Off Highway 152, Medeiros Primitive Campsites sits on open terrain beside San Luis Reservoir, where scattered sites spread across undivided ground without formal boundaries. Campers register at the ranger station then drive around to select from wide-open spots, some offering water views while others face inland vegetation. The $20 nightly rate and first-come, first-serve system draw overnight travelers and weekend campers to this no-frills setup.
Each site includes a shade structure, fire pit, grill, picnic table, and trash can. Porta potties are distributed throughout the camping area, with a handicap-accessible pit toilet near the entrance. Dumpsters handle trash, though recycling bins are not provided. The sites accommodate large RVs and trailers without length restrictions, and several spots can be grouped together for parties camping as a unit.
Wind picks up regularly across the exposed terrain, and mosquitoes emerge at night along with ticks in the surrounding grass. Verizon and AT&T cell service reaches the campground reliably. Road noise from Highway 152 carries to the sites but remains muffled by distance. Bobby D. calls it a "lovely roadside stop" while noting it "could be a bit cleaner."
Vehicle traffic through the camping area continues into the evening hours, typically settling down around 11 PM. The town of Los Banos, five minutes away, provides dining options and a gas station with shower facilities for campers needing to resupply.
Description
The Medeiros primitive campsites are located along the southern shoreline of O'Neill Forebay. A limited number of fire rings, shade ramadas, and tables are available. Drinking water is available in 3 locations. There are no flush toilets or showers, however chemical toilets are available. All boats must be removed from the water by sunset. Medeiros campground is available on a first - come first - serve basis.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMedeiros Primitive Campsites is located in California near Los Banos
Coordinates
37.06548660605215 N
121.0303412334019 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/20/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/20/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/20/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 46 min from Merced, CA
- 49 min from Modesto, CA
- 57 min from Salinas, CA
- 58 min from San Jose, CA



















