Smiley C.
Scout
ScoutGlory Hole Recreation Area
Glory Hole ,on New Melones lake
Tent camped, basic site , senior discount, about 20 per night.
Best Campgrounds near Vernalis, CA
Campgrounds near Vernalis, California range from developed facilities to lakeside recreation areas across the Central Valley region. Caswell Memorial State Park Campground along the Stanislaus River provides tent and RV sites with amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Several miles north, Thousand Trails Turtle Beach offers full-hookup RV sites along with tent camping options. The area features a mix of state parks, county recreation areas, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, with most concentrated around water features including reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.
Road conditions throughout the region remain accessible year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during holiday weekends and summer months. "This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center (2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available," noted one camper about a nearby state park. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with better coverage at sites closer to Interstate 5 and Highway 99 corridors. Many campgrounds in the area implement fire restrictions during the dry summer and fall months due to wildfire concerns.
The Central Valley camping experience centers around water recreation, with several campgrounds providing direct lake or river access. Woodward Reservoir receives positive reviews for its waterfront camping and warm swimming conditions. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, with one visitor reporting, "We saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground." Sites at Del Valle Campground east of Livermore offer more elevation and cooler temperatures than valley-floor locations. Proximity to urban areas makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for Bay Area residents seeking quick nature escapes, though midweek visits typically offer more solitude and site availability. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of hookups for RV campers.
Best Camping Sites Near Vernalis, California (140)
1. Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
14 ReviewsRipon, CA8 milesWebsite+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. Thousand Trails Turtle Beach
5 ReviewsLathrop, CA10 milesWebsite+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."
3. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
23 ReviewsLivermore, CA22 milesWebsite+1 (888) 327-2757$15 - $200 / night
"After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"
"Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked."
4. Dos Reis County Park
6 ReviewsLathrop, CA14 milesWebsite+1 (209) 953-8800$30 - $40 / night
"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"
5. Kit Fox RV Park
4 ReviewsPatterson, CA13 milesWebsite+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."
7. Camptown Tracy CA
1 ReviewTracy, CA11 miles"The location is close to the freeway and passes by for 7 years. Often it has a foul odor due to farmers, waste facility plants or Warehouses ."
8. French Camp RV Park and Golf Course
4 ReviewsManteca, CA17 milesWebsite+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."
9. Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
1 ReviewTracy, CA14 milesWebsite+1 (925) 447-902710. Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area
2 ReviewsTracy, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (925) 447-9027$10 / night
"The day use and camping areas at this park are in a long row, next to the road that brings you through this valley. They are beautifully kept, very clean and functional."
"Great affordable spot close to Bay Area. I wouldn’t claim this campground to be the most serene area but it had showers, toilets, water, bbqs and fire pits with shaded cooking areas which was great."
Recent Camping Photos near Vernalis, CA
140 Photos of 140 Vernalis Campgrounds
Eddie N.
Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Turtle Beach
Esther A.
Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
Mary K.
Woodward Reservoir
Sophie S.
Joseph D. Grant County Park
Eric A.
Cole Ranch
Lisa D.
Grant County Park
Renee W.
Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp
Larry W.
Sugar Barge RV Resort & Marina
gisselle
Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park
Eddie N.
Modesto Reservoir
Craig & Linda L.
Delta Shores Resort and Marina
Recent Reviews near Vernalis, CA
552 Reviews of 140 Vernalis Campgrounds
Vince N.
GuideUSBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Good spots, lousy neighbors
Staying here April 17-20 and it’s quite a good spot. Reservations are required but usually aren’t hard to get. $22 per night with a $8 reservation fee. Potable water available and bathrooms with a couple of them having showers. Weather is great with the lowest only getting to 48 degrees at night. Right by New Melones allowing for ease of water activities and taking a stroll around the park. Towns are 20-30 minute drive away so supplies and in-town activities also not hard to come by.
Only gripe is large groups nearby were noisy way past quiet hours. Besides that, great place to be.
