The San Joaquin River and surrounding California Delta waterways define the camping experience near Lathrop, California. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 10-30 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 90-95°F. Water levels fluctuate significantly based on seasonal rainfall patterns, sometimes dropping 10-15 feet below normal during drought conditions and affecting water access at several camping areas.
What to do
Tube floating on calm waterways: At Caswell Memorial State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy a 45-minute lazy river float. "A small river is nearby. There aren't trails nearby but it worked out fine for us," notes one camper. The park offers tube floating from the camp area to the day-use beach.
Golf near your campsite: French Camp RV Park and Golf Course provides easy access to golfing without leaving the grounds. "It's a super sweet RV resort. It is very well-maintained, nicely landscaped, and they have some great dog parks," reports a visitor. The course remains open year-round with affordable green fees.
Delta shipping channel observation: From Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort, campers can watch oceangoing vessels navigate the Stockton deep water channel. "We saw ships coming in and out of the channel. Was lucky to see a sailboat race also," shares one reviewer. The deep-water channel provides a unique maritime viewing experience uncommon at most inland campgrounds.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Caswell Memorial State Park earns high marks for its restroom upkeep. "The bathrooms were astounding. Very modern and especially clean," notes a camper. This contrasts with some other delta campgrounds where bathroom maintenance receives mixed reviews.
Shaded campsites for summer relief: The mature trees at several campgrounds provide crucial shade. "As I was camping in the summer and it was supposed to be 100s I wanted to make sure I had a shadey spot. I was able to find quite a few spots that had shade," explains one Caswell Memorial visitor. Sites under tree cover can be 10-15°F cooler than exposed sites.
Direct water access: Turner Cut Resort offers immediate river access for boaters and anglers. "Good for camping on the delta with green grass and close to the boat spots," comments a visitor. Many sites allow boaters to dock directly behind their campsite for convenient water entry.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Delta wetlands create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, especially from April through October. "TONS of mosquitos, be prepared! When we drove in midday, we were swarmed with mosquitos," warns a Caswell Memorial camper. The mosquito population increases significantly after spring rainfall.
Weekend crowds vs. midweek tranquility: Occupancy patterns follow predictable cycles. "It can be crowded on the weekends, but the week days are wonderful," explains a reviewer of Caswell Memorial. Reservation data shows some campgrounds reaching 95% capacity on summer weekends but dropping below 40% occupancy Tuesday through Thursday.
Campsite spacing varies considerably: At Dos Reis County Park, site proximity affects privacy. "We were very close to surrounding sites, so we felt we didn't have enough privacy," notes one camper. Site measurements range from as little as 15 feet between units at some locations to over 30 feet at more spacious campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming zones with gradual entry. "The river is usually very pleasant for tube floating, water can be a little cold but mostly it's refreshing since Ripken tends to get hot," explains a Caswell Memorial visitor. Water depth in designated swimming areas typically remains under 4 feet.
Midweek timing for quieter stays: Family campers often report better experiences during non-peak periods. "A couple of campers didn't respect the quiet time rules and it ruined my whole experience at the site," shares a Dos Reis County Park visitor, highlighting weekend noise challenges. Tuesday and Wednesday arrivals generally encounter fewer occupied sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Del Valle Campground offers abundant wildlife sightings. "I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports a visitor. Morning hours between 6-8am provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many delta campgrounds feature varying terrain. At Flag City RV Resort, "The cement pad was plenty long enough for our 40' fifth wheel and unhooked F450. The utilities are on the back quarter of the pad. We needed 15' of sewer hose." Bringing leveling blocks remains advisable for most area campgrounds.
Hookup placement awareness: Utility connections often require planning. "This application says it's 50 amp with septic. No septic and only 30 amp service," notes a visitor to Turtle Beach, highlighting the importance of verifying actual hookup specifications before arrival. Extension cords of at least 25 feet are recommended for most sites.
Site selection for shade: Summer temperatures make shade essential for comfortable RV camping. "Not a big fan of the lava rock site area, would prefer grass," mentions a Flag City RV Resort visitor, underscoring the value of researching site surface materials and shade coverage before booking. Sites with afternoon shade can reduce air conditioning needs by up to 40%.
