Campgrounds near Cedar Ridge, California offer diverse options from the high-elevation pine forests of Stanislaus National Forest to the oak woodlands closer to Highway 108. Most area campgrounds operate seasonally, typically April through October, with limited availability during winter months due to snow conditions. Water access is a significant feature throughout the region, with river sites along the Stanislaus and numerous reservoir-based options for recreation.
What to do
Fishing spots: Fraser Flat Campground provides easy river access for anglers. "Campground is next to the water for close fishing. Less than 10 minutes to Pinecrest Lake," notes one visitor. The campground includes wheelchair-accessible fishing areas with an "improved fishing deck" according to another camper.
Hiking trails: The area surrounding Pinecrest Campground offers several hiking options. "There is a great hike around the lake close by," mentions one camper. Another adds that "The hike around the lake was beautiful too, roughly 2-3 hr hike with some great views."
Water recreation: Summer activities center around lakes and rivers throughout the region. At River Ranch Campground, visitors enjoy "watering holes on campgrounds and around the area like Cherry Lake, Rainbow Pools and Gods Bath." Many campgrounds feature swimming areas, and as one visitor notes, "The lake is amazing and gets a lot of day trippers. You can walk around the lake, fish, rent kayaks or boats, paddleboards etc."
What campers like
River sounds: Camping near water features prominently in positive reviews. At Diamond Gulch, one camper recalls, "We loved waking up to cows and turkeys, and an incredible sunrise view. There were such sweet little birds grazing nearby at sunset."
Night skies: Star visibility ranks high among visitor experiences. At Tuttletown Recreation Area, one visitor mentioned, "It was so dark that I was able to do some great astrophotography." Diamond Gulch similarly offers "Stars and Cows" according to a reviewer who added, "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way."
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. One visitor to Yosemite Pines RV Resort enjoyed the "petting zoo animals were adorable," while others frequently spot deer, birds, and occasionally bears throughout the region.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, one camper noted it has "no wi-fi" while at Diamond Gulch, visitors report "cell service (ATT) and WiFi if you don't want to unplug completely."
Campsite selection timing: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. At North Grove Campground, a visitor advises, "You need to make reservations. Enjoy these majestic trees!"
Road conditions: Access to remote campgrounds can be challenging. One visitor to Sand Bar Flat Campground warns, "The drive starting off 108 is bad and then gets horrendous," though adds that "A basic truck or SUV would have an easy time driving down."
Weather variations: Significant elevation changes mean temperature differences between campgrounds. As one camper at Sand Bar Flat noted, "We didn't realize how low in elevation this campground is and man was it HOT."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Several campgrounds offer organized activities for children. At Yosemite Pines RV Resort, one visitor appreciated that "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."
Educational opportunities: Three Links Camp provides diverse recreation facilities for families. "The campground was beautiful and my kids had a blast walking around all the buildings (hall, chapel, cabins/dorms) and on baseball field, disc golf course, and basketball court!"
Movie nights: Several campgrounds feature outdoor film screenings. At Pinecrest Campground, "There is also an ampitheatre and they had movies at night - families 'reserve' their seating early by putting blankets on the seats."
Beach access: Swimming areas with gradual entry points work well for younger children. "The kids can jump and swim there and that's all they really want to do anyway so being close to that is key for us," shared one visitor regarding Rainbow Pools near Yosemite Pines.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are limited in the region. At Yosemite Lakes, "There are only a handful of 50amp spots and people move to them quickly after someone leaves, lots of 30amp though so you might want to bring an adapter."
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have space restrictions for larger vehicles. One visitor to Tuttletown Recreation Area noted, "Def geared for tent camping although I was lucky enough to be here when it was dead empty and picked a good site for my 27' toy hauler."
Dump stations: Several campgrounds offer sanitary facilities. North Grove Campground has a dump station that "is included in the space rent," according to one reviewer, making extended stays more convenient for RVers.
