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Sibylle S.
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ScoutJackson Rancheria RV Park
Great Place
A renewed campground with very friendly Staff, Pool and Casino. The Sites are big. The restrooms and showers excellent
Camping near Oakdale, CA
149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Oakdale spans from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV campgrounds, with reservoir-based locations serving as the primary draw for water recreation. Woodward Reservoir and Lake Tulloch RV Campground are major campgrounds in the area, both providing tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. Woodward Reservoir campground features paved loops with full hookups for RVs and motorhomes, while also accommodating tent campers. Lake Tulloch offers additional options including cabins and glamping accommodations. Other nearby options include Cole Ranch with eight tent sites, Modesto Reservoir with both tent and RV camping, and Caswell Memorial State Park Campground which maintains year-round operations for both tent and RV campers.
Seasonal conditions significantly impact the camping experience in the Oakdale region. Many reservoir-based campgrounds experience fluctuating water levels that can affect shoreline access and boat launching capabilities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making water recreation particularly appealing. Most campgrounds require reservations during peak season (late spring through early fall), with holiday weekends filling quickly. The majority of sites offer drinking water and toilets, though amenities vary widely between primitive and fully-developed locations. Cell service can be inconsistent at some campgrounds, particularly those in more remote settings. As one camper noted, "Woodward Reservoir is a great place to camp with or without all the amenities...They have primitive camping for the folks that like roughing it as well as people that like the home away from home experience."
Water access represents the primary draw for many campers visiting the Oakdale region. Reviewers consistently highlight swimming, fishing, boating and other water recreation opportunities as major attractions. Most reservoir campgrounds feature sites with varying proximity to shorelines. Woodward and Modesto Reservoirs both support water sports with boat ramps and docks. Campers mention that waterfront sites are highly desirable but availability depends on reservoir levels. Several visitors note that campgrounds can become crowded and noisy during summer weekends and holidays. Multiple reviews indicate that shaded sites are limited at some locations, making summer camping potentially uncomfortable without proper preparation. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are mentioned across several campgrounds in the broader region, adding to the outdoor experience.
Best Campgrounds near Oakdale (149)
1. Woodward Reservoir
"Woodward Reservoir is a great place to camp with or without all the amenities...They have primitive camping for the folks that like roughing it as well as people that like the home away from home experience"
"Out in Central valley is Woodward Lake. Great for a day trip if you live in the Bay area and want to get away. They have boat access to the lake."
2. Modesto Reservoir
"The positives:
The natural setting is beautiful — right by the water with lots of ducks, and the campsite layout is quite nice.""Price has gone up compare to past years but I like it due to it location. Certain time of the year it get pretty busy but we always camp on the far end of the campground where there is less people."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
"We were lucky to have a spot at the dead center of the top of the mountain looking out at the lake (site 13) with a big shade tree."
"There are sites on the lake with shade provided over the tables. It was mid week and was not crowded at all. The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site."
4. Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
"Near by river provides access to canoeing or kayaking. A few hiking trails plus a good size group campsite area. Online reservation available."
"Most of the sites are close to the entrance to the river. The day use are is well shaded and provides easy hicks. Will definately go again."
from $30 - $175 / night
Check Availability5. Cole Ranch
"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. "
from $60 - $90 / night
6. Olive Lane Mobile Estates
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability7. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground
"The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Adequate parking and tent area."
from $36 / night
Check Availability8. Acorn Campground
"A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."
"The lake has receded quite a but that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained."
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Tuttletown Recreation Area
"Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."
"New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."
from $150 / night
Check Availability10. Glory Hole Recreation Area
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
from $18 - $22 / night
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Recent Camping Photos near Oakdale, CA
159 Photos of 149 Oakdale Campgrounds
Mary K.
Woodward Reservoir
Eric A.
Cole Ranch
Eddie N.
Modesto Reservoir
Yvette M.
Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
Eddie N.
Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
Julie D.
Tuttletown RA - Chamise - BOR
Lori T.
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Susan Y.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Jordan L.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Eddie N.
Fleming Meadows Don Pedro Recreation Area
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Turtle Beach
Jim M.
Angels Camp Campground and RV
Recent Reviews near Oakdale, CA
599 Reviews of 149 Oakdale Campgrounds
Tom H.ScoutYosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Very misleading Website
Website says Luxurious sites, spacious sites. Our site was extremely narrow, sat on a hillside, unlevel, difficult to hook/unhook a 5th wheel because of the downhill. We booked a site for a 30 foot 5th wheel. After my negative review, they posted that LARGE trailers and 5th wheels might have issues??? 30 foot is not large. Our lawn chairs were literally 6 feet from our neighbors sewer hook up and our picnic table sat at about a 30 degree slope. They also said the staff tried to resolve my issues, which never happened. They have a lot of amenities, laundry, pool, etc. But the sites we saw were pretty much like ours. Make your own decisions, form your own opinions, but we'll never go back, nor will we recommend it to anyone.
