Looking for the best options for tent camping near Atwater? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Atwater, including sites, reviews, and tips. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank-
Pitch your tent under the shade of a majestic oak tree, right on the bank of the Tuolumne River, whose waters originate in Yosemite National Park. Keep an eye out for river otters, turtles, bald eagles, and beaver. Expect nighttime visitors like owls, foxes, and raccoons. Cole Ranch is a bit of an oasis surrounded by almond and walnut orchards. Pick a treat from the wild blackberry bushes, or from our family organic pomegranate orchard (mid-October thru mid-December). Warm yourself with your own personal fire pit in your camp, no extra charge (bring your own firewood, or purchase seasoned oak from Your Host). Outdoor kitchen available with a coffee bar, refrigeration, electricity, hot water, 3-burner stove, and BBQ’s.
**ADVISORY** (9/08/23) 8:05 AM
The river is back to normal flow, perfect for wading, swimming, fishing, kayaking, or any other river activities.
**ADVISORY** (8/10/23) 8:05 AM
The Tuolumne River unexpectedly rose about 2- 3' over night. The entire gravel shore us under water. Wading is relatively safe, but use extreme caution when boating or swimming.
$60 - $90 / night
George Hatfield Group Camp
$150 / night
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview At the end of Briceburg River Road and 4.5 miles from the suspension bridge within the BLM, Merced River Recreation Area is the Railroad Flat Campground. Popular with gold prospectors and hikers alike, there is always interesting campfire talk in this campground. It also serves as the trailhead for the BLM, Merced River Trail. The Merced River Trail is a spectacular wildflower walk in spring, has great scenery, fine fishing, and amazing swimming during other times of the year. Know Before You Go Camping Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available. There are 9 campsites available. Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. Quiet Hours: After 10 PM (No loud music, generators, etc.) There is a self-pay system available to pay for sites. A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). All sites have a picnic table, grill, and food storage lockers. No potable water available at the campsites. There is potable water available__by the information kiosk, across the Briceburg Bridge. Facilities Parking Area Restrooms Dumpsters Recycling Cans Campfires Seasonal fire restrictions apply. Fires must be in a metal fire ring. No fires on the beach! Warnings There are no lifeguards on duty at the Merced River! Please wear a life jacket. The Merced River is undammed, and the flow changes dramatically. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Trailers/RV's over 18 feet are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. Dogs must be on a leash. No discharging of fireworks or firearms. Helpful Links: River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area Visit: Mother Lode Field Office Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ADA Access: At least 90% of all campsites are ADA accessible
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview The second BLM campground within the Merced River Recreation Management Area is Willow Placer. The campsites are located 3.6 miles downstream from the suspension bridge along Briceburg River Road. With mostly walk-in sites, this camp-ground usually offers a quieter, family atmosphere. The main beach is not nearly as large as McCabe Flat Campground, but good swimming can be found a short walk down stream in the late summer. Facilities in Willow Placer Campground (9 sites total): 8 Walk-in camp sites 1 drive-up group camp site (25 people max) 1 vault toilet 1 Port-o-let toilet (seasonal near site 1 and 13) Trash collection cans Recycling collection cans Main parking lot Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites. All campsites are within 200 feet of the river Permits, Fees, and Limitations: Camp fee is $10.00 per site per night. America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night. Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites. Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available. A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). Self-pay system. Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board. Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site. No dispersed camping within the Merced River corridor. No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1)) Campfires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. NO campfires on beach.__Seasonal Fire Restrictions__apply. No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i) Dogs must be on a leash at all times. NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH. NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time. QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm (no speakers, generators etc.) No discharge of firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a) No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g) All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e) Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663. WARNING: No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket.__ SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. Potable water is not available at the campground sites. PLEASE NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa. Helpful Links: River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area Visit: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful -__National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ADA Access: At least 90% of all campsites are ADA accessible
Army veteran and outdoor enthusiast that loves to share my passion for the wilderness!
