Best Campgrounds near Atwater, CA

Are you in need of a campground near Atwater, CA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Atwater. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Atwater. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

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Best Camping Sites Near Atwater, California (112)

    1. McConnell State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Atwater, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 394-7755

    $30 - $200 / night

    "over night & day sites, hot showers and indoor restrooms surrounded by beautiful nature."

    2. Merced River Resort

    6 Reviews
    Stevinson, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 634-6056

    4. Lake McSwain Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    La Grange, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 378-2521

    $30 - $40 / night

    "My family and I stayed at Lake McSwain Campgrounds for a weekend during a mountain bike race at Exchequer."

    "Full hookups, close to the lake"

    5. Castle Air Museum RV Park

    1 Review
    Atwater, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 723-2178

    6. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    La Grange, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 874-2056

    $36 / night

    "The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Adequate parking and tent area."

    7. Modesto Reservoir

    5 Reviews
    Waterford, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 874-9540

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Price has gone up compare to past years but I like it due to it location. Certain time of the year it get pretty busy but we always camp on the far end of the campground where there is less people."

    "After going a few times I managed to find a nice spot I try to camp near. I enjoy how close the sites are to the water. Could use more consistent maintenance though."

    8. McClure Point Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    La Grange, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 800-2267

    "McSwain (near the ranger station entrance) has dump station, some sites w sewer, part keeping model cabins, store, cafe and boat rentals."

    "It takes 20 minutes to drive from the entrance to the site. The nearest store is half an hour away by car, so you need to be well prepared before entering."

    9. Cole Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Waterford, CA
    21 miles
    +1 (209) 620-6218

    $60 - $90 / night

    "The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations.  Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc. "

    10. Fleming Meadows Don Pedro Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    La Grange, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 852-2396

    "These spots were NOT good for little ones learning to walk. It was very uneven and rocky but spacious with trees and a view of the lake. We stayed Thursday to Sunday."

    "Near by store for any items you forgot to bring. Take my boys here a few time a year. Fishing is always good and the water is perfect just to go boating."

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Recent Reviews near Atwater, CA

427 Reviews of 112 Atwater Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    A good campground for full hook

    The bathrooms and showers are clean. The sites are a little tight. My Wi-Fi was Starlink so I don’t know how the camp Wi-Fi was.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Buck Ridge

    Blm with a lake view

    First come first serve, vault toilets, water pump by outhouse area, pic a site and make a donation, the is a camp host. Picnic tables, well used.. fire pits, barbecue pits.. sites look d pretty clean, i am across from lake, train noise..

  • James C.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Thousand Trails Turtle Beach

    Still a 4-star park worth the trip

    This may not be the park it once was, but it's still far better than most in the area. Showers and clubhouse activities are still limited, but the nearby delta offers its own attraction. Day use, tents, and every class of RV are easily accommodated. No shopping or supplies nearby, but anything you may want or need is within 5 miles. It is very relaxing and one of the first sites I try to book if I'm in the area. Hands down better than the county parks.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Diamond Gulch

    Great campground

    Great campground accessible for most campers but large RVs might struggle. Has water, portable toilets and heated showers. Campsite has Some shade from the sun. Also has a couple glamping tents aswell.

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

    Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

    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.

  • Mark L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    Rugged, Remote, Dusty

    Red Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.

    Leave no trace!

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2025

    McClure Point Recreation Area

    site space is large

    The campground is very large. It takes 20 minutes to drive from the entrance to the site. The nearest store is half an hour away by car, so you need to be well prepared before entering. The site space is large, there is a distance between sites, and the privacy is very good.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Hardin flat dispersed

    Very close to Yosemite entrance

    Very nice and quiet spot, very close to Yosemite entrance, ideal if you weren't able to get a reservation.

