Looking for the best campgrounds near Firebaugh, CA? Firebaugh is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Firebaugh, reviewed by campers like you.
"Close by amenities gas stations, mcdonald’s & freeway about 10 mins out"
"Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!"
$44 - $164 / night
"Per my rating system, this is very close to being 5 stars, meaning it's worth planning a trip from out of state just to visit this park and surrounding national/state forest for 3 days or more The only"
"It’s a beautiful park and has the largest population of California Condors in the world.
The campground is situated about 2.3 miles from the main trailheads. There's tent and RV campsites."
$42 - $1500 / night
"There is a high fence surrounding the property and it is secured by electronic hand held devices that you receive when you check in. The lake and swimming pool are beautiful and restful."
"Surrounded by a pond. Cable & wifi. Decent laundry room. Perfect place if you're a golfer. We stayed here multiple nights. My kids loved the pool."
$20 / night
"Campsites are mostly at the water’s edge of the small-ish reservoir that’s main attraction (at least this time of year) appears to be fishing."
"Not to mention the water was only a few steps away. Very small campground which made it not feel crowded. Portable Potty bathrooms which were not to bad and well maintained."
"Close to hwy but far enough that road noise isn't onerous. Train passes through once at night time, bring earplugs. Clean, tidy, well kept campground."
$70 - $185 / night
"If you’re doing the long drive from the Bay Area to LA, a nice place to stay is Mercey Hot Springs. It takes about 20 minutes to get there from the freeway and is in the middle of nowhere. "
"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."
"It is difficult to find BLM camping in California and this is a gem!
The road is in prone to mudslides and looked like is was recently cleared of mud in multiple spots."
"Laguna mountain road trail is very strenuous The last leg of the trail(primitive trail) is not easy to follow. Someone has marked the trail with stacked rocks."
$20 / night
"There are porta potties throughout and a handicap accessible pit toilet near the entrance. There are dumpsters but no recycling bins (weird for a California state facility)."
"We stayed right next to the river, which was nice. Open area with nice spots with a table, shade and a fire ring. Very windy, but tolerable."
$30 - $200 / night
"Bathrooms were so-so with regard to cleanliness but most sites had its own access to water which was awesome!"
"Had a fun time with the family, had accesible restroom and showers, had picnic table so we could put our things, shade, place where we could set our tent with our truck next to us, and we were able to"
ScoutIt is peaceful and beautiful. Weekends are always busy here
GuideEasy access in a camper van. Nice big areas but not many spots (about 5 or 6). Only 2 other vehicles/campers here. Beautiful views, cooling winds and don’t seem to be any biting bugs! Picnic tables & shelter, plus a fire ring on each pit. No showers but toilet available. Lovely & quiet!!!
ScoutI had a great time at the Pinnacles Campground. I saw a bunny (pictured) and hordes of quail. The tent-only sections of the campground were very pretty too. The only downside of our site (130–134) is that there was not a lot of privacy — it would have done better as a group camp. Fortunately, our neighbors were awesome so the forced company was not a downside! But if I go again, I am going to try to get spot 129, which seemed really secluded. The other nice thing about the little area we were in is that it is right at the trailhead for the Bench Trail. Raccoons were REALLY bold — they stole our neighbors' food while they were at their campsite! So keep the area crumb clean for sure.
GuideFirst come first serve, vault toilets, water pump by outhouse area, pic a site and make a donation, the is a camp host. Picnic tables, well used.. fire pits, barbecue pits.. sites look d pretty clean, i am across from lake, train noise..
GuideLast minute overnighter on a Friday night in July. First come first serve camping. We stayed right next to the river, which was nice. Open area with nice spots with a table, shade and a fire ring. Very windy, but tolerable. Overall a chill place though cars kept driving through into the evening, though it settled down around 11pm. Slept well! Great spot if passing through.
ScoutThe campground overall was pretty nice—it’s huge and even has a pool (though by around 1:30, it gets completely taken over by a swarm of kids). What really threw me off was the bathroom situation. I expected flush toilets, as advertised, but our loop only had Port-a-Potties. To make matters worse, it’s a quite a walk to get to the restroom in our loop—and that’s not ideal in the heat. Every other loop seemed to have proper bathrooms, so it felt like we got the short end of the stick without any heads-up. Between the long walks, the heat, and the surprisingly bold raccoons and birds, I’d recommend this spot only for a one-night stay—especially if you’re planning to hike during the day.
ScoutWe had a beautiful, relaxing campsite surrounded by a raisin vineyard. Randall & Cheryl were friendly & accessible by phone to answer our questions & we had a wonderful, memorable overnight stay.
GuideI like this place because the angle of the sun should give some extra time in the morning to break down. I always like a free spot and I was like a spot that’s quiet. And there’s no one else here during the week. To be honest, there are gun shell casings everywhere but I think that’s probably a weekend thing. I will adjust the review if it turns out to be a morning thing.
GuidePulled up to this campground at like 5:00PM over memorial day weekend and it was full to the brim. The trail/road was closed to vehicles, and we found a spot about 500 yds up just off the trail. There were probably 9-12 groups total, 4 of which were on the trail.
Otherwise pretty chill and would come back here if there aren't any other options
Camping near Firebaugh, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are several campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Firebaugh, California, has something for everyone. With beautiful scenery, friendly hosts, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for overnight parking at Firebaugh rest areas?
California rest areas, including those near Firebaugh, generally limit stays to 8 hours within a 24-hour period, prohibiting overnight parking for camping purposes. For proper overnight accommodations, consider Thousand Trails San Benito which provides full RV hookups about 45 minutes from Firebaugh. Alternatively, Harris Ranch offers a convenient overnight parking option for those traveling through the area. Always look for posted regulations at specific rest areas, as enforcement varies, and commercial vehicles have different rules than passenger vehicles.
Is free camping allowed along the San Joaquin River near Firebaugh?
Free camping directly along the San Joaquin River near Firebaugh is generally not permitted. However, Tumey Hills Box Canyon offers free BLM dispersed camping not far from Firebaugh. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Condon Peak Campground provides free camping in the coast range about 45 minutes southwest of Firebaugh. This remote site is perfect for those looking to escape civilization, but note there's no cell service in the area. Always check current BLM regulations before camping, as rules can change seasonally.
Where are the best camping spots near Firebaugh, CA?
Several excellent camping options exist near Firebaugh. San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area offers developed camping with lake views and basic amenities about 30 minutes west. For those seeking a more remote experience, Laguna Mountain Campground provides beautiful BLM camping in the Diablo Range. This hidden gem features primitive sites and stunning views, though be aware the access road can be challenging, especially after rain when the clay-like mud becomes problematic. The campground is typically accessible year-round but conditions vary seasonally.
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