Top Tent Camping near Los Banos, CA
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Los Banos? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Los Banos with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your California tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Los Banos, CA (3)
1. George Hatfield State Rec Area
2 Reviews•1 Photo•4 SavesGeorge Hatfield Group Camp
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
$150 / night
2. Cole Ranch
2 Reviews•50 Photos•43 Saves"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank-
Pitch your tent under the shade of a majestic oak tree, right on the bank of the Tuolumne River, whose waters originate in Yosemite National Park. Keep an eye out for river otters, turtles, bald eagles, and beaver. Expect nighttime visitors like owls, foxes, and raccoons. Cole Ranch is a bit of an oasis surrounded by almond and walnut orchards. Pick a treat from the wild blackberry bushes, or from our family organic pomegranate orchard (mid-October thru mid-December). Warm yourself with your own personal fire pit in your camp, no extra charge (bring your own firewood, or purchase seasoned oak from Your Host). Outdoor kitchen available with a coffee bar, refrigeration, electricity, hot water, 3-burner stove, and BBQ’s.
**ADVISORY** (9/08/23) 8:05 AM
The river is back to normal flow, perfect for wading, swimming, fishing, kayaking, or any other river activities.
**ADVISORY** (8/10/23) 8:05 AM
The Tuolumne River unexpectedly rose about 2- 3' over night. The entire gravel shore us under water. Wading is relatively safe, but use extreme caution when boating or swimming.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$60 - $90 / night
3. Joseph D. Grant County Park
2 Reviews•7 Photos•52 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
Recent Tent Reviews In Los Banos
338 Reviews of 3 Los Banos Campgrounds
- U
UT801
Ranger
Coyote Valley RV Resort
Buttoned up, formal atmosphere RV resort
High priced. Nice people at desk. Damon who helped us park was very friendly. Almost entirely high-priced big rigs, some of whom seem settled here but it's clean, 'orderly,' very quiet. Rigid rules keep the order; nice that no political flags/signs allowed. 2 dog parks and lots of grassy areas to take for a walk. Showers in locker-room/bldg, bathrooms nice and clean. Green grass. Also has laundry with 2.50 wash and.25 dry for 8 min. Skunk wandered by site in the night. Cool train sounds from nearby tracks at night. Was probably the most convenient to San Jose, otherwise we likely would've been in mtns. and too far away from town for our needs at the time. Would not be a regular choice for us.
- KKorey Y.
Guide
Salinas-Monterey KOA
Parking lot with a pool
Pretty basic place. Level, noisy highway. Very friendly staff clean. I enjoy more of the outdoors so not really my cup of tea. Very narrow spaces.
Joseph R.Guide
San Luis Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Pretty good camping
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. There were plenty of fish and fishing folks on the shore and boats all were catching.
Delilah W.
Scout
Fleming Meadows Don Pedro Recreation Area
Lake is beautiful. Campground extremely noisy
Our neighbors in A119 talked, played loud music, whooped and laughed loudly until at least 3 am. At about 11 pm, we requested that please keep the noise down and reminded them of the quiet after 10 pm park rule. They said that the rule only applied to loud music and proceeded to make rude comments and told us to call the ranger. No one answered the phone. We called the local police: no noise ordinance in the county. Our neighbors proceeded to increase the volume of their talking, laughing and started hooting (making animal noises) as well. My husband asked them again at about 12 am to please be quiet and they got even louder after that. We moved to a different site and were still able to hear them but the noise level dropped to a more moderate level. We reported them to the ranger the next day but did not get a satisfactory response. There were at least 20 people at that site. The ranger said that 8 people was the limit. Without enforcement, number limits or quiet time rules are meaningless.
Meleny M.Scout
Medeiros Primitive Campsites - San Luis Reservoir
Loud people
Loud music playing at this hour clearly says quite time is at 10 pm and it’s so loud
- SSusie B.
Traveler
Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
The Pinnacles are Other-Worldly - this is your launchpad
I didn’t enjoy this campground for years — I’d always drive home, to my cooler coastal home. It is WICKED hot in the summer. But one time, I joined my daughter, who did have a summer reservation, and I changed my mind! They have a pool! The kids are thrilled! There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek. Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in. By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia.
