Best Campgrounds near Ripon, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Ripon, California (146)

    1. Caswell Memorial State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Ripon, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 599-3810

    $30 - $175 / night

    "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."

    2. Woodward Reservoir

    16 Reviews
    Oakdale, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 847-3304

    "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"

    3. Thousand Trails Turtle Beach

    5 Reviews
    Lathrop, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    4. French Camp RV Park and Golf Course

    4 Reviews
    Manteca, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 234-1544

    "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."

    5. Riverside Campground — Castle Crags State Park

    1 Review
    Ripon, CA
    4 miles

    "Not too far from Ripon, which has some good restaurants and cool bars. But bring your quarters if you want to take a shower."

    6. Dos Reis County Park

    4 Reviews
    Lathrop, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 953-8800

    "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. "

    7. Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort

    7 Reviews
    Stockton, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 951-4144

    $69 - $89 / night

    "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."

    8. Olive Lane Mobile Estates

    1 Review
    Riverbank, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    9. Kit Fox RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Patterson, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 892-2638

    "I stayed here for one night in a 22’ RV at one of the back-in sites for the shorter term stays on a drive from Death Valley back towards the San Francisco Bay area."

    "I received a military discount,

    The park is next to a good sized interchange with food, fuel and etc available."

    10. Tuolumne River Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Hughson, CA
    19 miles
    +1 (209) 480-1255

    $65 - $95 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 146 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ripon, CA

474 Reviews of 146 Ripon Campgrounds



Guide to Ripon

Camping near Ripon, California, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakes to towering trees, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Mount Madonna County Park. One camper mentioned, "There was really no road noise at our site... a huge bonus for us and we were pleasantly surprised that not one person used our site as a cut through."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Camanche for some fishing fun. A visitor shared, "We love it at this lake," highlighting the enjoyable fishing experience.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, you might spot wild turkeys. One camper noted, "We were able to take a closeup look at them... very cute."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Mount Madonna County Park. A review stated, "Like everything else in this campground, they were clean and well maintained."
  • Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Acorn Campground. One camper said, "The RV camp sites are well spaced... you don't feel overcrowded."
  • Dog-Friendly Trails: Campers love that Mount Madonna County Park allows dogs on all trails. A visitor mentioned, "It’s hard to find that sometimes so we greatly appreciated how dog friendly it was."

What you should know

  • Road Noise: Some sites at North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park can be noisy. A camper noted, "Some road noise from Hwy 4... trucks going by were sometimes pretty noticeable."
  • Limited Amenities: At Acorn Campground, the bathrooms can be an issue. One review stated, "Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness."
  • Cell Service: Expect low cell service at Lake Camanche. A camper mentioned, "Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities like swimming and fishing. One family at Rancho Seco Recreation Area said, "There's plenty to do with lots of great sites."
  • Space to Play: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A visitor at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging noted, "The sites are really big... a nature trail that goes to an old gold mine."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Woodward Reservoir advised, "The only real problem is there are a few months during the year that they restrict the human contact with the lake water."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A review for Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging mentioned, "Full hookups were used and enjoyed by all each time."
  • Plan for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy on weekends. A visitor at Lake Camanche noted, "Got very crowded on the weekend."
  • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park appreciated, "There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park."

Camping near Ripon, California, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Ripon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ripon, CA is Caswell Memorial State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

What parks are near Ripon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Ripon, CA that allow camping, notably New Hogan Lake and New Melones Lake.