McConnell State Recreation Area Campground offers secluded camping sites along the Merced River, 27 miles west of Patterson. During summer months, temperatures reach 95-100°F in this low-elevation region, dropping to the 60s at night. Winter camping remains popular with temperatures ranging from 45-60°F during daytime, making this region suitable for year-round outdoor stays.
What to do
Riverside exploration: At McConnell State Recreation Area Campground, visitors can enjoy the natural setting along the Merced River. The park provides a peaceful retreat with riverside access. One camper noted, "I love this park and specially love the off season. I usually haul in just day hours and stay worry and bother free!"
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. According to a visitor at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, "Beautiful view of the preserve with wild pigs off in the brush and the call of turkeys in the a.m. a nice refresh from the city." The park offers multiple vantage points for nature observation.
Archery practice: Mount Madonna County Park features a dedicated archery course through the woods. As one visitor explains, "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge." This activity provides a different outdoor experience beyond typical camping recreation.
What campers like
Redwood shade camping: The tall trees at Mount Madonna County Park create natural temperature control during hot days. One camper shared, "This is a great campground for hot weather (if you can get a site). Almost all the sites were fully shaded by the big redwoods." The dense forest canopy keeps sites cooler than surrounding areas.
Clean facilities: Many glamping sites near Patterson maintain high standards of cleanliness. A visitor to Uvas Canyon County Park mentioned, "Bathrooms are extremely clean and well kept. The lake is nice (and you may spot geese or ducks), and there's plenty of room for kids to run around." Regular maintenance makes these facilities comfortable for extended stays.
Private waterfront access: Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina offers direct lake access sites. A reviewer described their experience: "We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. It's true that bathroom/toilets/showers aren't clean, they are quite old. But we didn't care, the view worth it."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The area experiences extreme summer heat, requiring appropriate planning. One visitor to Uvas Canyon County Park advised, "If you plan to sleep in your car, you may want to take leveling blocks as I found the car parking spot to be not leveled at all. Well maintained/clean facilities... A little buggy in the afternoon and found some mosquitoes so take bug spray."
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds report active wildlife, requiring proper food storage. At Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, one camper reported, "Bathrooms are extremely clean and well kept... There are food lockers since wild pigs come out at night. Be sure to lock all food up! They will roam through the camp ground all through the night if anyone has left any food out."
Water recreation limitations: Not all parks allow swimming or water activities. A reviewer noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Thousand Trails Morgan Hill provides extensive family recreation options. A visitor shared, "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)."
Site selection: When glamping near Patterson with children, site location matters. A camper at Mount Madonna advised, "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes." Looking at campground maps before booking helps identify family-friendly sites.
Noise considerations: Weekend stays often include more family groups and associated noise. One visitor mentioned, "I arrived on a Friday late afternoon. Set up my tent. People were fairly loud until about 11pm... Saturday, in came the crowd. Loud, obnoxious, and inconsiderate way past midnight." Midweek visits typically offer quieter experiences.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: The placement of utilities varies significantly between sites. At Lake Tulloch RV Campground, a camper noted, "We stayed here for one night. There are sites on the lake with shade provided over the tables. It was mid week and was not crowded at all." Checking utility locations before parking prevents setup complications.
Level sites: Many glamping sites near Patterson have uneven terrain. One RVer advised, "SUV tents are usually limited to one entrance/exit point on the tent. Usually the driver's side. Each campsite is different... 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."
Seasonal crowds: Visiting during off-peak periods provides a different experience. A camper at McConnell State Recreation Area observed, "Probably COVID related but this park is under utilized and under attended. The shower is of if you throw in quarters and close your eyes. It could use some TLC but was a quite place to stop for the night. Not all spots have shade."
