Best Tent Camping near Manteca, CA

Regional parks and recreation areas surrounding Manteca, California offer diverse tent camping options within an hour's drive. Lake Camanche, located 30 miles east in Wallace, provides tent-only sites with lake access and substantial fire rings with primitive grills. Rancho Seco Recreation Area in Herald features approximately 50 tent-only sites, some positioned just feet from the water's edge. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Sunol Regional Wilderness offers primitive ridge-top sites that require hiking in all necessary supplies.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities on semi-flat terrain. Sites typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water stations, though water availability varies seasonally. Lake Camanche's tent sites have varying levels of shade coverage, which becomes critical during hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Campers should note that bathroom facilities range from clean facilities with hot water at Riverview Campground to basic porta-potties at other locations. Walk-in tent sites at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve require carrying gear approximately 150 yards from parking areas on sometimes uneven pathways.

Tent campers frequently report quieter experiences during weekday visits. According to reviews, Lake Camanche is "very nice for tent camping" though cell service is limited. At Rancho Seco Recreation Area, one visitor noted that tent-only sites near the lake offer excellent access to fishing and swimming. The region's campgrounds experience significant seasonal variations, with spring offering wildflowers and moderate temperatures ideal for tent camping. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers at Joseph D. Grant County Park reporting encounters with deer, rabbits, and even bobcats. Winter camping is possible at several locations, with one camper noting they were "the only ones camping on Christmas weekend" at Lake Camanche, making it ideal for solitude-seeking tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Manteca, California (15)

    1. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "Wicked August heat, BUT there’s the lake!

    5 Stars — were it not for the SLOBS who preceded us!!"

    "I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that. 

    The water level really varies on the year."

    2. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 748-2318

    "About 50 tent only sites, some just feet from the lake. RV sites are farther from the lake on mostly level gravel pads with picnic table, fire rings, and a trash can at each site."

    "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."

    3. Cole Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Waterford, CA
    29 miles
    +1 (209) 620-6218

    $60 - $90 / night

    "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."

    "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. "

    4. Delta Bay RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Rio Vista, CA
    30 miles
    +1 (916) 777-5588

    5. Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

    1 Review
    Brentwood, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    6. Sunol

    3 Reviews
    Sunol, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    "Great backpacking getway.  Many day hikers here but you can backpack as well.  I camped on a beautiful ridge."

    "I have never camped here but hiked many trails."

    7. George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area Group Camp

    2 Reviews
    Stevinson, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 632-1852

    $200 / night

    8. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    $15 - $400 / night

    "Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails."

    "Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable &amp"

    9. Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park

    2 Reviews
    Diablo, CA
    39 miles

    $30 / night

    "We didn’t have a reservation, but got 1 upon arrival around 2pm. Our site had nearby bathrooms, showers & trash. It included picnic table, fire pit, food storage boxes, & is very spacious."

    10. Joseph D. Grant County Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 274-6121

    "They also sell ice which was nice to grab for the cooler. Nice stay, saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out."

    "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets. There camp ground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Manteca, CA

411 Reviews of 15 Manteca Campgrounds



Guide to Manteca

Tent camping near Manteca, California, offers a variety of beautiful spots where nature lovers can set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors. With amenities ranging from water hookups to pet-friendly policies, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and friendly staff at the well-reviewed Delta Bay RV Resort, perfect for a relaxing night under the stars.
  • Experience the beauty of nature while tent camping at Lake Camanche, where you can swim, hike, and enjoy picnics by the water.
  • Explore the scenic trails and wildlife at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, offering a true backcountry experience.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Stay comfortable with electric hookups and drinking water available at Cole Ranch, where pets are also welcome.
  • Enjoy communal cooking facilities and well-maintained restrooms at Lake Camanche, making it easy to prepare meals and stay clean.
  • Experience the charm of a well-kept campground with fresh flowers and daily restroom maintenance at Cole Ranch.

Tent campers should check out local favorites

  • Discover the unique tiny houses at Delta Bay RV Resort, where you can rent or bring your own for a cozy stay.
  • Take advantage of the fishing opportunities and friendly atmosphere at Lake Camanche, a favorite among families.
  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and hiking trails at Joseph D. Grant County Park, ideal for a quick escape from the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Manteca, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Manteca, CA is Lake Camanche with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Manteca, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Manteca, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.