Best Camping near Mendota, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Mendota, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Mendota. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Mendota, CA (47)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    1.

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    84 Reviews
    383 Photos
    102 Saves
    Pinnacles, California

    Overview

    Pinnacles Campground is located in the unique Pinnacles National Park, 32 miles south of Hollister, California. The park encompasses 26,000 acres of spectacular rock formations and remnants of an extinct 23 million-year old volcano. Hiking and rock climbing are very popular activities in Pinnacles, as is watching for the majestic California condor overhead. Pinnacles National Park is a nesting place for the endangered soaring bird, the largest in North America.

    Recreation

    Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, allowing for a short loop or a longer all-day hike. Popular destinations include Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks and the Balconies area. The Bench Trail provides direct access to the park from the campground. Visitors enjoy exploring Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave, which houses a large colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. Bring a flashlight! Rock climbers flock to Pinnacles for the variety of climbing routes that range from easy top-ropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.

    Facilities

    Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, allowing for a short loop or a longer all-day hike. Popular destinations include Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks and the Balconies area. The Bench Trail provides direct access to the park from the campground. Visitors enjoy exploring Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave, which houses a large colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. Bring a flashlight! Rock climbers flock to Pinnacles for the variety of climbing routes that range from easy top-ropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.

    Natural Features

    The campground is situated in a rolling landscape dotted with shady Valley Oak, Blue Oak and Coast Live Oak trees. A gentle, seasonal creek runs through the grounds. Springtime finds Pinnacles bursting with a wide variety of vivid wildflowers that line every trail and fill entire meadows with color. Deer and wild turkeys roam the area, and condors can be viewed from within the campground. The park ranges in elevation from 824 feet along South Chalone Creek to 3,304 feet atop North Chalone Peak.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $129 - $154 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    2.

    Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    5 Reviews
    15 Photos
    104 Saves
    Mendota, California

    Look closely at the ground you will find evidence of the vast inland sea that once covered the Tumey Hills. The light porous rocks are composed of diatoms, the tiny, bleached, shell-like skeletons of sea algae. Annual grasslands are lovely in springtime, with beautiful wildflower displays. Rarely seen federally-protected San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rats make their homes in these hills. Visitors enjoy a day use facility with parking, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets and an interpretive kiosk with a map and information about the area.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground

    3.

    Laguna Mountain Campground

    13 Reviews
    47 Photos
    423 Saves
    Pinnacles National Park, California

    Campgrounds:

    There are campgrounds at Laguna Mountain and Upper Sweetwater. Each campground features several campsites which are equipped with level RV pads, fire rings, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets, and a kiosk providing an interpretive panel, a map, and information about the area. Although no reservations or fees are required, there is a 14 day camping limit within any 28-day period. There is no electricity, running water, or trash collection at the campsites. Please utilize good camping ethics, and remember to pack out your garbage when you leave.

    Dispersed Camping:

    Dispersed camping is also available, although there is no camping within 200 yards of any wildlife watering improvement. You must park within 15 feet (roughly one vehicle length) of any roadway when camping or leaving a vehicle unattended to minimize habitat and vegetation impacts. Please remember to bring a shovel with you for both personal sanitation and fire prevention purposes.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    4.

    Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    18 Reviews
    16 Photos
    55 Saves
    Friant, California

    Fort Miller and Dumna Strands Loops (sites 38-84)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $30 - $200 / night

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
    • 7.

      Almond Tree Oasis RV Park

      15 Reviews
      39 Photos
      57 Saves
      Coalinga, California

      Almond Tree Oasis RV Park is only 1 minutes off Highway 5. Easy Off Ramps and On Ramps to and from I-5 Northbound and Southbound.

      Flat Pull-Through RV Sites with full hook-up, 30& 50 amp. Free Basic WiFi.

      Large Washers and Dryers

      2 swimming pools with salt filtration

      Shower houses with free hot showers

      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs

      $53 - $63 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from The Lakes RV & Golf Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from The Lakes RV & Golf Resort

      8.

      The Lakes RV & Golf Resort

      3 Reviews
      2 Photos
      39 Saves
      Madera, California
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $42 - $1500 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake

      9.

      Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake

      8 Reviews
      17 Photos
      Raymond, California

      This recreation area is part of Hensley Lake

      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Drinking Water
      Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

      10.

      Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

      6 Reviews
      16 Photos
      56 Saves
      Los Banos, California

      Gates close at sunset (open at 6AM) - code is provided to campers for emergency use.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $20 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 47 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Mendota

    Recent Reviews In Mendota

    236 Reviews of 47 Mendota Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      August 30, 2024

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
      August 6, 2024

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Lost Lake Campground
      June 23, 2024

      Lost Lake Campground

      A pretty good campground

      I enjoyed my stay on the most part. Sadly there was some trash scattered all over the place because of previous visitors. It was quite and have several trails to walk on. Their is a nice that runs by the campgrounds and further down and pass the station where pay the toll to the stake park. Their is a few playgrounds in the middle of the campgrounds and option to play an activity or two. It was also not to far from the town or it’s dam. I would only suggest to bring your own wood with you because California made it illegal to pick up any wood for a fire and it would be very and to find and wood for a fire. Overall it’s was a pleasant visit for this place for a camping trip .

    • Camper-submitted photo from Codorniz Campground
      June 20, 2024

      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

    • Camper-submitted photo from Mercey Hot Springs
      June 19, 2024

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground
      May 26, 2024

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
      May 26, 2024

      Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground

      Horrible experience

      WARNING: This park does NOT have accessible ways to pay for parking. They fail to have credit or debit card machines to buy a parking ticket and they fail to have any scan to pay. You can not pay the parking unless you brought cash. This was my first time here and did not know this, Im a disabled veteran and there was NO parking spaces in the parking lot near the lake so I had to park far away on a gravel and dirt area, that was red flag number one. Once my family saw the parking fee of only 12 dollars we looked and looked for a credit or debit card pay area to buy a ticket. Never found one! We searched for scan to pay signs so we could pay on our phone and there were NONE! So I was forced to walk all the way back to my car NOT parked in the parking lot, up a hill, on the dirt and gravel, and they gave me a fine. This place purposely makes it impossible for to pay and then fines you for not carrying cash. This was my first time here and it will be my LAST!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground
      April 2, 2024

      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

    • Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
      March 23, 2024

      Tumey Hills Box Canyon

      Beautiful spot

      This was such a beautiful spot. It had the greenest hills. It was very peaceful at night. There were people shooting in the morning. But overall the spot was really nice for one night.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
      March 23, 2024

      Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      March 19, 2024

      Pinnacles 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Codorniz Campground
      March 5, 2024

      Codorniz 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
      January 13, 2024

      Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground

      Good but could be better.

      Great for a quick getaway from Fresno metro area. Clean and maintained facilities (camping standards not hotel) water access is not the easiest from the sites and the area does get loud due to proximity geology and acoustics. Closest store is about 7 minutes drive away and the lake is more of a boating than Beach lake.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
      January 5, 2024

      Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

      Good one night stop off intertate 5

      Good quiet stop for a one night stay and cheap but not much to do. However camping is super limited off interstate 5 this is probably the best camping directly in this area. Staff is super nice. The town 5 minutes away has an in and out, panda,and various taco trucks. There is also a gas station where you can take a shower. Really good pitstop camp to refuel and get supplies if need be.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      October 26, 2023

      Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

      Convenient to check out the park

      Not a bad campground, very open. Dry desert area, would not want to come here in July, though it was basically full on a Wednesday.

      They have a pool, but it's small. No way am I getting into it with all the potential people. You are in middle of nowhere so they had a decent camp store.

      I had a bar of reception but you can also purchase internet if needed.

      Spot was not level, so definitely needed blocks. Did see two deer hanging out.

      Only a couple of showers but glad they had them. Only two per gender.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      October 18, 2023

      Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

      What is the idea of quite hours 10pm and 6am if you can’t have a car running outside quite hours?

      Generators or vehicles are not allowed to be running anytime any day to recharge phones or any other electrical devices or doing anything without paying for a hookup and too many flies to stay outside enjoying things!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Codorniz Campground
      October 12, 2023

      Codorniz Campground

      Very remote

      It’s a quiet campground on a hill. You are at least 30 minutes from any stores. The lake is beautiful but the campsites with power and water do not give a view of the lake at all with the exception of 42. AT&T cell signal from 45 was non existent but T-mobile worked well enough to stream Netflix. I enjoyed my stay. Clean and the camp hosts were great.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Mendota, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mendota, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 47 campgrounds and RV parks near Mendota, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Mendota, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mendota, CA is Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park with a 4-star rating from 84 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mendota, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Mendota, CA.

    What parks are near Mendota, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Mendota, CA that allow camping, notably Hensley Lake and Pinnacles National Park.