Best Tent Camping near Patterson, CA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Patterson and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Patterson, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Patterson, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Patterson, CA (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Cole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Cole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Cole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Cole Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Cole Ranch

    1. Cole Ranch

    2 Reviews
    50 Photos
    43 Saves
    Waterford, California

    "I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank-

    Pitch your tent under the shade of a majestic oak tree, right on the bank of the Tuolumne River, whose waters originate in Yosemite National Park. Keep an eye out for river otters, turtles, bald eagles, and beaver. Expect nighttime visitors like owls, foxes, and raccoons. Cole Ranch is a bit of an oasis surrounded by almond and walnut orchards. Pick a treat from the wild blackberry bushes, or from our family organic pomegranate orchard (mid-October thru mid-December). Warm yourself with your own personal fire pit in your camp, no extra charge (bring your own firewood, or purchase seasoned oak from Your Host). Outdoor kitchen available with a coffee bar, refrigeration, electricity, hot water, 3-burner stove, and BBQ’s.

    **ADVISORY** (9/08/23) 8:05 AM

    The river is back to normal flow, perfect for wading, swimming, fishing, kayaking, or any other river activities.

    **ADVISORY** (8/10/23) 8:05 AM

    The Tuolumne River unexpectedly rose about 2- 3' over night. The entire gravel shore us under water. Wading is relatively safe, but use extreme caution when boating or swimming.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $60 - $90 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area Group Camp

    2. George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area Group Camp

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    4 Saves
    Stevinson, California

    George Hatfield Group Camp

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Uvas Canyon County Park

    3. Uvas Canyon County Park

    9 Reviews
    53 Photos
    304 Saves
    New Almaden, California

    Welcom​e to Uvas Canyon County Park. This lushly wooded park of 1,147 acres, is nestled in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz

    Mountains. This mountain park offers hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities throughout most of the year. Enjoy your visit today and return often to experience the many features of Uvas Canyon County Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    26 Photos
    41 Saves
    Mount Hamilton, California

    Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51 mile trail system. Mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails as designated. The diverse trail system at the park makes this a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events and foot races. Dogs are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds as long as they are on a 6 ft. leash.

    Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost forty (40) reservable family campsites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use. Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Do not gather wood. Extinguish fires when unattended. When posted "NO FIRES", only campstoves or gas grills are permitted. For further questions please call the park office: (408) 274-6121.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $15 - $400 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joseph D. Grant County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
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        Camper-submitted photo from Deer Flat Boat In Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Deer Flat Boat In Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Deer Flat Boat In Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Deer Flat Boat In Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Deer Flat Boat In Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Deer Flat Boat In Campground

        9. Deer Flat Boat In Campground

        Be the first to review!
        6 Photos
        3 Saves
        Valley Springs, California

        Overview

        New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River. The dam provides flood protection to the City of Stockton (among other communities) and water for irrigation, drinking and hydroelectric power. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.

        Recreation

        This campground is only accessible by boat and offers the only camping available on the lake outside of the main campgrounds, Acorn and Oak Knoll. Water recreation such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing are all frequent activities on New Hogan Lake. Fishing is allowed year-round, subject to state regulations. Popular species caught in New Hogan Lake include striped bass, black bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie.

        Facilities

        This campground is only accessible by boat and offers the only camping available on the lake outside of the main campgrounds, Acorn and Oak Knoll. Water recreation such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing are all frequent activities on New Hogan Lake. Fishing is allowed year-round, subject to state regulations. Popular species caught in New Hogan Lake include striped bass, black bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie.

        Natural Features

        Wildlife species thrive at the lake and on the surrounding 6,500 acres of US Army Corps of Engineers' managed land. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot black-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits, wild turkeys, turkey vultures, bald and golden eagles, osprey, red-tailed and other hawks, ducks and geese, California quail, acorn woodpeckers and northern flickers, coyotes, rattlesnakes and other snakes, gray fox, bobcats, and an occasional mountain lion.

        Nearby Attractions

        A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured. Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.

