Top Tent Camping near Mendota, CA

Looking for the best Mendota tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Mendota with tent camping. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Mendota, CA (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy
    Camper-submitted photo from Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy
    Camper-submitted photo from Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy
    Camper-submitted photo from Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy
    Camper-submitted photo from Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy
    Camper-submitted photo from Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy

    1. Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy

    2 Reviews
    14 Photos
    30 Saves

    Overview

    This is Bass Lake Complex in the Sierra National Forest, California.It is 20 miles south of Yosemite National Park, off Hwy. 41, near Oakhurst, California.

    For details and reservations in the Bass Lake Complex please select any of the following campgrounds:

    Cedar Bluff Campground

    Crane Valley Group Campground

    Forks Campground

    Lupine Campground

    Recreation Point

    Spring Cove Campground

    Wishon Campground (Bass Lake)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • WiFi
    Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge

    2. Buck Ridge

    Be the first to review!
    4 Photos
    6 Saves

    Overview

    Buck Ridge Park is a group day-use area located at Hensley Lake in the foothills of central California, 50 miles north of Fresno. The lake area offers many recreational opportunities, such as swimming, water skiing, fishing and hiking, and attracts a growing number of visitors per year. It is within a short drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, as well as Sierra National Forest. The 1,500-acre lake was created by the construction of Hidden Dam on the Fresno River. With over 20 miles of shoreline, it is a popular vacation spot for families because of its playground, swimming areas and water activities.

    Recreation

    The area is packed with opportunities for outdoor fun. The lake area has a swim beach, a disc golf course and a hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail. On the water, visitors can ski, swim and fish.

    Facilities

    This facility has boat ramps, picnic areas, a group picnic shelter and a playground. Drinking water is provided, and there is a grocery store within a short driving distance.

    Natural Features

    Buck Ridge is located directly on the shore of Hensley Lake and surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mixture of sun and shade.

    Nearby Attractions

    Yosemite National Park is about one hour north, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 1.5 hours southeast of the facility. Yosemite National Park Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 / night

    • No image available

      3. Hillside Gateway to Sierras Camp

      Be the first to review!
      2 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Trash

      $40 - $50 / night


    Recent Tent Reviews In Mendota

    211 Reviews of 3 Mendota Campgrounds


    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      Aug. 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.

    • Julia H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
      Aug. 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.

    • Heather R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lost Lake Campground
      Jun. 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 .

    • Brian and Janet S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Codorniz Campground
      Jun. 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

    • dThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mercey Hot Springs
      Jun. 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.

    • Hannah F.The Dyrt PRO User
      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.

    • Michaela G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
      May. 26, 2024

      Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

      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!

    • Lady D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Laguna Mountain Campground
      Apr. 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

    • LILI P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground
      Mar. 23, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      Mar. 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.

    • Erik J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Codorniz Campground
      Mar. 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.

    • dakota B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
      Jan. 13, 2024

      Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

      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.

    • lThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Medeiros Primitive Campsites - San Luis Reservoir
      Jan. 5, 2024

      Medeiros Primitive Campsites - San Luis Reservoir

      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.

    • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      Oct. 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.

    • F
      Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      Oct. 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!

    • Candy H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Codorniz Campground
      Oct. 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.

    • Jess D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Medeiros Primitive Campsites - San Luis Reservoir
      Oct. 9, 2023

      Medeiros Primitive Campsites - San Luis Reservoir

      Wide open spacious place

      We were able to pull right into a stop right up on the reservoir. Super spacious for any type of trailer or motorhome. There were bathrooms and giant trash bins. Each spot had its own fire pit, grill and table under a shelter.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
      Sep. 22, 2023

      Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

      Not again

      Our camp site was located just by the entry, which was a bit noisy but at least close to toilet and shower. Had a quite dirty pool and a lot of young kids that also were quite noisy. Worst toilet paper so far on our 2 month trip around the US



    Guide to Mendota

    Camping near Mendota, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Pinnacles Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape," making it a great spot for adventure seekers.
    • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground have spotted a ton of wildlife. One visitor noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
    • Star Gazing: The dark skies at Laguna Mountain Campground make it perfect for star gazing. A camper shared, "Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

    What campers like:

    • Secluded Spots: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Wildcat Campground. One reviewer said, "The tall grass gave some privacy between neighboring campsites."
    • Friendly Hosts: Campers at Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest rave about the welcoming atmosphere. A visitor mentioned, "Jason was such a friendly, helpful, and welcoming host!"
    • Clean Facilities: The cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Yosemite RV Resort is a big plus. One camper stated, "Such an amazing site with clean amenities."

    What you should know:

    • Heat in Summer: Campers at Pinnacles Campground warn about the heat. One reviewer said, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground, lack certain amenities. A visitor noted, "Water access is not the easiest from the sites."
    • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like California Spring Cove. One camper mentioned, "The campground is super tight. Sites are very close."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with pools, like Almond Tree Oasis RV Park. A reviewer said, "There are two saltwater pools to jump into."
    • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore the wildlife at Thousand Trails San Benito. One family shared, "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads."
    • Plan for Heat: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially if you're camping at places like Pinnacles Campground during summer.

    Tips from RVers:

    • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, such as Yosemite RV Resort. One RVer mentioned, "We booked a pull through deluxe full hookup site."
    • Easy Access: Choose campgrounds that are easy to access from the highway, like Almond Tree Oasis RV Park. A visitor noted, "Right off the I-5 freeway next to a Shell and Valero gas station."
    • Check for Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. One RVer at California Spring Cove said, "The campground has terrible direction and signage."

    Camping near Mendota, California, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mendota, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mendota, CA is Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Mendota, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.