150 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Ripon, California include a mix of developed facilities, lakeside recreation areas, and RV-friendly destinations spread throughout the Central Valley and nearby foothills. Caswell Memorial State Park offers tent and RV camping opportunities along the Stanislaus River, while Woodward Reservoir provides boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in camping with full hookup amenities for both tent and RV campers. The area features several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, many situated near water features that provide recreation opportunities beyond traditional camping.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with water levels at reservoirs like Woodward and Lake Camanche fluctuating throughout the year. Most developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though summer heat in the Central Valley can make camping uncomfortable without shade or water access. Many locations require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays and during holiday periods when sites fill quickly. Bathroom and shower facilities are available at most established campgrounds, with cleanliness standards generally high despite heavy use. Campers should note that cell service can be limited at some locations. A camper noted that "Sometimes the water is right up to the edge of the campsites and other years it's about a half-mile walk," highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before arrival.
The region's campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews for their proximity to water recreation. Many tent and RV sites near Ripon feature picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby vault toilets or flush facilities, making them suitable for family camping. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting deer and bird sightings at several campgrounds. According to one review, Woodward Reservoir offers "shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports" with "paved looped campgrounds and all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping." Mixed-use campgrounds are common, with many accommodating both tent and RV campers, though some locations like French Camp RV Park cater specifically to motorhomes and travel trailers. Proximity to towns like Oakdale and Ripon allows for easy supply runs during extended stays.
"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 Availability"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."
"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"
"Stayed on large grass site next to the water. Very nice. Few amenities and staff was scarce but more than adequate. Lots of room to roam for people & pets."
"Showers and clubhouse activities are still limited, but the nearby delta offers its own attraction. Day use, tents, and every class of RV are easily accommodated."
"Not a lot to do in the surrounding area, no obvious hiking trails, for example, although some fishing seems to have been possible. A small loop of 20+ sites, all (it appeared) with full-hookups. "
"Trails to hike and bike"
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Not too far from Ripon, which has some good restaurants and cool bars. But bring your quarters if you want to take a shower."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Was passing thru from south California. Very clean. Staff was pleasant to work with at check in. Plenty of room to leave RV hooked up to truck."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Dog friendly with a nice park just outside of the resort. Shopping and restaurants nearby."
"This is a unique rv park right on the Stockton deep water channel where you can sit next to your rv and watch huge oceangoing ships come into port. We loved it."
from $69 - $89 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
GuideStayed at this camp for a few months,then storages my basically new fifth wheel through the winter. When the hauler went to pick it up,there was significant damage done in which he took date and location stamped photos of while still parked next to the same RV we parked it by. When it arrived,it was even worse we had an active rat infestation that cost me over$3k repairs to all of my water lines and gas lines they had chewed through. Not including the mattresses,bedding ect we had to replace. I contacted the park,they ask for the photos and then said get an estimate and they would pay for repairs. It took me over a month to get an estimate,in which I had to pay for. For them then to decide they were not responsible now. Please do not store your nice items at this place! They do not care about you or your stuff. My insurance will be suing for all damages now.
ScoutBeen here many times. I particularly like winters when few are around. The sites are spacious and clean. You will have to level. We have seen deer, turkeys, a good size flock of buzzards, osprey, bald eagles, a few big cats. Signs are posted about rattlesnakes.
ScoutShowers are clean, lots of play area, for kids.boating
ScoutEverything was great, but just make sure you don’t park on the grass because of the sprinklers.
ScoutThis place was a blessing. Rangers were very kind and informative however price is misleading at riverside it’s more expensive $25 a night. Felt safe and quiet for the most part beside the train.
ScoutThis location is perfect for people who are looking for the wind. Everyone is pretty respectful of one another. First come first serve $45/night. Not well maintained the road was flooded and it hadn’t rained in weeks in the area. Not well maintained. Must have self contained camper: van, rv, trailer. Tight quarters, it’s like a parking lot of vehicles camping right next to one another. There is a boat launch.
GuideVery nice for a one night stop. Very windy road to get to the park. Sites are well kept and have a solid amount of room. Super clean bathrooms and good free showers. Lots of wildlife to see and hear (coyotes). Didn’t get 5 starts cause it was quite busy with loud neighbors!
GuidePopped in and only a few campers there. A bridge away from towns. Hot showers. Squirrels galore. Ill be back.
Camping spots near Ripon, California sit in California's Central Valley, where hot, dry summers routinely reach temperatures above 90°F and mild winters hover around 60°F. The region's campgrounds provide access to both riverfront and reservoir settings with elevation ranging from 52-100 feet above sea level. Water levels fluctuate dramatically with seasonal rainfall patterns, creating varying shorelines throughout the year at popular camping destinations.
River floating and tubing: At Caswell Memorial State Park Campground, the Stanislaus River offers a relaxed 45-minute float trip. "The river is usually very pleasant for tube floating, water can be a little cold but mostly it's refreshing since Ripken tends to get hot," notes a camper who visits 2-3 times yearly.
Kayaking and canoeing: The waterways near Ripon provide calm conditions ideal for paddling. A visitor to Caswell Memorial State Park mentioned, "Near by river provides access to canoeing or kayaking. A few hiking trails plus a good size group campsite area."
