Stockton sits at 13 feet above sea level in California's Central Valley where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers converge to form the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, with cooler evenings around 60°F making campfires practical during non-restriction periods. Winter camping near Stockton requires preparation for occasional fog that can reduce visibility at waterfront sites.
What to do
Boating access: Windmill Cove RV Park provides direct water entry for watercraft with riverfront sites. "The beach to play and swim is about a 10min walk from your camper. But you will more than likely come across some great people that will have you hop on their golf carts and give you a lift," notes Holly C.
Fishing opportunities: Turner Cut Resort offers fishing access directly from waterfront sites. "Nice helpful staff, clean bathrooms, well kept campground and beautiful views of river and Mt Diablo. Bar and boat ramp, Taco Tuesday, a place to check out for sure!" says Mose A.
Family activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Tower Park offers extensive recreation beyond water activities. "Nice playground, basketball court, volleyball, bouncy pillow, outdoor movies, pool, lazy river, water park, bumper boats, laser tag, boat rentals on the delta, restaurants and quick bites," explains Katie B.
What campers like
Grass sites: Turner Cut Resort stands out with natural landscaping. "AWESOME SPOT WITH GREAT GRASS & SHADE AND WATER ACCESS. Good for camping on the delta with green grass and close to the boat spots," reports NANDO 5.
Convenient highway access: Dos Reis County Park provides quick interstate access. "A half-mile off of I-5, far enough to dampen the interstate roar, and separated by a dike from the San Joaquin River," explains Patrick M.
Swimming opportunities: Woodward Reservoir offers full water contact recreation during warmer months. "Woodward is our family go to place to camp in the summer heat. Water feels good when it's 100+ degrees outside. Good prices. And you can bring your dogs," says Bonnie S.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Woodward Reservoir has limitations during cooler months. "Be aware that usually late September to Mid April, there is no body to water contact. It's usually packed but go and enjoy!" advises Mary K.
Flooding concerns: Environmental factors affect campsite conditions at Windmill Cove. "I know the camp ground has no control over the tides but we wanted a hook up for our pop up trailer and it's really close to the bank and we got flooded," reports Holly C.
Price considerations: Flag City RV Resort rates run higher than county parks. "For me, it's not the cost, it's value for the money. In this case, $62.00 for nice lava rock and clean concrete sidewalks and roads it a bit over priced," notes Michael C.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season visits: Consider non-summer timing at popular dog friendly campgrounds near Stockton. "During the off season it is a great time to go during the week when children are in school," advises Sharon A. about Woodward Reservoir.
Activity planning: Jellystone Park schedules seasonal events. "For October, we did an outdoor movie, magic pumpkins, costume contest, trick or treating, hay ride, and haunted house. My daughter loved everything except the haunted house, which she said was 'too scary!'" shares Billy.
Space selection: At French Camp RV Park, site configuration affects experience. "I believe a lot of the people here are full-time. It is very well-maintained, nicely landscaped, and they have some great dog parks," reports Kim W.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Thousand Trails Turtle Beach facilities differ from descriptions. "This application says it's 50 amp with septic. No septic and only 30 amp service," notes Roxanna L.
Site dimensions: Flag City RV Resort accommodates large rigs. "The cement pad was plenty long enough for our 40' fifth wheel and unhooked F450. The utilities are on the back quarter of the pad. We needed 15' of sewer hose," explains MickandKarla W.
Amenities for pets: Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds near Stockton feature dedicated dog areas. "Squeaky clean and organized. Nice pool and hot tub, nice laundry facilities, moderately sized paved and level sites, nice store with a few local wines, AND HUGE fenced area to walk your dog OFF LEASH," explains mary F. about Flag City RV Resort.