N P.ScoutBarrett Cove Merced Irrigation District
Great fun
We have spent summers here on the water for the last 3 years. The site has a convenience store and a restaurant that serves up a really great burger. Also a very short drive into town.
Breanna E.ScoutRiver Ranch Campground
Beautiful but STRICT
This campsite was well kept, in a beautiful area not toooo far from stores if you forget anything and a really beautiful creek and river around it. The camp hosts are nice and seem to really care about the property, which I love seeing. There is no electric hookups at least at some of the sites which is fine, just be aware to plan for that if you need any medical devices etc. The mosquitoes are rabid. So come prepared with the best repellent you can get. They keep the potties clean but like of spiders in them that have clearer been left there, one had a small wasps nest that I took care of since it was right by our head in the toilet. I also wouldn’t plan to swim, if it gets warm enough I guess, but the water is literally ice cold. I got in to my ankles and they were red and stinging after about 10 seconds.
While I understand most of their rules the one rule that is THE MOST insisted and on literally all points of booking and checking in is that they don’t allow any music of and level on any speakers. I understand quiet times and having a sound limit but absolutely no music seems extreme to me. Especially for families, my kids love music and it’s a daily part of our lives, and as a place they used to hold literal music festivals it seems a little saddening to me.
But overall it was a nice time.
Justin G.ScoutMedeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Ideal for 1-night Stop Over
Easy freeway access. Sites are wide open with no real privacy.
- AAdam G.Scout
Westgate Landing Regional Park
A beautifully-disorganized little campground.
The campgrounds was well kept - grass was mowed - trashes empty. Beautiful little spot if you like to fish the delta. But they have a sign as you enter the property that says “Pay Here” but don’t do that because the prices on the sign are not correct, and the instructions are also incorrect… I guess. I know this because I was told that I got it wrong and if you argue about it, they will threaten to call the sheriff. I like sheriffs.
Delaney N.
TravelerRiver Ranch Campground
Great getaway!
I went up for Memorial Day weekend and it was a wonderful experience! I stayed in site M1. There is no visual of the river there, but it is a very short walk to get to the picnic area where you have full view.
The site was very close to the bathrooms and showers which was very convenient. The only downside is that you are right next to the entrance so you see a lot of cars go by, however it never caused an issue during our stay. We also didn’t see much wildlife, but again I think that was because of the proximity to the entrance.
Because you are close to the entrance though, we did have full access to wifi throughout the entire trip! If course we didn’t use it much because the goal was to disconnect, however if having connection is important to you, this is a great site!
- MMark T.Scout
Modesto Reservoir
Worst Camping Ever!
We stayed here in B loop site 25 over Memorial Day weekend. The site was FHU with a level concrete pad for the RV. Each site has a concrete picnic table and very large concrete fire pit. That’s where all the good things about this campground end.
There are burrs, goose poop and spiders everywhere. Tent campers are allowed to reserve FHU RV sites, and many do. Because the 6 people per site rule is NOT enforced, the tent campers easily infringe on others’ campsites and are constantly walking through others’ campsites. When asked about the tents in RV sites, the staff at the campground entrance shack stated “We do not discriminate”, which clearly contributes to the chaos of the campground. The staff at the entrance shack are rude and incompetent.
There is absolutely NO enforcement of quiet hours. Other campers keep their music loud and the party going all night, every night. They literally never turned it down and were blasting it like they were at the club… 12am, 2am, 4am, 6am… ALL NIGHT. My kids and I couldn’t get a good night sleep because of it. This is not a true family campground. It invites all the wrong elements, because they don’t enforce the rules. Drunken, loud, yelling campers are everywhere at all times.
This is not relaxing camping. It’s just non-stop loud music and partying. I would NEVER recommend this campground to people I actually like, and will never be returning.
Leslie M.ScoutVan Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite
Amazing view for sunrise
Amazing spot love it, it’s a bit of a drive for a car but amazing view and very peaceful
Guide to Oakdale
Oakdale sits at the transition between California's Central Valley and Sierra foothills, with elevations ranging from 160 to 190 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters. While reservoir-based campgrounds dominate the region, camping options vary significantly in their amenities and access to natural features.
What to do
River activities: Float trips. At Caswell Memorial State Park Campground, campers can enjoy a relaxing float downstream. "This campground is terrific. The park has a creek that runs from the camp ground to the public beach down below. You can take your floating stuff up to the camp area and literally float down stream in 45 minutes or so," notes Julie P.
Photography: Wildlife and seasonal changes. The area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly in spring and fall. "Great spot for photo enthusiasts, especially Spring & Fall," reports a camper from Tuolumne River Ranch. Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds.
Fishing: Lake and river options. Fishing is popular at most campgrounds in the region. At New Melones Lake, "Fishing areas were easy to get to and we watched numerous people enjoy water sports on the lake," according to Debbie R.
