Los Banos sits at an elevation of 118 feet within California's San Joaquin Valley, where summer temperatures routinely exceed 90°F between June and September. Winter camping offers milder conditions with daytime temperatures averaging 60°F, though overnight temperatures can drop to near freezing. Water levels at nearby reservoirs fluctuate significantly throughout the year, with springtime typically offering the highest water levels at Los Banos Creek Reservoir.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Los Banos Creek Reservoir provides access to bass fishing with changing conditions based on water levels. "The lake water is not the cleanest," notes one camper at Los Banos Creek Campground, but fishing remains popular with sites positioned along the shoreline.
Stargazing sessions: The relatively remote location of Medeiros Primitive Campsites offers minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. A camper describes the experience: "After the shooting stopped, about 8:30 PM, it was amazingly quiet" with clear night skies ideal for astronomy.
Hiking trails: Mount Madonna County Park provides extensive hiking routes through redwood forests. A visitor reports, "The park itself contains miles of hiking trails that wind through the redwoods and along the ridgetops," making it accessible for various skill levels with trails connecting directly to some campsites.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Direct lake access ranks high among campers at Los Banos Creek. "We stayed right next to the lake and fish just steps from my car," writes one reviewer who appreciated the proximity to water despite noting a significant water crossing that can reach 9-10 inches with fast-flowing water.
Privacy at smaller campgrounds: The limited size of Los Banos Creek Campground creates a more intimate camping experience. One visitor explains: "It's a small campground, only 14 sites I believe. The entire campground is right on the banks of the reservoir so water access no matter where you're staying."
Reliable facilities: Pinnacles Campground offers well-maintained amenities for those willing to drive farther from Los Banos. "Clean. Friendly staff. Wonderful showers," writes a camper who appreciated the threaded water spigots available at certain sites.
What you should know
Water crossings: Access to Los Banos Creek Campground involves a water crossing that fluctuates significantly. "The water crossing is no joke!!!! When I arrived it was about 7" but when I crossed the next day to go into town it was 9-10" high and flowing fast," warns a camper who adds, "people at the booth said it can get even higher and there's no way to know when or why."
Insect concerns: Medeiros Primitive Campsites has significant insect activity, especially during warmer months. "The only problem are the mosquitoes and other insects. Carry repellent all the time," advises a visitor who otherwise rated the campground highly.
Temperature variations: Mount Madonna experiences dramatic temperature differences compared to surrounding areas. One camper warns: "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: While most dog friendly campgrounds near Los Banos lack swimming facilities, Pinnacles Campground has a swimming pool. "They have a pool that will be full of kids but feels really refreshing after a hot hike," shares a visitor, though another notes the pool "gets completely taken over by a swarm of kids" by early afternoon.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy observing the diverse wildlife at many campgrounds. At San Benito RV and Camping Resort, a family noted, "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!!"
Beach play areas: Los Banos Creek Reservoir has shallow areas suitable for supervised children. A camper describes: "There was a sandy beach front leading into shallow water. It was perfect for our young kids to play in safely (with life vests of course) and we could still be at the campsite and keep eyes on them."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: For RVs, finding level ground can be challenging at some campgrounds. At Los Banos Creek Campground, one RVer advises: "If RV... bring leveling blocks... lots," and provides specific site recommendations: "Site 3 - Good Shady site, fairly level and large enough for 20' trailer / 24' RV - On Lake."
Hook-up availability: Full service options exist at campgrounds slightly farther from Los Banos. "We stayed in one of the electric sites with our RV, but there are dry camping sites as well," notes an RVer at Pinnacles Campground, while those seeking full hookups should consider Santa Nella RV Park where a visitor describes "Large, level sites. Very good rates for a quick stop."