        • Tents

        $20 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews in Patterson

      327 Reviews of 9 Patterson Campgrounds


      • UThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Valley RV Resort
        Oct. 16, 2024

        Coyote Valley RV Resort

        Buttoned up, formal atmosphere RV resort

        High priced. Nice people at desk. Damon who helped us park was very friendly. Almost entirely high-priced big rigs, some of whom seem settled here but it's clean, 'orderly,' very quiet. Rigid rules keep the order; nice that no political flags/signs allowed. 2 dog parks and lots of grassy areas to take for a walk. Showers in locker-room/bldg, bathrooms nice and clean. Green grass. Also has laundry with 2.50 wash and.25 dry for 8 min. Skunk wandered by site in the night. Cool train sounds from nearby tracks at night. Was probably the most convenient to San Jose, otherwise we likely would've been in mtns. and too far away from town for our needs at the time. Would not be a regular choice for us.

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
        Sep. 25, 2024

        Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

        Great for a stopover

        This place always comes through for us when we need a quiet place to stay when traveling in the area. It's $20/night, there seems to always be room, and it's always been nice and quiet when we stay here.

        Sites are hit or miss, so drive around until you find one that suits you. One of these days we'll nab one of the sites to the right of the fork when you enter the campground, but they always seem to be taken.

        Good cell reception, pit toilets, trash dumpster (no recycling).

      • Delilah W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Fleming Meadows Don Pedro Recreation Area
        Sep. 23, 2024

        Fleming Meadows Don Pedro Recreation Area

        Lake is beautiful. Campground extremely noisy

        Our neighbors in A119 talked, played loud music, whooped and laughed loudly until at least 3 am. At about 11 pm, we requested that please keep the noise down and reminded them of the quiet after 10 pm park rule. They said that the rule only applied to loud music and proceeded to make rude comments and told us to call the ranger. No one answered the phone. We called the local police: no noise ordinance in the county. Our neighbors proceeded to increase the volume of their talking, laughing and started hooting (making animal noises) as well. My husband asked them again at about 12 am to please be quiet and they got even louder after that. We moved to a different site and were still able to hear them but the noise level dropped to a more moderate level. We reported them to the ranger the next day but did not get a satisfactory response. There were at least 20 people at that site. The ranger said that 8 people was the limit. Without enforcement, number limits or quiet time rules are meaningless.

      • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
        Aug. 25, 2024

        Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

        Great Layover

        We had a quick three-day trip here to visit family. The pool is small, yet well-kept and we had it to ourselves every time we went each day. The park was perfect for the kids biking around through the short- and long-term areas.

      • Clara T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
        Aug. 15, 2024

        Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

        Great time in this campground!

        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. We went swimming in the lake : what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn’t bothered us.

        It was super calm. The crew was nice with us and let us spend only one night here for 50$ (the minimum should be 2 nights)

        I recommend this place!

        (Also, it’s right halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco: which was perfect for us)

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Barrett Cove Recreation Area
        Jun. 17, 2024

        Barrett Cove Recreation Area

        Back for more

        This time I brought a friend who hadn't been here before. 

        As usual, the staff was great! Very friendly at our arrival and in the evening while performing their drive-by checks. 

        This time I actually tried the showers and I was not disappointed. Great water pressure, plenty warm and cleaner than you might expect. Sure, there are some bugs that get in, but it was way nicer than showering in my van. 

        The bathrooms are well maintained and stocked with paper towels and tp. They really do a nice job here.

        The riding was great. We were in awe of how empty it was. Father's Day weekend and we never came across anyone else on the trails. 

        We did have to relocate. My buddy couldn't get his RV into the hillside spot we'd reserved - M49 I think it was.

      • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
        Jun. 17, 2024

        Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

        So many animals and birds

        I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
        The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.

      • Maria M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
        Jun. 2, 2024

        Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

        ick

        Wow, let's say we had a nightmare ishhorrible experience. We rented a tent camp site for 2 nights. We were given an RV Slab camping site. It had the tiniest barbecue grill available. The water that was coming out of all the faucets,  was red and brown. People weren't allowed to shower that night. Once night fall came, the camp's site was infested with roaches Everywhere, they went in all our grocery bags and under them. Went into and under all our boxes that we had. The roaches hid under our tents also. There also seemed to be a termite infestation. We had to cut our camping trip short after spending over a thousand dollars on supplies, food, the Camping site and parking fees The workers that drove by, especially Travis, were nice and Welcoming. Dogs have to be on a leash at all times. If you want to go into the lake with your dog, You have to walk very far away if you didn't rent one of the tent sites at the lake front area. Had to fumigate my vehicle when I got home with all my stuff in it. I pray none of the bugs will be in my stuff at home. I heard many other guests screeching and shouting, omg theres cockroaches every where. Good to know, we weren't the only ones disappointed. The owner Jake refused to refund me, or my two guests that wasted their 50 dollars in parking fees, although the trip was cut short due to the conditions. Jake offered for us to stay another night. Will never be back. Beware.

