Best Campgrounds near Ripon, CA

Ripon, California sits near several good campgrounds, including Yosemite National Park and Acorn Campground. Yosemite draws campers from around the world with its famous valleys, waterfalls, and granite formations. Acorn Campground in Valley Springs has large campsites that fill up quickly during peak season. The Sierra Nevada mountains are just a short drive away, making this area great for hikers and nature photographers. Most campgrounds can be reached by regular vehicles, though some backcountry spots need higher clearance to navigate rough roads. Watch for wildlife like raccoons and deer - you'll need to store food properly to keep animals out of your campsite. Weather varies dramatically by season, with hot summers and mild winters in the valley areas. Many campers prefer visiting in spring when wildflowers bloom or fall when the crowds thin out and temperatures cool. Most campgrounds near Ripon have basic toilets and drinking water available. If you're heading to more remote areas, bring everything you'll need as services may be limited or nonserviced. Always check current conditions and closures before heading out, especially during fire season or after heavy rain or snow. The area has both RV-friendly sites with hookups and more rustic tent camping depending on what you're looking for. Please pack out all trash and follow good camping practices to keep these natural areas clean for everyone. A camping trip near Ripon can be a great way to disconnect and enjoy California's diverse landscapes without traveling too far.

Best Camping Sites Near Ripon, California (146)

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Recent Reviews near Ripon, CA

450 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 Woodward Reservoir with a 4-star rating from 16 reviews.

  • What parks are near Ripon, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Ripon, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.