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Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground sits within California Department of Parks and Recreation's Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, outside La Grange in the San Joaquin Valley foothills. One detail that catches first-time visitors off guard: the campsites are not on the lake itself. As Russell L. puts it, "THERE ARE NO CAMPGROUNDS ON THE LAKE." Instead, sites run along the banks of the Tuolumne River, roughly 60 feet from the water in some spots, with large oak trees casting shade across the area throughout the day.

Water access is a consistent draw. Campers report spending full days in the river, and the boat launch at the lake is available for those who come with watercraft. The campground is open all year, which makes it a reasonable option for late summer or early fall visits when Central Valley heat is still a factor and shade becomes a priority. Sites include full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections, and RVs up to 27 feet are accommodated. Bathrooms and showers are on-site.

Crowd levels vary. The campground can get loud on busy nights, which reviewers note as something to weigh depending on what kind of trip you have in mind. At $36 per night with reservations available, it draws group campers looking for lake and river access in the same stay. Those planning a longer itinerary in the area may also want to look at Modesto Reservoir or La Grange Off-Road Park Campground as part of a broader route. If river proximity and full hookups are your priorities, this campground delivers both.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

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.

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Map & DirectionsTurlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground is located in California near La Grange

Detail location of campground
Public 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-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • 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

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

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

Drive Time

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground

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3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the excellent shade from mature oak trees and proximity to both lake and river activities. Some visitors reported inconsistent facility availability and varying noise levels depending on timing.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
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 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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