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$20 / night

$20 / night

Camper submitted image from Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area - 1

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Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

7 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Medeiros Primitive Campsites, near San Luis Reservoir, California, is a straightforward spot for those looking to unwind in nature without the frills. With spacious sites that come with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s perfect for a cozy campfire evening under the stars.

This campground is all about simplicity, featuring basic amenities like porta potties and trash bins, but don’t expect showers or drinking water. Visitors have noted that the vibe is peaceful, making it a great place to kick back after a long drive. One camper mentioned, “The vibe was so quiet and peaceful and nice,” which sums up the atmosphere nicely.

If you’re up for a little adventure, the nearby town offers quick access to food options like In-N-Out and various taco trucks, plus a gas station where you can grab supplies. Just a heads up: the mosquitoes can be a nuisance, so pack some repellent to keep them at bay.

With its easy access off the highway and a relaxed feel, Medeiros is a solid choice for a quick stop or a couple of nights in the great outdoors. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, you’ll find a welcoming spot to recharge and enjoy the natural beauty around you.

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Location

Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.06548660605215 N
121.0303412334019 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-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Cole Ranch

Cole Ranch

1 hr 8 min away

Sunol

Sunol

1 hr 25 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-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Erika V.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2025

Down by the river

Last minute overnighter on a Friday night in July. First come first serve camping. We stayed right next to the river, which was nice. Open area with nice spots with a table, shade and a fire ring. Very windy, but tolerable. Overall a chill place though cars kept driving through into the evening, though it settled down around 11pm. Slept well! Great spot if passing through.

Siteno site number, but right next to the river
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Erika V., August 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Erika V., August 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Erika V., August 2, 2025
Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2024

Great for a stopover

This place always comes through for us when we need a quiet place to stay when traveling in the area. It's $20/night, there seems to always be room, and it's always been nice and quiet when we stay here.

Sites are hit or miss, so drive around until you find one that suits you. One of these days we'll nab one of the sites to the right of the fork when you enter the campground, but they always seem to be taken.

Good cell reception, pit toilets, trash dumpster (no recycling).

  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Laura M., September 25, 2024
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Laura M., September 25, 2024
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Laura M., September 25, 2024
  • (12) View All
Meleny M.
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2024

Loud people

Loud music playing at this hour clearly says quite time is at 10 pm and it’s so loud

Month of VisitAugust
Ch C.
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2024

Nice place for a couple of nights

This is a nice place to stay a couple of nights. It’s close to the road yet quiet. The only problem are the mosquitoes and other insects. Carry repellent all the time.

Month of VisitJune
lThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2024

Good one night stop off intertate 5

Good quiet stop for a one night stay and cheap but not much to do. However camping is super limited off interstate 5 this is probably the best camping directly in this area. Staff is super nice. The town 5 minutes away has an in and out, panda,and various taco trucks. There is also a gas station where you can take a shower. Really good pitstop camp to refuel and get supplies if need be.

Month of VisitNovember
Jess D.
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2023

Wide open spacious place

We were able to pull right into a stop right up on the reservoir. Super spacious for any type of trailer or motorhome. There were bathrooms and giant trash bins. Each spot had its own fire pit, grill and table under a shelter.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Jess D., October 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Jess D., October 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Jess D., October 9, 2023
  • (4) View All
Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 7, 2023

Bare bones and great

We pulled up here on a Saturday night in May after striking out all along the coast, with the campgrounds there either being completely booked or crazy expensive. This place was such a refreshing change, at only $20/night and plenty of wide open spots available. There were some other campers here but the vibe was so quiet and peaceful and nice.

The sites each have a little shade structure, a fire pit, a grill, a trash can, and a picnic table. There are porta potties throughout and a handicap accessible pit toilet near the entrance. There are dumpsters but no recycling bins (weird for a California state facility).

Some of the sites have a water view and some have vegetation growing that blocks the reservoir. Sites are scattered all over with no division between them, and some are grouped together and would be good for a group camping together. I'd drive around for a bit before making my choice of sites. The registration process was very easy: you just pay at the ranger station and drive in and pick your site, all very casual.

Watch for mosquitoes at night, and watch for ticks!

Great campground if you just need to stop for the night. It's right off 152, easily accessible, but far enough away so the road noise is muffled and distant.

Good service with Verizon and Att.

Site19
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Laura M., May 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Laura M., May 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area by Laura M., May 7, 2023
  • (17) View All
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Medeiros Campground?

Medeiros Primitive Campsites offers basic amenities at an affordable $20 per night. Each site includes a fire pit, grill, and picnic table with a shelter. Bathroom facilities and large trash bins are available throughout the campground. The sites are spacious, accommodating various sizes of trailers and motorhomes. As a primitive campground, don't expect luxury amenities, but the essentials are covered for a comfortable stay.

Where is Medeiros Campground located in relation to San Luis Reservoir?

Medeiros Campground is situated directly on the shores of San Luis Reservoir. Some campsites offer prime waterfront locations with unobstructed views of the reservoir. The campground's position allows visitors to easily access the water for recreation activities. Sites vary in proximity to the water, so it's recommended to drive around the campground to find the best spot with reservoir views.

How far is Medeiros Campground from Santa Nella?

Medeiros Campground is approximately 5 minutes away from Santa Nella. This nearby town offers convenient services including an In-N-Out Burger, Panda Express, various taco trucks, and a gas station. The close proximity to Santa Nella makes Medeiros an excellent camping option just off Interstate 5, providing a quiet retreat with easy access to amenities when needed.

What activities can visitors enjoy at O'Neill Forebay near Medeiros Campground?

While specific activities at O'Neill Forebay aren't detailed in available information, the area offers typical reservoir recreation opportunities. Visitors can likely enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming during appropriate seasons. The campground's waterfront location makes water activities easily accessible. Be prepared for windy conditions that can affect water activities. Note that insects, particularly mosquitoes, can be prevalent near the water, so bringing repellent is highly recommended for comfort during outdoor activities.

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