Best Campgrounds near Los Banos, CA

Several camping areas sit within driving distance of Los Banos, California, giving campers a mix of environments to choose from. San Luis Reservoir SRA has good water views and lets people fish or boat during their stay. Over at Pinnacles National Park, the campground puts you right near some interesting rock formations and trails worth hiking. If you want more quiet and tree cover, Laguna Mountain Campground tends to be less crowded and has better shade. You'll need to be smart about food storage in all these places since wildlife is common - the raccoons at Pinnacles are particularly determined to get into coolers and food containers. During summer, these campgrounds fill up fast, so making reservations ahead of time saves a lot of headache. RV campers should know that Pinnacles Campground does have electric hookups available. The amount of tree coverage differs between sites, with Laguna Mountain having the most natural shade. Birds and small mammals are regular visitors to campsites throughout the area. Always check the local rules about wildlife before your trip to stay safe. Privacy between sites varies quite a bit - some are fairly open while others give you more separation from neighbors. Taking time to research the specific layout of each campground helps you pick a spot that matches what you're looking for, whether that's basic facilities or something more developed.

Best Camping Sites Near Los Banos, California (73)

    1. Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Los Banos, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 826-1197

    $20 / night

    "Getting it reserved is a website-mess though as you need to click on San Luis Reservoir SRA and then Los Banos Creek Campground. LBC doesn't even show up on the map."

    "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."

    2. Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Los Banos, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 826-1196

    $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."

    3. Oasis West RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Los Banos, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 370-0603

    $60 / night

    "Los Banos is this strange little travel vortex for me. Ive been passing thru the town a couple times a month for the last year...either go to or leaving my partner."

    4. Basalt Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Los Banos, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 826-1197

    $28 - $30 / night

    "After the fires in Northern California prevented us from camping in El Dorado County, we made a quick decision to go south a bit to San Luis Reservoir."

    "We picked it out on a map as close to half way to the Bay Area from Sequoia. It was a winner but there are lots of gnats around sites and bathrooms. Besides that, we were the only ones there!"

    5. Santa Nella RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Los Banos, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 826-3105

    $50 / night

    6. San Luis Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Gustine, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    $40 - $200 / night

    "Camping spot was clean and a tall fire pit a good distance from the water and bathroom at site 22. Was hot af was the only issue for us, 103 and the sun just hurt."

    "But the wildlife and lake make this place. I saw the sunrise over the lake, but didn’t snap a picture because I was too comfy!"

    7. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    90 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $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."

    8. Merced River Resort

    6 Reviews
    Stevinson, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 634-6056

    9. McConnell State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Atwater, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 394-7755

    $30 - $200 / night

    "over night & day sites, hot showers and indoor restrooms surrounded by beautiful nature."

    10. Pacheco State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Hollister, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 826-6283

    "However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.

    NO WATER."

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Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Los Banos, CA

394 Reviews of 73 Los Banos Campgrounds



Guide to Los Banos

Camping near Los Banos, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Trails abound in the area, especially at Pinnacles Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape." This makes it a great spot for those who love to hike and enjoy nature.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot various wildlife. One visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded." This makes it a perfect place for nature lovers.
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies at Mount Madonna County Park are ideal for star gazing. A camper shared, "Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. One review for Laguna Seca Recreation Area said, "Great views of lush green hills." This makes for a picturesque camping experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at California Sunset State Beach mentioned, "Very clean and friendly staff," highlighting the well-maintained restrooms and showers.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday are great for families. One parent noted, "Great for families, close to the boardwalk and the aquarium."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping during the summer, be prepared for high temperatures. A reviewer at Pinnacles Campground warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Laguna Mountain Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "No drinking water, no electric hookups," so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Campers should be cautious about wildlife. One visitor at Woodward Reservoir mentioned, "Many geese that use their winter homes," indicating the need for awareness around animals.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like New Brighton State Beach Campground where families are common. A reviewer said, "Lots of families and lots of kids," making it a lively spot for children.
  • Plan for Activities: Ensure there are activities for kids. One parent at California Sunset State Beach mentioned, "Perfect camping spot 2 minutes from the beach," which is great for family fun.
  • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand is essential. A camper at Moss Landing KOA Express noted, "Nice place for us to stop, shower and do laundry," indicating the need for convenience.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Laguna Seca Recreation Area mentioned, "Water is non-potable, but that wasn’t a problem for us," so be prepared.
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Woodward Reservoir advised, "We have been there three times," indicating it’s a popular choice.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: RVers can take advantage of nearby attractions. A visitor at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday said, "We used this as a launching off point to visit Big Sur," making it a great base for exploration.

Camping near Los Banos, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Los Banos, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Los Banos, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 73 campgrounds and RV parks near Los Banos, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Los Banos, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Los Banos, CA is Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Los Banos, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Los Banos, CA.