One hour from Yosemite's West Gate, we have plenty of room, extra camping gear and amenities, and lots of peace and quiet! ATVs and guided tours are also possible upon request. Four-wheel drive is required for RVs and campers, and we can assist with your arrival. Please call or email ahead.
$50 - $150 / night
This is Bass Lake Complex in the Sierra National Forest, California.It is 20 miles south of Yosemite National Park, off Hwy. 41, near Oakhurst, California.
For details and reservations in the Bass Lake Complex please select any of the following campgrounds:
Dirt Flat campground is situated on the north side of the Merced River. This small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river. The remote locates of the site makes for a quiet and peaceful camping experience.
During the spring and early summer, the Merced River is a popular location for white water rafting and kayaking. Several private companies offer guided rafting trips.
The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra.
This campground is close to the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite offers a variety of activities that include scenic driving, picnicking, hiking and fishing.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$38 - $40 / night
The North Fork Merced River joins the main stem Merced River 7 miles downstream from Briceburg. This is a lovely stream that is perfect for swimming in the early summer when the main Merced is too high. Springtime comes early around here (late February – April) and the wildflowers on the slopes of the North Fork Merced can be spectacular. There is a beautiful cascade about 3/4 of a mile upstream from the confluence that makes a great destination for a cool dip on a hot day. Although most people explore the North Fork as a day outing, it makes a great short or introductory backpacking adventure. The North Fork Merced is approximately a one-hour (2.5 mile) walk from the Railroad Flat campground along the old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade (also known as the Merced River Trail). Access is by trail or river only. Bring plenty of water or, better yet, pack a water filter. Permits, Fees and Limitations: Campfire permits are required for all fires. Fire restrictions that prohibit all fires go into effect each summer (extract dates unknown). No overnight permit required. Please follow Leave No Trace practices. Pack it in, pack it out. No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. PLEASE NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa. Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area Visit: Briceburg Visitor Center ADA Access: The North Fork Merced River is not ADA accessible. Access only by rough trail or class IV whitewater boat.
Dry Gulch Campground sits on the north side of the Merced River. The small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river, shaded by a grove of pine and oak trees. Dry Gulch's remote location makes for a quiet and peaceful camping experience.
During the spring and early summer, the Merced River is a popular location for white water rafting and kayaking. Several private companies offer guided rafting trips.
Dry Gulch Campground is located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. The Lake is a very popular area known for its variety of fish, as well as the bald and golden eagles that make their home here. The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra.
This campground is close to the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite offers a variety of activities that include scenic driving, picnicking, hiking and fishing.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$38 - $40 / night
Guide
Camping spot was clean and a tall fire pit a good distance from the water and bathroom at site 22. Was hot af was the only issue for us, 103 and the sun just hurt. There were plenty of fish and fishing folks on the shore and boats all were catching.
Traveler
Was a wonderful experience! The host was super helpful even at night when we didn’t find our designated spot (even though it had super obvious signs - our fault) Super lovely host and a beautiful ranch. A lot of fireplaces with wood. Can only recommend lighting up a little campfire and stargazing at night! Bring some marshmallows with you !
Scout
Our neighbors in A119 talked, played loud music, whooped and laughed loudly until at least 3 am. At about 11 pm, we requested that please keep the noise down and reminded them of the quiet after 10 pm park rule. They said that the rule only applied to loud music and proceeded to make rude comments and told us to call the ranger. No one answered the phone. We called the local police: no noise ordinance in the county. Our neighbors proceeded to increase the volume of their talking, laughing and started hooting (making animal noises) as well. My husband asked them again at about 12 am to please be quiet and they got even louder after that. We moved to a different site and were still able to hear them but the noise level dropped to a more moderate level. We reported them to the ranger the next day but did not get a satisfactory response. There were at least 20 people at that site. The ranger said that 8 people was the limit. Without enforcement, number limits or quiet time rules are meaningless.
Scout
Plenty of sites, we arrived after 8 pm and were able to find a spot and book it on Recreation.gov easily.
Scout
Loud music playing at this hour clearly says quite time is at 10 pm and it’s so loud
Scout
Park is closed for few months according to security officer at the entrance/toll booth.
GuideWe used Diamond Gulch as our base while exploring Yosemite for 5 days. Overall, it was a great experience with a great host! We visited in mid to late July, so it was very hot, and this means the campground was a little dusty, but manageable. As others have stated, there is free firewood at your site, but we were a little scared to light a wood fire given how everything was so dry. Also, as others have mentioned the showers were great, but we did have issues with getting them to heat up.
One thing to keep in mind is that while Groveland is only ~30 minutes from Yosemite, the drive within the park can take up 45-60 minutes. So, plan accordingly and be prepared. Our experience was that if we left camp around 7:30 we'd be through the gate with no line at 8am, and be at a parking lot around 9am. This always worked for us to get a parking spot without any hassle. After a long day of hiking and exploring the drive back to the campground felt a little long.
Something we did not expect was how little there is in Groveland itself. We tried to spend a couple of hours there one afternoon, and ended up just grabbing coffee and going back to camp. There just isn't much to do in town. This isn't to discourage anyone, but keep that in mind.
The good:
* Good host
* Beautiful scenery from camp
* Clean, well serviced bathrooms (porta potties)
* Water available in camp
* Excellent showers (especially when you can get them to heat up)
* Very relaxed atmosphere
The okay:
* The sites have wood chips spread to keep down dust, but those get tracked everywhere.
* A bit of a drive from the sights in Yosemite
* On busy weekends it can get a bit crowded
Guide
We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. It’s true that bathroom / toilets / showers aren’t clean, they are quite old.
But we didn’t care, the view worth it. We went swimming in the lake : what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn’t bothered us.
It was super calm. The crew was nice with us and let us spend only one night here for 50$ (the minimum should be 2 nights)
I recommend this place!
(Also, it’s right halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco: which was perfect for us)
Guide
All wheel drive, okay. Large grounds, many motorbike and trails, permit required (bikes). Camped upper level. Please pack in, pack out, don't make others clean up after you.
RangerThis was a really nice stay close to Yosemite with really spread out spots. Couldn’t even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect. It’s 4 stars because you could hear the traffic from the main road from my spot
RangerAwesome spot close to Yosemite, road isn’t too bad and it’s absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t bothered . I recommend arriving a little early, we didn’t have a little trouble finding the right road.
Scout
This place ist closed! It seems to be closed for ever. 06/26/24
Scout
This place is closed, it seems to be longer. 06/26/24
Guide
No wifi, bathrooms did not have hot water.
Cool park with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cannot say enough about the great park rangers and camp hosts.
There were people close by to us with several tents and campers in one spot, not sure how this is monitored.
Spotty T Mobile Service $32 per night
Guide
Underrated for sure - we stayed 2 nights while exploring Yosemite because we could not find a campground closer with spots. Big grassy area close to Mineral Museum, water and electric hookups. We basically had the fairgrounds to ourselves. They have additional spots in more of a parking lot setting, well marked.
$55 per night Wifi worked great
Traveler
I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.
Scout
This place itself is just one star worth. But the near proximity to Yosemite is good. Sites are cramped, toilets and showers were unhygienic. Was the most expensive camping we had with the worst service and accommodation.
Guide
This time I brought a friend who hadn't been here before.
As usual, the staff was great! Very friendly at our arrival and in the evening while performing their drive-by checks.
This time I actually tried the showers and I was not disappointed. Great water pressure, plenty warm and cleaner than you might expect. Sure, there are some bugs that get in, but it was way nicer than showering in my van.
The bathrooms are well maintained and stocked with paper towels and tp. They really do a nice job here.
The riding was great. We were in awe of how empty it was. Father's Day weekend and we never came across anyone else on the trails.
We did have to relocate. My buddy couldn't get his RV into the hillside spot we'd reserved - M49 I think it was.
GuideThis 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.
