Lake Camanche and McConnell State Recreation Area anchor the camping options near Ceres, California, a region characterized by rolling foothills and oak-studded landscapes at elevations ranging from 90-1,500 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, with winter lows around 40°F. The surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills offer diverse terrain for camping, from lakeside spots to forested hideaways with opportunities for yurt camping near Ceres.
What to do
Disc golf courses: 3 At Lake Amador Resort, visitors can enjoy multiple disc golf courses between fishing sessions. "As disc golfers, of course we love camping here, having 3 courses to choose from. But there is something for everyone in the family here, there is amazing fishing, boating and swimming," notes Christy L.
Wildlife viewing: 5 minutes from campsite: Keep your camera ready as the local campgrounds host abundant wildlife. "I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend," shares a Lake Amador visitor. At night, the wildlife soundtrack continues with owls and coyotes creating a natural ambiance.
Stargazing: clear night skies: The rural setting around Ceres provides excellent stargazing opportunities. At Diamond Gulch, "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way and in the morning you're greeted by cows outside the fence!" reports Brenna R. Light pollution is minimal at most campsites in the region.
Hiking options: 2-10 miles: Multiple trails wind through the foothills around Ceres. "There are great trails, fishing and very friendly staff. The sites are clean and operational and everything is explained well prior to your stay," writes Jenna A. about Lake McSwain Recreation Area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at several campgrounds. At McConnell State Recreation Area, Melissa H. appreciates the "over night & day sites, hot showers and indoor restrooms surrounded by beautiful nature." Many campgrounds offer coin-operated hot showers to keep clean during longer stays.
Waterfront camping: Direct lake access ranks high with visitors. At Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina, campers enjoy prime waterfront locations. "I stayed here for one night. There are sites on the lake with shade provided over the tables. It was mid week and was not crowded at all. The lake is gorgeous," shares Melissa B. Most waterfront sites cost $30-50 per night.
Yurt options near Ceres: For those seeking yurt camping near Ceres, California, Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging offers comfortable alternatives to traditional camping. "We stayed in a Yurt and it was absolutely amazing. We ended up coming in really late but they left our key for us. They were super accommodating. The Llamas were an absolute plus as well," raves Emily Grace M.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer sites with ample room. "Nice spacious spots. No power or water hookups. Water spigots close by. Bathrooms with flush toilets and a single spacious shower," notes Martha H. about Acorn Campground. Spacing between sites varies significantly by campground and specific location.
What you should know
Weekend versus weekday experience: Crowds differ dramatically between weekends and weekdays. At Tuttletown Recreation Area, one visitor noted significant weekend noise, saying, "Unfortunately it was a mess Fri-Sun mid-June 6/23 with loud Norteño music being blasted from multiple campsites and the day/group area in particular. Very loud and non-stop... Bring earplugs, or maybe try weekdays?"
Seasonal considerations: Water levels fluctuate dramatically in the area's reservoirs. "The water levels drastically change due to it being a privately owned lake," explains Kimmee P. about Lake Amador. Lake levels are typically highest in spring, with many reaching their lowest points in late summer or fall.
Bathrooms vary widely: Bathroom facilities range from excellent to problematic across campgrounds. "Nice and quiet. Sites are large. Showers are terrible, standing water and hot water is limited. Staff are great though," reports David D. at McConnell State Recreation Area. Some campgrounds offer flush toilets while others have vault toilets or portable facilities.
Reservation needs: Most sites require advance booking, especially during summer. For Yosemite Pines, reserve at least 3-4 months ahead for summer weekends. At Lake McSwain, one visitor recommends planning 6 months ahead for holiday weekends: "We've been camping here for 10 years now... around July 4th weekend (reserve at least 6 months out)."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas for children. Lake Camanche features "a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole," suggests one visitor.
Family programming: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "For October, we did an outdoor movie, magic pumpkins, costume contest, trick or treating, hay ride, and haunted house. My daughter loved everything except the haunted house, which she said was 'too scary!'" shares Billy.
Playground options: Most family-oriented campgrounds include play areas. "There's a campfire spot, a water source, a picnic table, & a grill set up at each site (for the most part), with trashes nearby," explains Katie K. about Lake Tulloch, adding that facilities for children are readily available at most locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should research specific site dimensions before booking. At Yosemite Pines, "The RV spots are not paved," notes one reviewer, while at Lake Amador, Dennis W. advises: "We stayed in site 62 with 41 foot MH. There was no room for a tow vehicle and we did not put our awnings out."
Hookup availability: Hookup options vary widely across campgrounds. "Full hookups, close to the lake," reports Ron R. about Lake McSwain Recreation Area, while others like Acorn Campground offer "No power or water hookups. Water spigots close by," according to Martha H.
Gate closing times: Some campgrounds restrict late-night access. "Note that there's a gate that closes so that you can't enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time," warns Mike A. about Lake Amador, adding that "this time varies by day of the week."
