Smiley C.
Scout
ScoutGlory Hole Recreation Area
Glory Hole ,on New Melones lake
Tent camped, basic site , senior discount, about 20 per night.
Best Campgrounds near Hughson, CA
Campgrounds around Hughson, California provide a variety of experiences along rivers and reservoirs throughout Stanislaus County. Modesto Reservoir offers both disbursed camping and developed sites with hookups, while Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground provides year-round access with electric hookups. Several established campgrounds like Cole Ranch and Tuolumne River Ranch provide intimate settings with river access. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities and proximity to water.
Reservations are typically required at most developed campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when water recreation is popular. The region experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, making camping possible year-round at several locations. "The hook-up sites are very well maintained however are close together so it lacks privacy," noted one visitor about Modesto Reservoir, highlighting a common characteristic of the more developed camping areas. Facilities at established campgrounds generally include drinking water, toilets, and trash service, while hookup availability varies by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to the proximity to towns, though some riverside locations may have limited coverage.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the area, with several campgrounds providing direct access to rivers or reservoirs. "We used to LOVE this place... peaceful, quiet, and clean where two camping chairs and two single wine coolers, by the calm river and sound silence of nature was our healing remedy," shared one camper about Tuolumne River Ranch. McConnell State Recreation Area Campground sits along the Merced River, offering peaceful riverside camping when not crowded. Several reviewers mentioned the value of weekday visits to avoid noise and crowds, particularly at popular water-adjacent sites. Woodward Reservoir near Oakdale provides multiple access types including boat-in camping. Visitors frequently note the importance of shade in this region, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making sites with trees particularly desirable.
Best Camping Sites Near Hughson, California (124)
1. Woodward Reservoir
16 ReviewsOakdale, CA18 milesWebsite+1 (209) 847-3304"Out in Central valley is Woodward Lake. Great for a day trip if you live in the Bay area and want to get away. They have boat access to the lake."
"Woodward Reservoir is a great place to camp with or without all the amenities...They have primitive camping for the folks that like roughing it as well as people that like the home away from home experience"
2. Cole Ranch
3 ReviewsWaterford, CA8 miles+1 (209) 620-6218$60 - $90 / night
"The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations. Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc. "
3. Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
14 ReviewsRipon, CA18 milesWebsite+1 (209) 599-3810$30 - $175 / night
"Near by river provides access to canoeing or kayaking. A few hiking trails plus a good size group campsite area. Online reservation available."
"Most of the sites are close to the entrance to the river. The day use are is well shaded and provides easy hicks. Will definately go again."
4. Modesto Reservoir
6 ReviewsWaterford, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (209) 874-9540$40 - $60 / night
"The positives:
The natural setting is beautiful — right by the water with lots of ducks, and the campsite layout is quite nice.""Price has gone up compare to past years but I like it due to it location. Certain time of the year it get pretty busy but we always camp on the far end of the campground where there is less people."
5. McConnell State Recreation Area Campground
6 ReviewsAtwater, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (209) 394-7755$30 - $200 / night
"over night & day sites, hot showers and indoor restrooms surrounded by beautiful nature."
6. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground
6 ReviewsLa Grange, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (209) 874-2056$36 / night
"The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Adequate parking and tent area."
7. Merced River Resort
6 ReviewsStevinson, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (209) 634-60569. Kit Fox RV Park
4 ReviewsPatterson, CA19 milesWebsite+1 (209) 892-2638"I stayed here for one night in a 22’ RV at one of the back-in sites for the shorter term stays on a drive from Death Valley back towards the San Francisco Bay area."
"I received a military discount, The park is next to a good sized interchange with food, fuel and etc available."
10. Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
10 ReviewsFall River Lake, CA25 milesWebsite+1 (209) 881-0107"We were lucky to have a spot at the dead center of the top of the mountain looking out at the lake (site 13) with a big shade tree."
"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 and at night there were several deer walking thru the site."
Recent Camping Photos near Hughson, CA
119 Photos of 124 Hughson Campgrounds
Eric A.
Cole Ranch
Eddie N.
Modesto Reservoir
Mary K.
Woodward Reservoir
Lisamarie S.
Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
Yvette M.
Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
Eddie N.
Fleming Meadows Don Pedro Recreation Area
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Turtle Beach
Mark G.
Lake McSwain Recreation Area
Julie D.
Tuttletown RA - Chamise - BOR
Tammy H.
Moccasin Point Campground
Jordan L.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Lori T.
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Recent Reviews near Hughson, CA
472 Reviews of 124 Hughson Campgrounds
Vince N.
GuideUSBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Good spots, lousy neighbors
Staying here April 17-20 and it’s quite a good spot. Reservations are required but usually aren’t hard to get. $22 per night with a $8 reservation fee. Potable water available and bathrooms with a couple of them having showers. Weather is great with the lowest only getting to 48 degrees at night. Right by New Melones allowing for ease of water activities and taking a stroll around the park. Towns are 20-30 minute drive away so supplies and in-town activities also not hard to come by.
Only gripe is large groups nearby were noisy way past quiet hours. Besides that, great place to be.
