mason L., July 15, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Turlock Lake State Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Turlock Lake State Recreation Area has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area?

    Turlock Lake State Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 27 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area?

    There are 37 campsites at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts