Tumey Hills Box Canyon offers dispersed camping with easy highway access 15 minutes from Interstate 5. The area features dry, rugged terrain reaching elevations of 1,300-2,600 feet with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. The BLM land provides several level spots suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs, though facilities are minimal with just a vault toilet available.
What to do
Target shooting practice: Tumey Hills has become a popular shooting destination, though this can affect camping conditions. According to James D., "I always like a free spot and I was like a spot that's quiet. And there's no one else here during the week. To be honest, there are gun shell casings everywhere but I think that's probably a weekend thing."
Visit Pinnacles National Park: Pinnacles Campground offers a convenient base for exploring the national park's unique rock formations. As Christopher V. notes, "The campground is split by a creek which has a lot of critters, rabbits, chipmunks(?), quail, mice, and raccoon... It's for their safety and ours!"
Fishing at nearby reservoirs: Los Banos Creek Campground provides waterfront camping with immediate fishing access. "I loved being able to camp right on the lake and fish just steps from my car," reports LILI P., adding a practical 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."
What campers like
Easy access from highway: Some campers appreciate finding convenient pet-friendly camping near Mendota when traveling Interstate 5. At Almond Tree Oasis RV Park, Theo A. notes, "This is a great location halfway between northern and southern California along I5. Clean and not too busy so we were nicely spaced out."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the no-cost BLM sites. Genesis C. says of Tumey Hills Box Canyon, "Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe's with a spicket!"
Swimming opportunities: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area offers water recreation beyond just pet walking. "Great places to hike, bike, fish, boat," says Rod. Another camper noted, "Had a fun time with the family, had accessible restroom and showers... and we were able to go swimming in the lake."
What you should know
Tumey Hills cleanliness concerns: Many reviewers mention trash issues at this otherwise pet-friendly location. Nicholas V. observed, "Another beautiful spot ruined by people who can't pickup after themselves," while Natalie T. warned, "Problem is the ground is covered, literally, with all the casings, glass, human trash everywhere."
Water levels vary seasonally: At Los Banos Creek, conditions change dramatically with rainfall. One reviewer explained, "I don't know what it's like now after this year's rain, but there was a sandy beach front leading into shallow water. It was perfect for our young kids to play in safely."
Wildlife encounters: Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground offers abundant wildlife viewing but requires vigilance. One camper shared, "This place is great. If you love hiking this place has awesome views and lots of wildlife. Be careful while hiking we came across a rattle snake. Specially during hot summers they are definitely out more."
Tips for camping with families
Consider reservoir beach areas: Los Banos Creek offers child-friendly shorelines during certain seasons. Haley M. explains, "Sites #5-9 are the flattest and beach front... 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."
Check campground cleanliness reports: Recent reviews help identify sites best suited for families with pets. At Tumey Hills, conditions vary drastically by timing. Stephanie F. shared her experience: "As a solo camper didn't look safe with the people that were there hanging around... Look dirty too and people shooting in the area leaving trash."
Bring plenty of water: With no potable water at many sites near Mendota, family camping requires extensive planning. A camper at Laguna Mountain Campground advised, "This place is so great! It is difficult to find BLM camping in California and this is a gem!... There is NO water, hook ups, or garbage available so don't forget to bring extra water to extinguish your fire."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup availability: For pet-friendly camping near Mendota with power, The Lakes RV & Golf Resort provides full connections. Kelly G. noted, "Nice break from those dusty dirty camp grounds. Paved spots with full hookups. Patio & grass area kinda small but the pool area is very nice."
Level sites are scarce: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Los Banos Creek Campground, Weston W. advised, "If RV... bring leveling blocks... lots. This use to be First Come First Served but apparently it's reservable now."
Watch for wildlife damage: Ground squirrels can damage vehicles at some locations. One RVer at Millerton Lake reported, "We would not stay here again until the park gets control of the ground squirrels. We heard stories of cars and RV's being towed out because they chewed through wiring."
Ranger