Kimberly L.GuideDos Reis County Park
So much lost potential
The campground is in a good location, nice view, spacious sites at a fair price. Unfortunately, this campground could be an easy 5 stars if the camp hosts were more invested but I'm sure they are living there for free and not having to do much at all except drive around on their golf cart every couple of days. If they were invested in their responsibilities as a camphost, they wouldn't take up three spots for their extra vehicles because they'd be full. They also don't walk the park or the grassy areas(trash throughout), no clean up of sites or fire pits(dog waste bags and plastic trash bags in fire pit and broken glass at site), and they don't unlock the showers at the posted times(you get 2 hrs in the morning and 2 hrs in the evening to use showers if they're not locked up), nor do they clean the bathroom which was pretty gross the whole week I was there. The sign says to let the camp host know if the showers are locked during scheduled use times but good luck getting past their GS who lets you know not to bother them. On top of those issues, the feral cats will urinate/spray on anything left outside your rig. This park could easily get full and stay that way if issues were addressed but it's obvious that someone knows someone. If you get my drift. It's disappointing and I won't be back.
Delaney N.
TravelerCaswell Memorial State Park Campground
Great getaway!
I love how many sites here are private. It really gives the sense that you are out alone in nature, while being only 15 minutes away from the city. The restrooms are in good conditions, I haven’t tested the showers. But I’ve always enjoyed my trips here
A negative though- people do tend to dump their cats here, so depending on the time of year cats may be heavy. In January there were lots, this last time in March I only saw one or two!
LMTravelerModesto Reservoir
Great scenery, but easily ruined by inconsiderate campers
We recently camped at Vivian Cove and had a mixed experience.
The positives:
The natural setting is beautiful — right by the water with lots of ducks, and the campsite layout is quite nice. The stone seating areas are a great feature, and overall the location itself is very enjoyable. It feels more secluded compared to the main campground areas.Important notes about facilities:
Be aware that facilities here are very basic. While the site may be listed as having amenities, in reality:- There was no visible water access at the campsite
- No sinks or designated areas for washing dishes
- The restrooms are vault toilets (pit-style, no running water)
This may be expected for some campers, but it can be very different from what people assume if they see “restrooms” or “hookups” mentioned.
The main issue:
Our experience was heavily affected by a few groups who did not follow campground etiquette.- When we arrived shortly after check-in time (~4:15 PM), our reserved site was already occupied by another group
- Some visitors appeared to be using campsites without proper reservations
- A small number of groups were extremely disruptive at night — loud music, generators, and shouting well past quiet hours
While many campers were respectful and quiet, it only took one or two inconsiderate groups to significantly impact the experience.
Enforcement:
There does appear to be enforcement — staff/patrol came through in the morning and disruptive groups were eventually asked to leave. However, quiet hours were not effectively enforced overnight.Tips for future visitors:
- Bring earplugs
- Bring your own water and be prepared for no washing facilities
- Expect a more primitive camping setup
Overall:
The location is great, but the experience depends heavily on neighboring campers and expectations regarding facilit- DDawn C.Guide
Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area
Beautiful in Spring
Beautiful. Not crowded. All the RVs are on one shaded hillside. Nice to park in the trees. Electric, water, sewage hook up all easy access. Each site comes with fire ring and picnic table, all also in the shade.
- JJ B.Traveler
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Great time of year
Just got back from a weekend jaunt to Glory Hole. Marina and some boat ramps still not open for the season, but the hills were bright green—verdant comes to mind. And the male turkeys were everywhere, calling early in the morning. Not enough toilets for the number of campers (males—1 toilet to ~25 campers—you better be good at holding it!)
norcalcudafishScoutOrwood Resort Inc.
Working hard to make it better
Was once a dump of a campground. They are working on it as we speak. They have a site right in front of the boat launch that comes with dock access to fish! Most sites are water and electricity only.
Bobby D.GuideMedeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Quiet and peaceful overnight
Arrived just before sunset to this fresh and beautiful spot with the sound of frogs and birds and the fresh scent of grasses. Lovely roadside stop, could be a bit cleaner.
Guide to Hughson
Stanislaus County offers diverse campsite options near Hughson, California with temperatures ranging from 55°F winter nights to summer days exceeding 100°F. The region's camping locations span elevations from 100-500 feet above sea level, providing year-round access to both riverside and reservoir settings. Most campsites include access to fishing spots with seasonal restrictions depending on water levels.
What to do
River floating adventures: At Caswell Memorial State Park Campground, visitors can float down the lazy river from the campground to the public beach. "A 45 minute lazy river meanders through the park and lets out at the day use beach. Bring your bug spray and a good tube!" notes Lisamarie S. The park has a creek connecting the camping area to the swimming beach.
Fishing opportunities: The Merced River at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground provides fishing access along its east side. "My getaway spot in the middle of nowhere!" writes Bradley A., who enjoys the peaceful setting. The park gets less crowded during off-season months, making it ideal for anglers seeking solitude.