I was selfishly a little sad when Pinnacles became a national monument, instead of a regional secret. But I’m so glad they got the money, they deserve it! Note: I discovered it because my kids were in rock climbing classes in town, and “this” was the field trip. So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside.
Jason M.Guide
Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
Great Layover
We had a quick three-day trip here to visit family. The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas.
- EEdward F.Scout
Basalt Campground - San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
It’s currently closed construction and will be closed for few months
Park is closed for few months according to security officer at the entrance/toll booth.
- Julia H.Traveler
Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
Great
Great spot. takes like a whole hour to get there. you’ll lose reception about half way getting there (at least with Verizon you will). i went early August and there was only one other camper van. very quiet. AMAZING sunset view. one of the best i’ve seen. just wished there was signal , for safety reasons.
- BBoberto R.Traveler
Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Don’t go after June
Campground is fine. Very hot and very dry after June. No camp fires after June bear gulch caves are also closed after June. Seen a ton of wildlife and over all wasn’t very crowded. Great for star gazing.
Brian and Janet S.Guide
Codorniz Campground
Not as advertised
No wifi, bathrooms did not have hot water.
Cool park with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cannot say enough about the great park rangers and camp hosts.
There were people close by to us with several tents and campers in one spot, not sure how this is monitored.
Spotty T Mobile Service $32 per night
- ddavidTraveler
Mercey Hot Springs
Amazing Place
I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.
Ch C.GuideMedeiros Primitive Campsites - San Luis Reservoir
Nice place for a couple of nights
This is a nice place to stay a couple of nights. It’s close to the road yet quiet. The only problem are the mosquitoes and other insects. Carry repellent all the time.
Michelle W.Ranger
Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
So many animals and birds
I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.
Lori T.Ranger
Mount Madonna
Great Campground
Loved everything about this campground! Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process. We stayed in Valley View 1, site 106. There was really no road noise at our site, though a few sites further around the loop did have noise. This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails. Huge bonus for us and we were pleasantly surprised that not one person used our site as a cut through. On the subject of hiking, this is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It’s hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was. We didn’t actually encounter anyone else as we hiked, so I can’t attest to whether folks follow the rule that dogs must be on a 6 ft lead on the trails, but they certainly did in the campground. There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them.
While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends. We didn’t use the restrooms or showers, but peeked in them anyway. Like everything else in this campground, they were clean and well maintained.
The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed.
Our friends stayed in one of the yurts and it was great, albeit a little cold for them at night. I believe there are 2 dog friendly yurts. 106RV
What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!
Important to note that you can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!
Hannah F.Traveler
Laguna Mountain Campground
Great location
Got there around noontime on the Friday of Memorial Day and grabbed the last designated lot. Really awesome area. Beautiful sunset over the mountains. Hiked Laguna Mountain and the Falls. Highly recommended. Toilet was also nice.
Jaime G.Guide
Hollister Hills SVRA
Molina Ghost Run 2024
This year MG run was held in Hollister Hills due to Clear Creek being closed. My registration came with free camp spot in the Upper Ranch. For an organized trail run I would give it a 5 star as it was very respectful and actually not loud at all including day light hours.
From a dispersed camp/ camp experience I am giving this a 4 star thats because I knew I was not camping here for a camp experience but an off-road experience with many other off-road enthusiast.
Tina M.Guide
Thousand Trails Morgan Hill
Good location
We liked the surrounding area and gorgeous rolling hills and while we were able to get a good spot it was not a campground that stood out too much to us. The pool is great though it was too cold to use it while we were there. No sewer hook up but dump station was close from our side. Overall happy with the stay
New D.GuideHollister Hills SVRA
Revisiting after 25 yrs! So glad we did!
The moon , stars, and timing of life could not have lived up better for us and our decision to revisit after a not-so great experience 25 yrs ago!
When my hubby told us, we were going to Hollister for our annual off-roading trip with our grandkids, I immediately became apprehensive and worried of other inconsiderate and dangerous riders, infestation of bugs and ticks (more than I have ever witnessed in my life during my past visit years ago), among garbage and other things.
All the worry was for nothing! This trip could not have been more peaceful, magical, and all the campers were very respectful of others space, quiet and children present.
It was just the right crowd, amount of dispersed visitors, and super clean!!!!
What I liked most was - the presence of caring and kind park rangers! Making sure safety was a priority, but knowing we were there to have fun as well! Thank you!!!
