Equestrian camping opportunities near Atwater, California center mostly around reservoir recreation areas where some trail riding may be permitted despite limited dedicated horse facilities. Located in California's Central Valley at about 150 feet elevation, Atwater experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Water levels at nearby reservoirs can fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, affecting both water recreation and shoreline trail access.
What to do
Water activities at Modesto Reservoir: About 30 minutes from Atwater, Modesto Reservoir offers fishing, boating, and swimming options. "Great fishing from campground spots as well at boating and other water sports," notes camper Russell L. The reservoir has two distinct camping areas with different experiences: "To the left of the pay station, One side of the lake has disbursed camping with very minimal shade... then to the right on the pay station, other side of the lake has multiple camping loops with paved camping spots with water and electrical hookups."
Trail exploration at Eastman Lake: Located about 45 minutes east of Atwater, COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground provides hiking trails through rolling hills with seasonal wildflower displays. "Whether you want to bike, hike, fish, boat or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, this is the site for you," shares Erik J. While not specifically designed for horses, the area offers wildlife viewing opportunities: "Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen."
Orienteering course at Modesto Reservoir: A unique activity for skill-building and outdoor education. "There is also a 1 Mile Orienteering Course which is used to train my boys to use a compass," explains Eddie N., making this a practical educational opportunity for families or scouts. The reservoir also permits seasonal bow fishing according to local regulations.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Woodward Reservoir features prime waterfront sites. "On the T-Island sites you right on the water," explains Craig & Linda L. The easy water access is particularly appealing during hot weather: "Woodward is our family go to place to camp in the summer heat... Water feels good when it's 100+ degrees outside," adds Bonnie S.
Privacy options: Campers appreciate finding secluded spots away from crowds at busy reservoirs. "We always camp on the far end of the campground where there is less people," explains Eddie N. about Modesto Reservoir. Similarly, at Glory Hole Recreation Area, "Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy," reports Joshua H.
Stargazing opportunities: The relatively remote locations provide excellent night sky viewing. "Quite nights and darker stargazing," mentions John G. about the rustic tent camping areas near the water-skiing course at Modesto Reservoir. Spring visits to the area's recreation areas offer additional benefits: "The campground is quiet and the scenery is amazing this time of year," notes Lori T. about her April visit to Big Oak Glory Hole.
What you should know
Seasonal water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels change dramatically throughout the year. At USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground, "Water level is down considerably" according to Lori T. This affects both water recreation opportunities and shoreline accessibility.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with limited shade at many sites. "Be prepared for the heat. It can reach up to 110F in summer. It is toasting even with shade," warns Susan Y. about Glory Hole Recreation. Spring brings more moderate temperatures and green landscapes: "Springtime has the grasses green with abundant wild flowers in late February through early March," notes Tom D.
Horse-related limitations: Despite the rural setting, designated equestrian camping facilities are scarce. At Pacheco State Park, while "the park is especially friendly to horses, because the lady that donated the land was an equestrienne" and "there is a corral at the main parking lot area," regular camping is not permitted except "when those on horseback are allowed to camp during special events," according to Winnie K.
Cell service variability: Coverage can be spotty depending on carrier and location. At Eastman Lake, one camper reports "No wifi, bathrooms did not have hot water... Spotty T Mobile Service," while another notes at a different campground that "AT&T cell signal from 45 was non existent but T-mobile worked well enough to stream Netflix."
Tips for camping with families
Campground playgrounds: COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground offers recreation facilities for children. "There is also a nice playground for the kids too," mentions Haley M. about the Codorniz Campground facilities, making it a good option for families with younger children who need additional entertainment options.
Cul-de-sac camping spots: Certain site configurations provide safer spaces for children to play. "We rented sites #10 & #11 for the weekend... Sites #9-11 make up the cul-de-sac so it was great for our kids to ride their bikes and scooters," recommends Haley M. These connected sites "would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites."
Wildlife awareness with children: Families should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters. "We had one raccoon visitor the first night... We were warned that rattle snakes are out," shares Haley M. For dogs, be cautious of natural hazards: "There is also quite a bit of brush around the campsites... our lab just brushed by some of the weeds and was littered with foxtails."
Beach access planning: At some reservoirs, waterfront camping doesn't guarantee swimming access. "These are the closest sites to the water in the campground, but unfortunately water access is pretty limited... We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road," explains Haley M. This requires additional planning for families with small children who want to swim.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV campers have diverse options for utility connections. At Modesto Reservoir, "the hook-up site ls are very well maintained however are close together so it lacks privacy," according to lanora G. Woodward Reservoir offers "paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping," notes Russell L.
Big rig accessibility: Some campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs but may require advance planning. At Codorniz Campground, "The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43' Blue Bird," mentions Tom D. However, site leveling can be challenging: "Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level."
Road conditions: Access routes to some campgrounds may pose challenges for RVs. At Eastman Lake, "although not far off of Highway 99, the road from Chowchilla was incredibly rough. 15 miles of poorly-patched pot holes. I went no faster than 35 mph but still bounced the rig badly," warns john W. This is particularly important for those with larger or less sturdy rigs.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. "A nice dump stations is available within the COE park," notes Tom D. about Codorniz Campground, allowing RVers to plan their stay length around this essential service.