Water sports access: Woodward Reservoir accommodates various water activities from swimming to boating. "Woodward is our family go to place to camp in the summer heat. Lots of campsites with room for tents or RVs," shares Bonnie S. The reservoir allows visitors to bring kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, with some campgrounds providing complimentary watercraft.
What campers like
River swimming access: Campers appreciate the swimming opportunities at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground. "The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Best feature are the sites the run along the river. We hung out in the river all day located about 60ft from our campsite," explains M G. The campground sits across from the lake but adjacent to the Tuolumne River.
Communal facilities: At Cole Ranch, guests value the shared amenities. "They even have fresh Sunflower in a vase changed regularly. They also change the hand towel in the restrooms daily for everyone to use. The campsite is well taken care of as well as the kitchen which is communal use. They even provide pots, pans, knives and other cooking utensils," notes Eric A. The camp hosts maintain these extras that enhance the camping experience.
Natural ambiance: Campers enjoy the peaceful settings at several locations. "My favorite time is during the late hours of the evening when things quiet down and falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and the river flowing by," shares a Turlock Lake camper. At Caswell Memorial State Park, Xi C. notes, "The sites are clean and well maintained. A small river is nearby."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Availability varies significantly between weekdays and weekends. "It was a mess Fri-Sun mid-June with loud Norteño music being blasted from multiple campsites and the day/group area in particular," reports Joel A. about McConnell State Recreation Area. Weekday visits typically offer more peaceful experiences across all campgrounds in the region.
Mosquito preparation: Bug protection is essential, particularly near wooded river areas. "TONS of mosquitos, be prepared! When we drove in midday, we were swarmed with mosquitos. Considering there's a river and lots of weeds/bushes/trees, this isn't surprising," warns Sandra S. about Caswell Memorial State Park.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant temperature variations. "It tends to get chilly and windy occasionally. Make sure to bring sunblock!" advises Javier J. about Woodward Reservoir. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while evenings can cool considerably, requiring both sun protection and warm clothing for nights.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Shallow water areas at Modesto Reservoir provide safe swimming for children. "Has two style of camping based on your camping style. One side of the lake has disbursed camping with very minimal shade... other side of the lake has multiple camping loops with paved camping spots with water and electrical hookups," explains Russell L. Families should choose sites based on desired amenities and water access.
Nature programs: Caswell Memorial State Park offers weekend activities for children during normal operations. "They do movies and nature demonstrations on the weekends for kids (when COVID is gone)," notes Jason G. These educational opportunities enhance the camping experience for young visitors.
Shade considerations: When camping with children, seek shaded sites. "Very shady campgrounds with big oak trees providing shade throughout the day and night," notes a reviewer about Turlock Lake State Recreation Area. At Caswell Memorial State Park, one camper adds, "As I was camping in the summer and it was supposed to be 100s I wanted to make sure I had a shadey spot."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: RV campers have several full-service options. "The hook-up RV sites were big and welcoming. The shoreline overlooking the river was relaxing, quiet and inviting," writes Joyce L. about Cole Ranch. At Woodward Reservoir, Mary K. advises, "If you want hook ups and waterfront you have to make reservations on T-Island or Hackleberry Flats."
Site spacing considerations: RV campers should note proximity between sites at various campgrounds. "Has paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping," explains Russell L. about Woodward Reservoir, though some campgrounds have more spacious sites than others.
Accessibility concerns: Some facilities have limited accessibility. At Merced River Resort, one camper notes, "Showers available but not ADA compliant so my husband couldn't use it." Campers with mobility concerns should call ahead to verify accessibility at their chosen campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping areas near Hughson, California?
Where can I find camping areas near Hughson, California?
Several excellent camping options surround Hughson within a short drive. Woodward Reservoir just outside Oakdale offers paved loop campgrounds with sites suitable for RVs and tents, plus easy water access for swimming and water sports. For lakeside camping, Modesto Reservoir provides similar facilities in Waterford. Slightly further afield, Lake Camanche offers family-friendly camping with well-maintained sites and clean facilities, while the peaceful setting of Mighty Farms provides creek-side camping with excellent stargazing opportunities.
What amenities do campgrounds near Hughson offer?
What amenities do campgrounds near Hughson offer?
Campgrounds near Hughson feature a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Acorn Campground provides clean, well-maintained sites for $20 per night ($10 with Golden Age passes) and is suitable for small trailers and tents, with some sites accommodating larger RVs. Each camping section has restrooms within walking distance. At COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground, you'll find beautiful lakeside sites perfect for kayak fishing, with easy water access. Other area campgrounds typically offer fire rings, picnic tables, potable water, and boat ramps at reservoirs, though amenities vary seasonally, especially during drought conditions when lake levels can drop significantly.
What camping is available near Hughson, CA?
What camping is available near Hughson, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hughson, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Hughson, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Hughson, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Hughson, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hughson, CA is Woodward Reservoir with a 4-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hughson, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hughson, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Hughson, CA.
What parks are near Hughson, CA?
What parks are near Hughson, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Hughson, CA that allow camping, notably New Melones Lake and Fall River Lake.
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