      • Lori T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Mount Madonna County Park
        May. 28, 2024

        Mount Madonna County Park

        Great Campground

        Loved everything about this campground! Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process. We stayed in Valley View 1, site 106. There was really no road noise at our site, though a few sites further around the loop did have noise. This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails. Huge bonus for us and we were pleasantly surprised that not one person used our site as a cut through. On the subject of hiking, this is a county park that allows dogs on ALL the trails. It’s hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was. We didn’t actually encounter anyone else as we hiked, so I can’t attest to whether folks follow the rule that dogs must be on a 6 ft lead on the trails, but they certainly did in the campground. There are quite a few trails that are currently closed due to storm damage, but crews were actively working on them.

        While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none, but would be great if you were camping with friends. We didn’t use the restrooms or showers, but peeked in them anyway. Like everything else in this campground, they were clean and well maintained.

        The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great! There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed.

        Our friends stayed in one of the yurts and it was great, albeit a little cold for them at night. I believe there are 2 dog friendly yurts. 106RV

        What a gem of a campground! We’ll definitely come back!

        Important to note that you can actually get a cell signal if you walk to the dump station!

      • Alma L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Del Valle Regional Park
        May. 28, 2024

        Del Valle Regional Park

        Distance from home was the highlight

        I had a very different take on this place than the others. The RV spot was a fair distance from the neighboring spots, it was low-density, quite, all good qualities, but there was very little see or do near the loop. There were no hikes suitable for young kids as far as I could tell. There was a little store for ice cream and camping supplies and dump station on the loop.  HOWEVER, WARNING: the road around the campground looks wide but there are boulders every 10 feet or so making it insanely hard to back into our spot - and we had only a 22ft trailer! I can't see myself coming back here. The maps do accurately depict the relatively narrow space you have for back in spots. Once we were in, it was fine.  The pedestal and sewer set-up was just fine. No issues there. It's just not worth the hassle. 

        As for the park/water part of the park, well, it was covered in garbage from the day-trippers. It was packed and only accessible by driving to it. Truly not a place I wanted to BBQ or picnic at.  Cars, people, dogs, loud music, and garbage. A gross diaper on the shore.     We took a very nice hike starting at the dog run. That was beautiful, but not worth the trip.

        I didn't bother to photograph our site. There were all adequate, just avoid back in site here. There are so many better places to visit.  I checked this off the list, no reason to return. I don't believe there was reception either from the campsite.

        Last thing, we peaked in on the cabins in our loop. They looks very nice and maintained.

      • N
        Camper-submitted photo from Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
        May. 3, 2024

        Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

        1 Night

        We stayed 1 night and it was perfect. The staff was very nice and the place was clean and quiet. There are toilets and showers on the campground and it only cost 10$!

        the campsite is perfect for traveling through and getting a night's sleep.

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Barrett Cove Recreation Area
        May. 3, 2024

        Barrett Cove Recreation Area

        Continues to be a great MTB destination

        Since my initial visit in 2021 I've been back 4 or 5 times now. I guess that means I like it.

        Generally, it's a great place - especially for mountain biking fans. Perhaps also for fishing and other activities, but that's outside my scope of interest. 

        On my first return visit I went to the same spot as the first visit. It was a bad choice - crowded and full of RVs who ran their generators all night long. The next morning I scouted out some better spots. The ranger was quite accommodating and allowed me to move to a quiet spot on top of a hill. This area has become my "go to" as it's close to the Exchequer trailhead and away from boaters. 

        Subsequent visits have been much better.

        Could be a 5 star place, but shade is hard to come by in some areas and some clusters of camp sites get noisy when they're used by groups. 

        None of my complaints will stop me from going again - the trails are great and keep getting better.

        The photos are from various visits.

