RV camping near Atwater, California puts you in close proximity to the San Joaquin Valley with elevations ranging from 150 to 200 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round due to the minimal seasonal weather variations.
What to do
Swimming at local water spots: Near Yosemite Pines RV Resort, many campers enjoy Rainbow Pools for recreation. One visitor noted, "Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here. The kids can jump and swim there and that's all they really want to do anyway."
Fishing opportunities: Merced River offers productive fishing spots for anglers near McCabe Flat Campground. "I managed to catch a 12" rainbow almost right away, just feet from the campsite. Later on hooked another one but lost it," reported one satisfied fisher.
Visit aviation history: The Castle Air Museum adjacent to Castle Air Museum RV Park provides educational exhibits of military aircraft. One visitor described it as "an old Air Force base museum" that "is interesting" for those who appreciate aviation history.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The petting zoo at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging delights many visitors. "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids," mentioned one camper.
River access: Many camping spots provide direct water access. At McCabe Flat Campground, a visitor shared, "I was in spot 29. it had its own little path down to the river, and it was mostly away from everyone else."
Quick interstate access: Convenient locations make for easy travel stops. At Kit Fox RV Park, one camper appreciated the "super easy access" noting, "The park is next to a good sized interchange with food, fuel and etc available."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, a camper pointed out, "There is no cell service and the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things."
Site differences within campgrounds: Sites often vary significantly within the same facility. A visitor at Yosemite Pines remarked, "The tent sites were right on top of each other and there was nowhere to park. You had to climb a steep hill to get to them with your car and again to the actual spot."
Distance to attractions: Despite proximity to park boundaries, actual attractions may require significant driving time. "It's a great location for Yosemite, a bit far away, but a good base camp especially when Yosemite is full," noted one camper at McCabe Flat Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with facilities designed for children. At Yosemite RV Resort, a camper mentioned, "The resort has a great pool and playground for the kids. We stayed here 3 nights not could've stayed here a week easy."
Budget accommodation options: Various lodging types fit different needs and budgets. One visitor at Yosemite Pines shared, "We stayed in a Yurt and it was absolutely amazing. We ended up coming in really late but they left our key for us. The price for the yurt was like $100 a night and when we split that up, it was nothing!"
Wildlife precautions: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters. At McCabe Flat Campground, a camper warned, "The squirrels are a little too friendly, clearly they rely on the humans in the area for food, so try not to drop food on the ground & don't feed them. They'll walk right up to you already."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require additional effort to level. At Kit Fox RV Park, a camper noted, "Nice people all around. Need to fix bathroom problems," suggesting that while the social atmosphere was positive, some facilities needed maintenance.
Bridge access limitations: Vehicle size restrictions exist at some locations. For McCabe Flat Campground, a camper advised, "There is a narrow bridge before the campgrounds that limits vehicle size. It is not advisable for trailers over 18 feet in length."
Overnight convenience spots: Several options exist specifically for one-night stays. At Santa Nella RV Park, a visitor appreciated the "large, level sites. Very good rates for a quick stop," making it ideal for travelers passing through the area.