Fishing from campsites: Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort offers direct fishing access from your site. "Can fish the delta directly from the campsite," reports one camper. The deep water channel also provides unique viewing opportunities as "huge oceangoing ships come into port."
Golfing: Some camping areas like French Camp RV Park and Golf Course combine outdoor recreation with golfing opportunities. This site provides a well-maintained course adjacent to camping facilities.
Ample shade during hot months: Many campers appreciate the natural shade at Dos Reis County Park, which helps during Central Valley heat. A Caswell Memorial visitor noted, "As I was camping in the summer and it was supposed to be 100s I wanted to make sure I had a shadey spot. I was able to find quite a few spots that had shade and were set off the road a bit to have some privacy."
Clean shower facilities: Several campgrounds maintain better-than-expected restroom areas. One Caswell Memorial camper was particularly impressed: "The bathrooms were astounding. Very modern and especially clean."
Wildlife viewing: Local campgrounds offer opportunities to see native species. "We haven't noticed too many wild animals, but the nights are quiet (usually) and it does get chilly during the night. Doesn't matter how hot it may be during the day, night is always chilly," explains a Caswell visitor.
Proximity to interstate: When using camping areas as waypoints between destinations, proximity to highways proves valuable. A Kit Fox RV Park camper appreciated this aspect: "We used Kt Fox as a stop over on our voyage from Oregon to Arizona. The park is next to a good sized interchange with food, fuel and etc available."
Seasonal weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for temperature swings. "It tends to get chilly and windy occasionally. Make sure to bring sunblock! Some Roads are dirt so bring goood water shoes or sandals," advises a camper at Woodward Reservoir.
Mosquito presence: Insect repellent is essential, particularly near water. A visitor warned, "TONS of mosquitos, be prepared! When we drove in midday, we were swarmed with mosquitos. Considering there's a river and lots of weeds/bushes/trees, this isn't surprising."
Noise levels vary: Weekend camping brings more activity and associated noise. "On the weekend almost every campsite was full with families. With so many people it was really loud at night but we didn't mind," explains a Caswell Memorial visitor.
Bathroom facility variations: Shower access differs between campgrounds. A Turtle Beach RV Resort visitor noted, "They have rolled in porta-bathrooms with showers," while another campground visitor mentioned, "Showers with limited hours in the morning and evening."
River recreation: Family-friendly water activities make Caswell Memorial State Park popular with children. "We love this campground and come here at least 2-3x per year. It's great for the kids, they do movies and nature demonstrations on the weekends for kids," shares a frequent visitor.
Water play options: Shallow water at Woodward Reservoir creates safe conditions for younger swimmers. According to one review, the location has "Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports."
Pet policies: Rules regarding dogs vary significantly between sites. At Tuolumne River Ranch, pets are allowed but keep them leashed. One Caswell visitor noted an important restriction: "None of the trails or beaches are dog friendly and since I had my dog, this was just a chill, relaxing, car camping trip."
Site selection for privacy: When camping with children, look for sites away from main paths. A Caswell Memorial camper recommended: "Most of the sites are shaded and all are a short walk to the swim beach. A 45 minute lazy river meanders through the park and lets out at the day use beach. Bring your bug spray and a good tube!"
Site selection: Choose locations with appropriate hookups for your needs. A Riverpoint Landing visitor explained: "They do not have sewer hookups, but there is a dump station."
Clearance considerations: Some parks have size restrictions. A Dos Reis visitor noted: "This campground will not work for people wanting a one night stay because there are no pull through sites and each campsite would require disconnecting the trailer or tow car to fit in the site."
Reservation essentials: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. "If you want hook ups and waterfront you have to make reservations on T-Island or Hackleberry Flats. Other wise it is first come first serve for the other areas of the lake," advises a Woodward Reservoir camper.
Overnight options: For those passing through, Kit Fox RV Park offers convenient amenities. "Great experience! Made reservation on the phone, pulled in around 9:00pm and was able to hook-up the utilities, eat supper, and hit the hay."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping sites in Ripon, CA?
While Ripon itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within a short drive. Lake Camanche offers family-friendly sites with easy lake access and well-maintained grounds about 30 minutes from Ripon. For boaters, Woodward Reservoir just outside of Oakdale provides paved loop campgrounds with RV hookups and shallow, warm water perfect for swimming and water sports. Both locations offer scenic water views and are popular with Central Valley residents seeking weekend getaways from Ripon.
What amenities are available at Ripon camping grounds?
Campgrounds near Ripon offer varied amenities to suit different camping preferences. Acorn Campground provides clean facilities with restrooms within walking distance of all sites, primarily accommodating small trailers and tents with some spots for larger RVs, all at reasonable rates ($20/night, discounts with passes). COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground offers lakeside camping with opportunities for kayak fishing and wildlife viewing. Most area campgrounds feature basic amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and lake access, though shower availability varies by location.
Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Ripon?
Budget-friendly camping options near Ripon include Acorn Campground, which offers sites at just $20 per night with discounts to $10 for Golden Age Pass holders. Caswell Memorial State Park Campground provides an affordable option close to Ripon with basic amenities like water and toilets. For those willing to forgo some conveniences, primitive camping areas at regional reservoirs sometimes offer reduced rates. No completely free legal camping exists immediately around Ripon, but these low-cost alternatives provide excellent value for weekend getaways without breaking the bank.
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