What campers like
Complimentary water equipment. Some campsites offer unexpected amenities. At Cole Ranch, Joyce L. shares, "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."
Waterfront camping options. Many campers appreciate direct water access from their sites. "On the T-Island sites you right on the water. Which is were we go. Both our kids family have Kayaks so that makes getting on the water great," says Craig & Linda L. about Woodward Reservoir.
Diverse campsite options. Campgrounds offer varied experiences depending on location preferences. At Modesto Reservoir, Russell L. explains, "Has two style of camping based on your camping style. To the left of the pay station, one side of the lake has disbursed camping with very minimal shade... then to the right on the pay station, other side of the lake has multiple camping loops with paved camping spots with water and electrical hookups."
What you should know
Weather preparation essential. Summer heat requires proper planning. "It was something like 107 when we were setting up the tent and most of the day time but on the lake itself, the temperature was perfect," reports Scott R. about camping at Tuttletown Recreation Area.
Wildlife encounters. Many campsites have regular animal visitors. "Deer and cats get into everything! And cats pee on everything!" warns Melissa P. at Lake Tulloch. At Tuttletown, another camper notes, "Lots of deer and raccoons."
Reservation periods vary. Some campgrounds have seasonal restrictions. At Woodward Reservoir, Jeff D. noted in 2020, "This campground is only open to Stanislas County residents." Check current policies before planning.
Maintenance inconsistencies. Campground conditions can vary widely. "The brush in the non hookup campsites needs to be cared for as it was knee high, an made it a little bit of a treck to the water," reports lanora G. about a campsite near Oakdale.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water swimming areas. For families with children, look for campgrounds with gentle water entry. "Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports," says Russell L. about Woodward Reservoir.
Playground access. Some campgrounds offer additional recreational facilities. At Lake Tulloch RV Campground, Elisabeth notes, "The kids had fun playing at the playground, jet skiing, and making sand castles at the beach."
Best times for family trips. Timing matters for a positive family experience. "The park is pack during the summer months on the weekends but during the off season if is a great time to go during the week when children are in school," advises one camper.
Weekday advantages. For a quieter experience with children, consider mid-week bookings. "It was mid week and was not crowded at all," shares Melissa B. about Lake Tulloch, making it easier to manage family activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles. RVers should research sites carefully. At Acorn Campground, "The campsites are big which provides plenty of room for shade structures," according to Trisha L., but another camper advises, "do your homework or be flexible, you might get an amazing lake side spot with a view, but not enough room for a tent."
Full hookup locations. Several campgrounds offer complete RV services. "Full hookups were use and enjoyed by all each time," reports Craig & Linda L. about Woodward Reservoir.
Dump station availability. Not all campgrounds provide sewer connections. Tuttletown offers "a nice dump station ($8 fee recommended.. pay station is at park entrance)," notes Hunter P.
Shade considerations. Many RV sites lack natural shade. "Most of the drive in camp sites had absolutely no shade (including nowhere to hang a hammock)," warns Scott R. about Tuttletown, important information for summer RV camping near Oakdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there lake camping available in Oakdale?
Is there lake camping available in Oakdale?
Yes, there are excellent lake camping options near Oakdale. Lake Camanche offers family-friendly camping with easy lake access, well-maintained grounds, and clean facilities including hot water bathrooms. The South Shore area is particularly popular, though water levels can vary seasonally. Acorn Campground at New Hogan Reservoir provides spacious sites ideal for boaters with multiple boat ramps available. The campground is reasonably priced at $20 per night (discounted to $10 with Golden Age passes) and accommodates small trailers and tents, with some sites for larger RVs. Both lakes offer swimming, fishing, and water recreation opportunities.
Are there year-round camping options in Oakdale, California?
Are there year-round camping options in Oakdale, California?
Yes, there are year-round camping options near Oakdale. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park is open throughout the year, offering spacious sites among the Giant Sequoias with hot showers and educational programs. The park provides a stunning seasonal experience as the landscape changes. McCabe Flat Campground offers well-maintained sites that are best in early spring when dust is minimal. For RV enthusiasts seeking year-round accommodations, Modesto Reservoir and Turlock Lake State Recreation Area remain accessible during winter months, though amenities may be limited during off-season. Always check current conditions and reservation requirements as seasonal changes can affect accessibility.
Where are the best campgrounds near Oakdale, CA?
Where are the best campgrounds near Oakdale, CA?
Oakdale offers several excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Woodward Reservoir is located just outside town and features paved loop campgrounds with full hookups for RVs and motorhomes. It's ideal for water sports enthusiasts with boat docks and swimming areas. For a more historical experience, Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground offers a well-shaded setting with 23 sites, perfect for a weekend getaway about 3 hours from the Bay Area. Other notable options include Modesto Reservoir, which offers similar amenities to Woodward, and Caswell Memorial State Park for a quieter experience along the Stanislaus River.
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