- A
Allen R.
TravelerAlameda County Fairgrounds campground
Alameda County Fairgrounds campground
The least expensive sites are very close to neighboring campers. Although drive through site and premium site have more space as price for site increases. We'll kept and convenient to Bay Area. Very nice and helpful staff.
Kimberly L.GuideDos Reis County Park
So much lost potential
The campground is in a good location, nice view, spacious sites at a fair price. Unfortunately, this campground could be an easy 5 stars if the camp hosts were more invested but I'm sure they are living there for free and not having to do much at all except drive around on their golf cart every couple of days. If they were invested in their responsibilities as a camphost, they wouldn't take up three spots for their extra vehicles because they'd be full. They also don't walk the park or the grassy areas(trash throughout), no clean up of sites or fire pits(dog waste bags and plastic trash bags in fire pit and broken glass at site), and they don't unlock the showers at the posted times(you get 2 hrs in the morning and 2 hrs in the evening to use showers if they're not locked up), nor do they clean the bathroom which was pretty gross the whole week I was there. The sign says to let the camp host know if the showers are locked during scheduled use times but good luck getting past their GS who lets you know not to bother them. On top of those issues, the feral cats will urinate/spray on anything left outside your rig. This park could easily get full and stay that way if issues were addressed but it's obvious that someone knows someone. If you get my drift. It's disappointing and I won't be back.
Delaney N.TravelerCaswell Memorial State Park Campground
Great getaway!
I love how many sites here are private. It really gives the sense that you are out alone in nature, while being only 15 minutes away from the city. The restrooms are in good conditions, I haven’t tested the showers. But I’ve always enjoyed my trips here
A negative though- people do tend to dump their cats here, so depending on the time of year cats may be heavy. In January there were lots, this last time in March I only saw one or two!
LMTravelerModesto Reservoir
Great scenery, but easily ruined by inconsiderate campers
We recently camped at Vivian Cove and had a mixed experience.
The positives:
The natural setting is beautiful — right by the water with lots of ducks, and the campsite layout is quite nice. The stone seating areas are a great feature, and overall the location itself is very enjoyable. It feels more secluded compared to the main campground areas.Important notes about facilities:
Be aware that facilities here are very basic. While the site may be listed as having amenities, in reality:- There was no visible water access at the campsite
- No sinks or designated areas for washing dishes
- The restrooms are vault toilets (pit-style, no running water)
This may be expected for some campers, but it can be very different from what people assume if they see “restrooms” or “hookups” mentioned.
The main issue:
Our experience was heavily affected by a few groups who did not follow campground etiquette.- When we arrived shortly after check-in time (~4:15 PM), our reserved site was already occupied by another group
- Some visitors appeared to be using campsites without proper reservations
- A small number of groups were extremely disruptive at night — loud music, generators, and shouting well past quiet hours
While many campers were respectful and quiet, it only took one or two inconsiderate groups to significantly impact the experience.
Enforcement:
There does appear to be enforcement — staff/patrol came through in the morning and disruptive groups were eventually asked to leave. However, quiet hours were not effectively enforced overnight.Tips for future visitors:
- Bring earplugs
- Bring your own water and be prepared for no washing facilities
- Expect a more primitive camping setup
Overall:
The location is great, but the experience depends heavily on neighboring campers and expectations regarding facilit- JJulie D.Traveler
Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park
Okay
I don’t think it lives up to the expectations or the price. I generally find it dirty here. I also think the toilets are quite worn
- JJ B.Traveler
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Great time of year
Just got back from a weekend jaunt to Glory Hole. Marina and some boat ramps still not open for the season, but the hills were bright green—verdant comes to mind. And the male turkeys were everywhere, calling early in the morning. Not enough toilets for the number of campers (males—1 toilet to ~25 campers—you better be good at holding it!)
norcalcudafishScoutOrwood Resort Inc.