ScoutWow, let's say we had a nightmare ishhorrible experience. We rented a tent camp site for 2 nights. We were given an RV Slab camping site. It had the tiniest barbecue grill available. The water that was coming out of all the faucets, was red and brown. People weren't allowed to shower that night. Once night fall came, the camp's site was infested with roaches Everywhere, they went in all our grocery bags and under them. Went into and under all our boxes that we had. The roaches hid under our tents also. There also seemed to be a termite infestation. We had to cut our camping trip short after spending over a thousand dollars on supplies, food, the Camping site and parking fees The workers that drove by, especially Travis, were nice and Welcoming. Dogs have to be on a leash at all times. If you want to go into the lake with your dog, You have to walk very far away if you didn't rent one of the tent sites at the lake front area. Had to fumigate my vehicle when I got home with all my stuff in it. I pray none of the bugs will be in my stuff at home. I heard many other guests screeching and shouting, omg theres cockroaches every where. Good to know, we weren't the only ones disappointed. The owner Jake refused to refund me, or my two guests that wasted their 50 dollars in parking fees, although the trip was cut short due to the conditions. Jake offered for us to stay another night. Will never be back. Beware.
ScoutBooked a reservation through The Dyrt app for this place. Reservation says I booked for a “tent”, meaning a tent will be ready already and should have a bed inside. We wanted a place to sleep before heading to Yosemite the next day, without having to unpack our stuff.After booking on 5/18, I emailed the owner of the campground to make sure my reservation went through and I mentioned that I booked it through the dyrt app and it was a reservation for a tent. The owner replied with “it did”. Upon getting to the site, the owner was not there and we didn’t know where we needed to go. Some of his family members were camping there as well and helped us get a hold of him. When we finally spoke with the owner, he said that the dyrt app is not supposed to do reservation for the tent. We were put in an empty campsite because all the tents were occupied. This was around 9 pm, we don’t have time to set up tent so we took everything out of the back the car and slept in the back of the car. I emailed the dyrt app to get a refund, I paid for the tent but got a camp site instead so I should be refunded for the difference plus not to mention the inconvenience. It was not my fault the reservation was incorrect, I also did my due diligence to make sure the booking was done correctly. It is not my fault the owner did not read my email properly when I asked. The dyrt app will not issue a refund because the owner said he will not issue a refund. Although the amount is not a lot, I would rather only pay for what I got. The owner was nice and his family was nice but we are really disappointed with our experience.
TravelerKind of hard to find the road i just had to guess based on the pin point but i guessed right and immediately saw spots. i turned left and there were a few spots didn't explore to the right.
So beautiful great place to stop in order to get into the park early if you don't have a reservation
TravelerMay 28, 2024
Convenient to park entrance & beautiful landscape BUT finding a spot late at night was very difficult.
However, I noticed that the temperature over night here was about 10 degrees warmer that other areas nearby (we were at about 51 degrees at night but areas closer to Rush Creek Lodge and on Evergreen Road were in the 40’s.
ScoutSpots are unlevel, but not horribly. Firewood already at the site for your use. Wonderful outdoor showers! The scenery is beautiful! Wish we had more time to stay here longer. Favorite site of our trip so far
Traveler
Cross country Jeep camping. Thought the $38 price was a bit steep, but after discovering hot showers, really couldn't complain. Right on the water, got to hear the fish jump and the bull frogs croak.
TravelerHuge but peaceful camping 15 mins from the entrance and 45 mins from the Yosemite visitor center. General store equipped in nicer gifts than the visitor center. First come first served, but after a check in you can reserve your site for when you are leaving. We didn’t bother looking for a place by the river as it was already packed, but found a nice spot in the third row. Spotted a skunk twice:) Bathrooms are rarely cleaned - three nights in there were still dirty. WiFi poor and limited to the front desk and laundry room. For this price would’ve been nice for it to work throughout the whole place though. Coin machine in laundry room out of order, you can exchange money at the front desk.
Travelerwe arrived at night, the pitches were already occupied. we tried to join a van already parked, but the man was not very friendly and asked us to leave. so we took the road further down and slept near the intersection.
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.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Atwater, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Atwater, CA is Cole Ranch with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Atwater, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Atwater, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