I’m 54, an outdoor enthusiast, and pay a lot of attention to my environment. It was unreal that there was no annoying bugs to be seen anywhere, although I’m sure they were present in. Forest - just not out being annoying. Could be the presence of so many kinds of birds as well. I’ve never seen so much beauty flying around in one place and comfortable with dropping in and saying hello to our grandkids! Made for picture perfect postcards incase any of you visitors love bird watching.
The trails were so well maintained and tracks groomed for safety . I have zero complaints and will definitely be returning!
I everyone of us had an awesome time!
- New D.Guide
La Grange Off-Road Park Campground
Great Place - except on event days!
We love La Grange. It’s been a huge part of our lives over the years where we have taught many how to ride various off-road vehicles and direct bikes over the years. It’s mainly a go to place for our annual trips to let our grandkids break free after a long school year. Lots of family memories there.
But our last few visits have been worrisome to say the least. Trust we get that being our hear comes with some risks and dangers, we’ve been doing this long enough to know part of having fun - means breaking lose and sometimes getting hurt (see pics), but…there’s definitely a difference between fun and obnoxiously reckless.
More careless groups are frequently visiting, driving intoxicated, and allowing their teenagers to whip through wildly and speeding through campsites where small children are playing. There’s even been teenagers double-riding with tiny toddlers hanging on the back, racing, jumping. Spinning donuts in the children’s track area.
Our last visit just over a month or so ago, on a stickfest event day, a young girl came flying up a two -way hill (where the top is a blind spot), and slammed straight into the front of another teenagers truck!!!
At night, wheneveveryone left two guys came pulling into our campsite at 1 am in he morning with an empty trailer right nectvyo our bikes with their lights off. Luckily I scared em off turning on the RV exterior lights.
Sadly, it’s not been like a place for family camping and enjoyment much and more. People are getting wind that it’s a “do-as-you-please,” off-roading area. Nobody overseeing. Not safe- especially for small children.
We're taking a break for awhile. We've moved to another spot last week. It's a two hour drive, but wow! It was like off-roading utopia!
We will miss you La Grange. Thank you for many great memories.
Lady D.TravelerLaguna Mountain Campground
BLM
Nice Campsites. Only 5 sites. Bathrooms. Free. First come first serve
- Lady D.Traveler
Laguna Mountain Campground
Well Maintained
Free and well maintained campsite. I only saw 5 marked campsites. There's a small parking lot and bathroom. Some spots are more convenient for travel trailers, others are not
LILI P.Guide
Los Banos Creek Campground
Relaxing weekend getaway
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. Porta pottys are clean, no potable water but I loved being able to camp right on the lake and fish just steps from my car. I was in site 12 and I’m glad I did. My dog was mostly not leashed and no one seemed to care. Super chill and cozy but not much to do if you like activity and adventure. Warning: 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. I was legit scared (I have a Hyundai Kona) but I made it across. The people at the booth said it can get even higher and there’s no way to know when or why.
James N.RangerPinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Beautiful, and secluded spot
They have had some flood damage, so repairs are going on. Beautiful spot, great trails, showers, general store. Didn't get to see any condors. I'll stay here again. AT&T was acceptable coverage.
Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the maintenance going on, once that is complete it's a 5 Star.
Erik J.GuideCodorniz Campground
Gorgeous setting and easy access
There are few gems along the Hwy 99 route between Sacramento and Bakersfield but this is definitely one of them! Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning. Situated among rolling hills that are luscious green in the spring, this campsite is quiet and packed full of things to do. Whether you want to bike, hike, fish, boat or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, this is the site for you!
We're dry camping at the Wildcat site which the ranger said is rarely used. There is no one else in the whole campground!
Coyotes howled in the distance last night and it was dead quiet. Going to take the road bike out today and explore some of the roads around the Lake. Lake is full after the 2023 season.
Robert G.GuidePinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Fun Drive, Far Out
Just driving here was worth the visit, but get out on the trails to really appreciate the diversity.
dakota B.TravelerPinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Great views
Bathrooms were a bit of a distance apart. Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing. Good distance from any other stores and the camp store closes promptly at 5.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Los Banos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Los Banos, CA is George Hatfield State Rec Area with a 1.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Los Banos, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Los Banos, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.