Working hard to make it better
Was once a dump of a campground. They are working on it as we speak. They have a site right in front of the boat launch that comes with dock access to fish! Most sites are water and electricity only.
Guide to Vernalis
Camping sites near Vernalis, California provide diverse outdoor experiences across San Joaquin County's varied terrain. The region sits at approximately 30 feet above sea level in the Central Valley, with camping options along river corridors and near reservoirs. Summer temperatures regularly reach triple digits, while winter lows can drop into the 30s with occasional valley fog affecting visibility.
What to do
Water recreation on the Stanislaus River: At Caswell Memorial State Park Campground, visitors can float downstream from the campground to the day-use beach. "The park has a creek that runs from the camp ground to the public beach down below. You can take your floating stuff up to the camp area and literally float down stream in 45 minutes or so," explains one visitor who found a perfect swimming hole along the route.
Boating and fishing opportunities: Multiple reservoir sites offer various water activities beyond swimming. "Great boating and swimming. Be aware that usually late September to Mid April, there is no body to water contact," notes a camper about Woodward Reservoir, making it essential to check seasonal regulations before planning water activities.
Hiking and wildlife viewing: The hills around Del Valle Campground provide challenging but rewarding trails with diverse wildlife sightings. "The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful! The lake is also very picturesque," remarks one visitor. Morning wildlife viewing yields results as noted by another camper: "I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground."
What campers like
Shaded campsites during hot weather: Caswell Memorial State Park offers protection from the intense summer heat. "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," explains one visitor who appreciated the temperature relief.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Despite being in remote locations, many campgrounds maintain good standards. "I'm not sure wether or not they had upgrades done recently, but the bathrooms were astounding. Very modern and especially clean," reports one Caswell visitor. Another camper at French Camp RV Park noted, "Very clean. Staff was pleasant to work with at check in. Plenty of room to leave RV hooked up to truck."
Affordable camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at certain locations. Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area offers surprising value: "A really pleasant surprise, especially in Northern California, was its cost: a mere $10 per night/vehicle. Two vehicles can share a campsite."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions affect water access: Water activities may be limited during certain months. At Woodward Reservoir, "there is no body to water contact" from approximately late September through mid-April, requiring campers to adjust their expectations and plans accordingly.
Weekend crowding vs. midweek solitude: Proximity to urban areas means weekend crowds. "It can get crowded over the weekends," notes one Del Valle camper. Another adds, "Both our kids family have Kayaks so that makes getting on the water great," highlighting the importance of bringing your own equipment during busy periods.
Pest considerations: Turtle Beach RV Resort and other waterfront locations can have seasonal insect issues. "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," warns one visitor about water-adjacent camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Lazy river floating activities: Families particularly enjoy the gentle water recreation at Caswell Memorial State Park. "Family friendly. 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!" advises one experienced camper.
Evening campground entertainment: Some locations offer organized activities. "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 regular visitor to Caswell Memorial State Park.
Kid-friendly water conditions: Woodward Reservoir provides ideal swimming conditions for children. "Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports," notes one visitor, while another adds, "Woodward is our family go to place to camp in the summer heat... Water feels good when it's 100+ degrees outside."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services for self-contained camping. "Wonderful rv spot, the staff are welcoming and very helpful. The grounds are kept up, every site has a fire ring with picnic tables. The bathrooms are decent and dump Station is clean," reports one visitor to Turtle Beach.
Site selection considerations: At Dos Reis County Park, site layout requires planning. "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," warns one RVer about the logistics of overnight stays.
Big rig accommodation varies: Not all camping areas can handle larger vehicles. French Camp RV Park receives positive reviews for accommodating larger setups: "Clean flat site. Pool and launderette good... Good hookup," notes one traveler, while several other campgrounds specifically mention limitations for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Vernalis, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Vernalis, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vernalis, CA is Caswell Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 14 reviews.
What parks are near Vernalis, CA?
What parks are near Vernalis, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Vernalis, CA that allow camping, notably New Hogan Lake and New Melones Lake.
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