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.

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.

Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

Join the fun near Los Banos. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Los Banos

The Best Camping Near Los Banos, California

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. 

Bare bones and great

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. 

Wide open spacious place

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.

Good one night stop off intertate 5

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. 

Nice place for a couple of nights

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

Loud people

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). 

Great for a stopover 

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. 

Photos of Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers