Best Tent Camping near Modesto, CA

Tent campsites around Modesto, California range from established campgrounds to more secluded areas along nearby waterways. Lake Camanche offers tent camping with access to water recreation, while Cole Ranch provides a more intimate setting with only 8 tent sites along the river. Joseph D. Grant County Park, located near San Jose, offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with varying levels of shade and amenities.

Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets. Lake Camanche features drinking water, showers, and trash disposal, though sites can be exposed with limited shade during summer months. Cole Ranch stands out with full hookups and showers for tent campers. Surface conditions vary by location, with some sites offering grassy areas while others have dirt or gravel pads. A visitor commented, "The tent spaces are sizable and you can have a fire," regarding Joseph D. Grant County Park, though they noted wild pigs occasionally roam the area during certain seasons.

Walk-in tent sites at Joseph D. Grant County Park provide more seclusion than drive-in options. The campground remains relatively quiet, especially during weekdays and off-peak seasons. "Clean, quiet and quick escape in Bay Area," noted one camper about the park, mentioning clean bathrooms with flushing toilets within a short walk from their site. Lake Camanche experiences significant seasonal variations, with crowded conditions during summer weekends but peaceful midweek camping. Weather considerations are important when planning tent camping trips in this region, as summer temperatures can be extremely hot, particularly at Lake Camanche where shade can be limited. Winter and spring offer more moderate temperatures but may bring occasional rain, making waterproof tent setups essential.

Best Tent Sites Near Modesto, California (11)

    1. Cole Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Waterford, CA
    15 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. "

    2. George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area Group Camp

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

    $150 / night

    3. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    43 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."

    4. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mount Hamilton, CA
    43 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"

    5. 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."

    6. Sunol

    3 Reviews
    Sunol, CA
    46 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. Delta Bay RV Resort

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

    8. Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

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

    9. Eagle Point

    1 Review
    Groveland, CA
    47 miles
    +1 (228) 337-9598

    $50 - $150 / night

    "I was lucky to find Eagle Point this spring for a simple tent set up, and boy was it perfect."

    10. Deer Flat Boat In Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Valley Springs, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 772-1343

    $20 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Modesto, CA

409 Reviews of 11 Modesto Campgrounds


  • Sara W.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Easy Scenic Camping close to Bay Area

    Henry Coe State Park is easily accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area for a weekend getaway or short camping trip.

    The Coe Ranch campground has several tent-only campsites that can be reserved online ($8 transaction fee, $20/night), and the campground has parking for vehicles in a small parking area ~20-100 feet from the campsites. Campsites at this campground are aesthetically pleasing, with oak and pine trees around the perimeter of the campground, and there are scenic views of oak woodlands and the valley below. The picnic benches are conveniently located and provide a nice space for eating while camping at the site. Toilets are easily accessed from the campsites. Campfires are allowed in the fire rings only during non-fire season (no campfires during summer months). Dogs are allowed at the Coe Ranch Campground.

    Henry Coe SP has many great hiking opportunities, with beautiful wildflower displays in March and April, and also numerous opportunities for enjoying the beauty of the plants and wildlife seen along the hiking trails which are very accessible from the campground. Near the Coe Ranch campground there is a camp book store, which has some items for sale, including many field guides to wildlife and plants in the park. When the store is open, there is often a ranger available to answer questions about the park.

    My only compliant is that at the site we stayed at (CR005) the ground is quite compacted, so if you do not have an adequately thick sleeping pad, the ground may be uncomfortably hard to sleep on. Normally I have no trouble sleeping on the bare ground at campsites with a thin sleeping pad, so this was surprising. Bringing an extra pad may be a good idea if you are prone to sleep problems when the ground is too hard.

  • Mark L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    Rugged, Remote, Dusty

    Red Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.

    Leave no trace!

  • Larry W.
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Sugar Barge RV Resort & Marina

    Quiet, NO other tenters!

    We (party of 4) were there primarily because we rented a boat from their Marina. That went well! This is an RV campground & full-complement resort on Bethel Island, San Joaquin River Delta. Many RVers appear to be long-term or full-time residents.

    The tent-area was a clearing, fully backed up to the levee, with some shade and a water spigot. Appears to be only 4 “sites,” which are defined by picnic tables, GENEROUSLY spaced, no fire rings AND the Delta is h.o.t.! It’s also on the far edge of the property, so car traffic was MINIMUM — and NO generators were heard, even though the RV section is huge!!!

    The rest rooms were in the Marina building, a short walk. We would DEFINITELY return for boating and tenting!!!

  • Scott R.
    Aug. 6, 2020

    Tuttletown Recreation Area

    Beautiful location - needs some help

    The location and weekend was amazing and beautiful. The 105 daytime temps were quelled by dunking ourselves in the lake and taking excursions to some of the other local wonders. We had a great view of the lake and the stars overnight were amazing. It was extremely easy to socially distance from others at all times.

    We spent the weekend camped out here but when we arrived, our location was filled with trash. The previous occupants had left garbage strewn everywhere and a garbage bag that was torn into by the wildlife. We cleaned for about half an hour and filled a large black yard waste bag with garbage before we could start to settle in.

    The other big issue is that the site says “all facilities are open” but in reality all the restrooms are closed and locked with a solution of putting portable toilets in front of the restroom areas. This is in no way better for dealing with bathroom needs.

    Also, the camp host location was marked but no host appeared or was available. The rangers drove by maybe 6 times total.

    Be aware when coming here that many sites do not have shade or places to set up hammocks.

    Don’t let my negative points turn you away, many of these things were going to be situational and we would love to go back (just not in the midst of a heatwave like that).

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2019

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Amazing Backcountry Backpacking

    Came here from SF Bay for 2 nights on a weekend.  Obtained permit from the ranger station and had to pick a district I would camp in the first night (to limit amount of campers in a region per night).  Hiked about 8 miles southwest to a lake the first night and camped in my hammock by the lake.  Second day backpacked about 12 miles northeast to another lake and was able to grab a spot to set up my hammock next to some picnic tables and a restroom.  Saw plenty of wildlife (lizards, snakes, birds, fish).  It was fairly hot in mid-spring, and there is not much shade on the trails, especially the dirt roads.

  • Toni R.
    Feb. 22, 2022

    Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    Nice but crowded-SUV tent camper review

    It was a nice campground to go to. Lots of wildlife and hiking. Dogs are allowed. The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best. There is weak wifi.

    However, here's where it loses a star:

    I arrived on a Friday late afternoon. Set up my tent. People were fairly loud until about 11pm. Bathrooms were really nice and clean…at first. Saturday, in came the crowd. Loud, obnoxious, and inconsiderate way past midnight. There was no reinforcement of quiet hours past 10pm. The toilets were clogged by 9pm at both restrooms. Men's restrooms have ONLY ONE STALL. And they were clogged beyond belief. I cannot understand why people do not know how to flush a toilet in public. Do they do this crap at home? Anyway, Sunday morning past 9am, still clogged up. Lines waiting to use the compromised restrooms as well. Ridiculous. Unfortunately, that's what ruined my experience. People just being completely selfish in a public campground and staff not be able to keep up with their antics. Maybe there shouldn't be so many sites for so few facilities. Just a thought.

    For SUV tents, check out campsite pics on other sites before booking. SUV tents are usually limited to one entrance/exit point on the tent. Usually the driver's side. Each campsite is different. The one I reserved had only one pic that basically showed me nothing. I only could back in to set up my tent on the grass. Both the picnic table and firepit were facing the passenger side way far from the parking spot (as you can see in the second pic) opposite the entrance to my tent. So something to consider.

  • H
    Sep. 27, 2023

    Diamond Gulch

    Cozy little spot

    We stayed here for the night prior to a Hetch Hetchy backpacking trip. We arrived in the dark. We had reserved a site with a small two person tent already set up for us. It was a bit hard to find in the dark, but the camping area is fenced in under an oak grove so eventually we found the stump with our name on it next to the tent. In the future, I think I’ll just bring my own tent and deal with the small hassle of setting it up—the tent provided was fine, but definitely would not have been a good choice if there had been rain. And you could tell it is essentially set up 24/7—some tiny insects living inside etc. The campsites themselves were sufficiently spacious and the host has nice fire pits with fire wood provided for each site, plus picnic tables. Basic portapotties plus some running water for bathrooms. Fellow campers were an interesting mix of folks from all over, though I wish the owner had quiet hours posted and communicated—our immediate tent neighbors sat out chatting and laughing until nearly 1am which was annoying. The coyotes and owls at night were lovely.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2022

    Acorn Campground

    Peaceful stay on a weekday in May!

    General: 132-site Corps of Engineers campground on New Hogan Lake. No hookups. 

    Site Quality: Varies. Most are back-in, but some are pull-through. Most sites are generous in size, providing some privacy. More than a few are not level (do not pick Site 107 if you need anything close to level!). We had reserved Site 80 but ended up taking Site 100. Pads are all paved but narrow; large RVs might be challenged navigating these driveways. A picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and grill complete the site. 

    Bathhouse: They really could use some TLC. No soap or towels and not all the showers were functional. I chose not to try the functional one as it had seen better days!

    Activities: We saw several boats on the lake and there is fishing. Not sure about other activities as we just enjoyed relaxing at our campsite by the lake! 

    We were there on a Thursday in early May, and it was fairly quiet. No ranger or other camp host that we saw. However, on the weekends and in the summer, it looks like it would be a much different story (but we prefer the off-season!). Yes, the bathrooms may have been janky, but who are we to complain when it costs just$10 (with the Golden Access Pass). Beware of goose poop– it is everywhere! And while you definitely won’t hear road-noise, you will hear honking geese!

  • Lady L.
    May. 18, 2021

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Awesome primitive camping

    This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available. Spots are not close to each other so there is privacy. It is small, quiet, surrounded with beautiful views. Good hiking trails and good opportunity for bird watching, wild flowers viewing and plenty of deer around. From main road it takes about 35 min drive up the hill through narrow road which is paved but I don't think it is appropriate for RVs. It is a bit of hassle getting here but worth it! If you are car camping I advice NOT to choose drive in spots as it is not leveled but the parking where you have to walk to your camp spot is okay.


Guide to Modesto

Tent camping opportunities near Modesto, California extend into the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the western edges of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The region's Mediterranean climate creates hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F between June and September, while winters remain mild with occasional rainfall. Spring wildflower blooms transform open grasslands at many campgrounds from March through May.

What to do

Canoeing and kayaking: Cole Ranch offers complimentary watercraft for river exploration with a signed waiver. "They allow you to use their Canoe, paddleboard and kayak with signed waiver of course," explains camper Eric A., who appreciated these amenities during his stay.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies around Modesto provide fishing access. Lake Camanche attracts anglers year-round, especially during winter months. "Fishing is awesome!" reports Ed E., who found the south shore campground ideal for winter camping and fishing trips.

Hiking trails: The foothills offer varied terrain for day hikes. "Many day hikers here but you can backpack as well. I camped on a beautiful ridge," notes a backpacker at Sunol, describing the uphill route that begins along a creek area called Little Yosemite with interesting rock formations.

What campers like

Off-season tranquility: Weekday and off-season camping provides a dramatically different experience than summer weekends. "We stayed at the lake for one night, mid-week, off season. We were only one of a few handful of RVs in the RV section of the campground. I could imagine it being a loud party-scene in the summer. But in the early spring, it was full of bird songs and a gorgeous sunset," shares a camper about Lake Camanche.

Wildlife viewing: The regional preserves host diverse wildlife. "We saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out," reports Melissa S. about her stay at Joseph D. Grant County Park, where the quiet surroundings attract various animals.

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. At Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, campers enjoy backcountry sites that feel "very off grid," creating a sense of isolation even when relatively close to urban areas.

What you should know

Insect awareness: Some locations have significant mosquito populations during warmer months. "I have never camped somewhere, where there were so many mosquitoes! More than average to say the least," warns one visitor to George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area, noting the issue resulted from previous flooding.

Communal facilities: Campgrounds vary widely in amenities. Cole Ranch stands out with its communal kitchen equipped with cooking essentials. "They even provide pots, pans, knives and other cooking utensils you may need," notes a camper impressed by these uncommon additions.

Seasonal closures: Water levels and weather conditions affect campground accessibility. "Main gate is locked. No entry, despite what it says on the park website about day use area being open. 100% boarded up at the moment," reported Joel A. during a visit to George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area following flood damage.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation options: For the best tent camping near Modesto, California with children, prioritize sites with safe water access. "The water isn't freezing, it's usually pretty warm. The lake isn't huge, but makes for great boating," notes Kellie D. about Lake Camanche, adding that weekdays offer a quieter experience than crowded weekends.

Bring shade structures: Many waterfront locations lack natural shade. "When the lake is down (like now) it's a bit of a haul to the water — cart/wagon recommended, as well as a shade pop-up AT water's edge," suggests Larry W. from his Lake Camanche experience.

Pack extra cleaning supplies: Some campgrounds struggle with litter management. "We were a party of six, in 2 adjacent sites nearest the lake, spent the first 30+ minutes policing up ALL manner of trash; some of it appeared to have been there for YEARS," reports a camper about conditions at Lake Camanche South Shore.

Tips from RVers

Gate closure times: Eagle Point and other campgrounds maintain strict entry hours. "Gate closes 8:15pm," notes Jason R. about Joseph D. Grant County Park, an important detail for campers planning late arrivals.

Alternative accommodations: Several properties near Modesto offer unique lodging beyond traditional tent camping. "They have a lot of cute tiny houses in this campground. You can bring your own tiny house, or rent one for the weekend," explains Del B M. about Delta Bay RV Resort, which hosts open houses to showcase these alternative accommodations.

Bathroom facilities: Access to clean restrooms varies significantly. "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets," notes Sophie S. about Joseph D. Grant County Park, an important consideration when choosing between the best tent camping locations near Modesto, California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free or cheap campsites for tent camping near Modesto?

Joseph D. Grant County Park offers affordable tent camping with large, clean sites. While not free, it's budget-friendly compared to other options in the area. George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area provides reasonably priced camping opportunities near Modesto. For those willing to travel a bit further, you might find cheaper dispersed camping options in the Stanislaus National Forest, though these lack amenities. Most established campgrounds in the region charge fees, but weekday and off-season visits typically offer reduced rates.

Where are the best tent camping sites near Modesto, CA?

Lake Camanche offers excellent tent camping with beautiful lake views and multiple camping areas including Riverview and South Shore. It's particularly family-friendly with easy water access. For a more secluded experience, Eagle Point provides spacious tent sites with a true wilderness feel and is less crowded than campgrounds closer to Yosemite. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance from Modesto and offer different experiences – Lake Camanche for water recreation and Eagle Point for those seeking peace and natural surroundings.

What amenities are available at tent campgrounds near Modesto, CA?

At Sunol, you'll find beautiful backpacking sites along a creek area called Little Yosemite with water and rock formations, though amenities are basic as it's more wilderness-oriented. Morgan Territory Regional Preserve offers reservable sites with essential facilities. Most developed campgrounds in the region typically provide picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. More established sites like those at Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp include free hot showers, though sometimes with limited availability. Many campgrounds offer potable water, clean restrooms, and designated camping areas, with firewood often available for purchase.