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$36 / night

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Established Camping

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground

6 Reviews

Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect

There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

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.

Thank you for your patience as we finalize the 2026 inventory. Please continue to check back. We will be releasing the inventory as soon as it becomes available.

Turlock Lake is closed until further notice, while California State Parks and Turlock Irrigation District actively work to find a new operator for the park.

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

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground 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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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Cole Ranch

Cole Ranch

9 min away

Bagby Camping and Recreation

Bagby Camping and Recreation

48 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • 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

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Reviews

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3.5

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6 Reviews

A
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
M G.The Dyrt PRO User
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
Russell L.
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
M
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 Campground by Mason L., July 15, 2016
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor reviews say about Turlock Lake State Recreation Area?

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area offers a pleasant camping experience with shaded sites under large oak trees. The campground is located across the street from the lake (not directly on it), adjacent to the Tuolumne River. It's described as a rustic area with spacious sites suitable for individuals, families, or large groups. Many campers appreciate the proximity to the river, which is only about 60 feet from some campsites. While the campground may have issues with bugs during certain seasons, it generally provides a comfortable outdoor experience within a relatively small area.

What amenities and facilities are available at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground?

The campground provides spacious sites with adequate parking and tent areas. Shade is abundant thanks to large oak trees throughout the camping area. A boat launch is available for water access. While most sites have access to water, note that potable drinking water might be limited or unavailable at certain times. Bathroom availability may vary seasonally, with some reports indicating they might not always be operational. The campground layout accommodates both individual campers and larger groups, making it versatile for different camping needs.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area?

Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake, with a boat launch available for easy water access. The Tuolumne River runs near the campground, providing opportunities for swimming, wading, and cooling off during hot days. Many campers spend their time relaxing by the river, which is just steps away from some campsites. The shaded camping areas make for comfortable lounging and picnicking. The recreation area is particularly well-suited for group gatherings, making it ideal for family outings or trips with friends.

How do I get to Turlock Lake State Recreation Area from nearby cities?

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is conveniently located about 20 minutes from Turlock. The campground is situated across the street from the lake itself, adjacent to the Tuolumne River. For precise directions from your specific starting point, it's best to use GPS navigation or contact the park directly. The recreation area is accessible by car, with adequate parking available at the campsites.

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