      • Tina M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Morgan Hill
        Apr. 26, 2024

        Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

        Good location

        We liked the surrounding area and gorgeous rolling hills and while we were able to get a good spot it was not a campground that stood out too much to us. The pool is great though it was too cold to use it while we were there. No sewer hook up but dump station was close from our side. Overall happy with the stay

      • UThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from East Bay Regional Park District Del Valle Family Campground
        Apr. 25, 2024

        East Bay Regional Park District Del Valle Family Campground

        Bay Area escape

        This is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore. It’s a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far. The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life. There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground.

        The restrooms and showers were clean and functional. Maybe a bit outdated, but I don’t see that as a negative considering everything works. It’s also nice that the showers are free, no need to bring your roll of quarters.

        The close proximity to the lake and all the hiking trails is a huge plus.

        The only negatives I can mention are the camp store and the lack of privacy at each site. It seems like the camp store is only open on Saturdays which means if you need anything, it’s close to an hour long commitment to drive into Livermore, buy what you need, and drive back. I’m not sure if that’s always the case but when I visited in April that was what the sign had posted. As far as the lack of privacy, I don’t think it’s a deal breaker since there is a good amount of space between sites but they are all fully exposed. I can see these being a bit of a problem especially on a crowded weekend.

        Overall a nice campground in a good location with plenty to do in the area.

      • New D.
        Camper-submitted photo from La Grange Off-Road Park Campground
        Apr. 8, 2024

        La Grange Off-Road Park Campground

        Great Place - except on event days!

        We love La Grange. It’s been a huge part of our lives over the years where we have taught many how to ride various off-road vehicles and direct bikes over the years. It’s mainly a go to place for our annual trips to let our grandkids break free after a long school year. Lots of family memories there.

        But our last few visits have been worrisome to say the least. Trust we get that being our hear comes with some risks and dangers, we’ve been doing this long enough to know part of having fun - means breaking lose and sometimes getting hurt (see pics), but…there’s definitely a difference between fun and obnoxiously reckless.

        More careless groups are frequently visiting, driving intoxicated, and allowing their teenagers to whip through wildly and speeding through campsites where small children are playing. There’s even been teenagers double-riding with tiny toddlers hanging on the back, racing, jumping. Spinning donuts in the children’s track area.

        Our last visit just over a month or so ago, on a stickfest event day, a young girl came flying up a two -way hill (where the top is a blind spot), and slammed straight into the front of another teenagers truck!!!

        At night, wheneveveryone left two guys came pulling into our campsite at 1 am in he morning with an empty trailer right nectvyo our bikes with their lights off. Luckily I scared em off turning on the RV exterior lights.

        Sadly, it’s not been like a place for family camping and enjoyment much and more. People are getting wind that it’s a “do-as-you-please,” off-roading area. Nobody overseeing. Not safe- especially for small children.

        We're taking a break for awhile. We've moved to another spot last week. It's a two hour drive, but wow! It was like off-roading utopia!

        We will miss you La Grange. Thank you for many great memories.

      • LILI P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
        Mar. 23, 2024

        Los Banos Creek Campground — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

        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.

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from East Bay Regional Park District Del Valle Family Campground
        Feb. 25, 2024

        East Bay Regional Park District Del Valle Family Campground

        Great weekend

        Stayed at one of the hookup sites with my son for a night in our 21ft trailer. We had a great time. With much of the campground closed we had lots of places to hike right near our site. Sites were well spaced apart and even though our loop was full it did not feel crowded. Would go back.

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

        Medeiros Primitive Campsites — San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

        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.

      • Kathy S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
        Nov. 7, 2023

        Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

        Gilroy Garlic

        This park surprised me. It is just off Highway 101 but the noise is not distracting. Mostly the park is concrete with little patches of beautiful landscaping. Campers are pretty close, but quiet and privacy rule. Bathrooms have security locks and are clean. Laundry room is clean with nice, big washers and dryers. The WiFi was outstanding!
        Communication from the office was a little lacking. We were here for Halloween. I asked when I checked in on the 29th if anything was happening. The clerk said I would get an email with all of the activities. We stayed 8 nights and I still don’t have an e-mail. A children’s parade of trick or treaters came by my camper at 6 pm, but I was not prepared. Several times during the week it looked like there was an event in the clubhouse, but we were never invited or informed. We are full time RVers and I met several permanent residents here. There is no store n the office. Shopping and pharmacy are walking distance. Many California activities are less than an hour away.



      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Patterson, CA is Cole Ranch with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Patterson, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.