Tent camping near Tracy, California provides access to diverse landscapes from mountain forests to lakeside settings within a 60-mile radius. Campsites in this region typically range from primitive backcountry locations to more developed grounds with showers and flush toilets. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking waterfall trails: At Uvas Canyon County Park, multiple waterfall trails start directly from the campground. A camper noted, "There are hiking trails that we haven't yet had time to explore" and another mentioned, "I highly recommend the Creek Trail by the campsite if you are here in Fall, it's magical!"
Fishing opportunities: Delta Bay RV Resort offers excellent fishing access. One visitor shared, "Spent the night at my usual fishing spot and had a great time. Staff is friendly and food is good." Fishing at these Delta waters is best in early morning or evening hours during summer months.
Stargazing sessions: Joseph D Grant County Park hosts organized stargazing nights where visitors can view night skies with minimal light pollution. A camper mentioned, "There are nights to gather and stargaze" and the park's elevation at 2,500 feet provides clearer viewing conditions than lower-elevation sites.
What campers like
Off-season tranquility: Many campers prefer weekday visits for peaceful experiences. At Lake Camanche, a visitor shared, "We stayed at the lake for one night, mid-week, off season. We were only one of a few handful of RVs in the RV section of the campground." Another noted the contrast between seasons: "Summers would be very hot and I imagine the area would be packed with day use folks."
Clean facilities: Rancho Seco Recreation Area maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. Campers report, "Regular maintenance and trash pick up" and "Super clean and maintained. Especially the bathrooms and showers." One visitor appreciated that "There's free showers too which is awesome."
Varied water recreation: Multiple locations offer swimming, boating, and fishing. A Lake Camanche visitor explained, "The water isn't freezing, it's usually pretty warm. The lake isn't huge, but makes for great boating." At Rancho Seco, a camper shared, "You can fish, hike, or swim here. The campsites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you."
What you should know
Weather extremes: Tracy-area campgrounds experience significant temperature variations. At Juniper Campground, one camper warned, "Insanely hot in the summer, I would recommend not going in July like we did. It was 104° or something and I was just drenching my clothes in water to stay cool."
Limited services: Many backcountry sites require self-sufficiency. At Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, a camper noted the primitive nature: "Feels very off grid. Camp experience was smooth and the sun was shining." Some locations lack potable water sources, requiring visitors to bring their own supply.
Wildlife considerations: Food storage is essential at most campgrounds. At Rancho Seco, a camper advised, "Just make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks." Another camper at Uvas Canyon reported, "We went in April and there weren't many bugs," while others noted seasonal insect activity.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water spots: Multiple locations feature accessible swimming areas for children. A visitor at Sunol mentioned, "I have never camped here but hiked many trails" and described "Little Yosemite. Fun creek area with lots of water/rock formations."
Site selection: Choose sites based on specific family needs. At Uvas Canyon, a camper advised, "If you have a roof top tent, we scoped out a few sites which are more flat, and also have the picnic table near the parking spot. They are: 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. A Joseph D Grant Park visitor reported, "Lots of beautiful wildlife" while another camper noted seeing "wild pigs running around everywhere" during certain seasons.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. At Joseph D Grant County Park, a camper observed, "The tent spaces are sizable & you can have a fire," but another mentioned that "Not sure if it can handle longer recreational vehicles and the road leading to the campground itself is quite narrow."
Driving conditions: Access roads to mountain campgrounds require careful navigation. A camper at Joseph D Grant noted, "The ride up the mountain is nauseating," while another warned, "The road is windy, narrow, and not for the car sick."
Alternative accommodations: Some locations offer unique lodging beyond traditional tent or RV camping. At Delta Bay RV Resort, a visitor shared, "They have a lot of cute tiny houses in this campground. You can bring your own tiny house, or rent one for the weekend."
