Tent camping near Gustine, California offers access to established campgrounds set within the San Joaquin Valley, with options ranging from riverfront sites to wooded canyon settings. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 200-1,500 feet, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Winter camping provides milder conditions with daytime temperatures in the 50-60°F range, though occasional rainstorms can create muddy trail conditions.
What to do
Watercraft adventures: Cole Ranch provides complimentary canoes, paddleboards and kayaks for campers to use on the adjacent river. A camper noted, "One afternoon we took out one of the facilities canoes on the river and relaxed on the water all afternoon. Fishing was a success, what a bonus."
Wildlife viewing: Joseph D Grant County Park offers opportunities to spot native California wildlife including rabbits and bobcats. A visitor reported, "Saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out," while another mentioned, "Some seasons there are wild pigs running around everywhere."
Waterfall hiking: The Waterfall Loop trail at Uvas Canyon provides access to multiple cascades within a short distance of the campground. According to a camper, "To hike to each fall it's about 6ish miles with just a few hundred feet of total elevation gain. The trails are large and well defined for an very entry level experience."
What campers like
Community kitchen access: Cole Ranch offers a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen facility for all campers to use. A reviewer commented, "They even provide pots, pans, knives and other cooking utensils you may need. Overall, it was such a great experience."
Clean facilities: Uvas Canyon County Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities that receive regular attention. One camper observed, "Super clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers. The sites are spaced out nicely and there is a water faucet and trash bins plus recycle every couple of sites."
Weekday solitude: Several campgrounds offer significantly quieter experiences during weekdays and off-season periods. A Joseph D Grant camper noted, "We had a great site and there was no one on either side of us," while another visitor mentioned camping when "the campground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds experience periodic closures due to flooding. A recent visitor to George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area reported, "Main gate is locked. No entry, despite what it says on the park website about day use area being open. 100% boarded up at the moment based on 6/19/23 drive-by."
Gate closing times: County parks enforce strict gate closing hours that may affect late arrivals. A Joseph D Grant camper noted, "Gate closes 8:15pm," requiring campers to arrive before this time or make special arrangements.
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by location and season. A camper at Uvas Canyon reported, "A ton of wasps near 25," while another noted, "We went in April and there weren't many bugs."
Tips for camping with families
Poison oak awareness: Keep children and pets away from poison oak that grows along some trails. A camper at Uvas Canyon County Park warned, "On the trails there's quite a bit of poison oak so keep dogs close."
Child-friendly river access: Cole Ranch offers safe river access points appropriate for families with children. A visitor mentioned, "The park flooded awhile back which made the parks dept. have to clean up the park. It's a clean park, not very many campsites, an the river is low which makes it good for kids."
Family amenities: Some campgrounds offer features specifically designed for families. A camper at Uvas Canyon noted, "Restrooms and showers were clean, and some even have baby changing stations."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven parking areas that may require additional equipment. An RVer camping at Joseph D. Grant County Park - Horse Camp shared, "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all."
Roof top tent considerations: Several sites at Uvas Canyon accommodate roof top tents better than others. A camper advised, "If you have a roof top tent, we scoped out a few sites which are more flat, and also have the picnic table near the parking spot. They are: 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Joseph D Grant County Park mentioned, "No cell service, ride up the mountain is nauseating," while an Uvas Canyon camper reported, "We had good Verizon coverage and there is wifi at the bathrooms."