  • Haley D.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Pines Campground Stanislaus — Stanislaus National Forest

    Great Campground

    We came here to travel to Yosemite. With only an hour out from the National Park def worth it cause it’s cheaper than camping in the park. Little to no service but wasn’t a big deal to us we had bear safety storage and a fire ring with a spicket which was perfect for extra water use. It was so remote and quiet but also right off the hwy you wouldn’t have known we had a great time and if you’re traveling through i’d recommend


Guide to Atwater

Camping near Atwater, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do:

  • Explore Yosemite National Park: Just a short drive away, this iconic park has stunning views and plenty of hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include the Mariposa Grove, where you can explore giant sequoias."
  • Visit Wawona Campground: This spot is great for playing games with family and enjoying the outdoors. A reviewer said, "I really recommend this campground. The sites are relatively spacious and provide a mix of shade and sun."
  • Check out Millerton Lake State Recreation Area: Perfect for a day of fishing or boating. One visitor noted, "Great for a quick getaway from Fresno metro area. Clean and maintained facilities."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A review for Wawona Campground highlights, "The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. The sites are relatively spacious and provide a mix of shade and sun."
  • Wildlife viewing: Many enjoy spotting local wildlife. A camper at Camp 4 shared, "The rangers are very serious about bear/wildlife safety in Yosemite. All scented items must be placed inside the bear lockers."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Yosemite Lakes RV Resort offer activities for kids. One family said, "We enjoyed our stay here... The campground was really clean."

What you should know:

  • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Hodgdon Meadow Campground mentioned, "We came early on a Friday, and there were only a few spots left."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have showers or hookups. A camper at Acorn Campground noted, "Not expensive and has bathrooms, but no privacy and unfriendly camping ground."
  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A review for Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site warned, "The mosquitoes will suck every last drop of blood out of you!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Wawona Campground said, "Our campsite was right in front of the river! We had a very large 10-person tent that fit well."
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. One family mentioned, "We brought some river tubes... It was very quiet and peaceful."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand makes for a smoother trip. A camper at Yosemite Pines RV Resort noted, "The staff was very friendly. Cell service was non-existent - but such is life in the mountains."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for hookups: Make sure the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A review for Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes mentioned, "Full hookups were used and enjoyed by all each time."
  • Be aware of road conditions: Some campgrounds may have rough access roads. A visitor at Woodward Reservoir shared, "The only real problem is there are a few months during the year that they restrict the human contact with the lake water."
  • Plan for limited services: Some campgrounds may not have Wi-Fi or cell service. A camper at Yosemite Pines RV Resort said, "We had to relocate to a hotel every 28 days due to the max 28-day rules in CA."

Camping around Atwater, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly campgrounds to more rustic options. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Atwater Campground located?

Atwater is located in California's Central Valley, offering several camping options in the vicinity. The Castle Air Museum RV Park is situated directly in Atwater, providing convenient access for visitors. The surrounding area features numerous camping opportunities, with Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area located to the west and various campgrounds along the Merced River to the east. These locations offer a strategic base for exploring both the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada foothills.

What amenities are available at Atwater Campground?

Campgrounds near Atwater offer varying amenities. Woodward Reservoir provides paved loop campgrounds with full RV hookups, boat docks, and tables for comfortable stays. The water is warm and shallow, making it ideal for swimming and water sports. For those seeking more developed facilities, Tuttletown Recreation Area offers flushing toilets and coin-operated showers, though campsites are somewhat close together. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like water spigots and toilets, with varying levels of additional facilities depending on the specific location.

Is tent camping allowed at Atwater Campground?

Tent camping is permitted at many campgrounds near Atwater. McCabe Flat Campground offers excellent tent camping with well-maintained sites and access to a swimming hole via nearby paths. The campground features clean restrooms that are maintained twice daily and individual trash cans for campsites. For a more secluded tent camping experience, Dirt Flat provides basic tent sites with pit toilets and water spigots available. Though remote with minimal facilities, it offers four dedicated tent sites. Most campgrounds in the Atwater region accommodate tent camping with varying levels of amenities and privacy.