132 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several good camping areas sit within driving distance of Waterford, California. Yosemite National Park, about an hour away, has multiple campgrounds with different levels of development. Acorn Campground has bigger sites that work well for families bringing large RVs or multiple tents. Yosemite Lakes RV Resort sits closer to the park entrance and has full hookups for RVs, which saves campers time when visiting park attractions. You'll likely see deer and raccoons around camp, and bears sometimes appear too, so proper food storage matters at all sites. Most roads to these camping areas stay in good shape year-round, though some get slippery after rain. Some campsites sit close together while others have more trees between them for privacy. Many campsites have good tree cover, which helps during hot afternoons. You need permits to camp inside Yosemite, and booking ahead is practically essential during busy months. Fire rules change throughout the year based on conditions, so check before you go. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather, as summers get hot and winters can be snowy at higher spots. Most camping areas limit stays to 14 days. Waterford works as a good starting point for reaching all these camping options.
"The positives:
The natural setting is beautiful — right by the water with lots of ducks, and the campsite layout is quite nice.""Price has gone up compare to past years but I like it due to it location. Certain time of the year it get pretty busy but we always camp on the far end of the campground where there is less people."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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"
"The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations. Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc. "
from $60 - $90 / night
"The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Adequate parking and tent area."
from $36 / night
Check Availability"We were lucky to have a spot at the dead center of the top of the mountain looking out at the lake (site 13) with a big shade tree."
"There are sites on the lake with shade provided over the tables. It was mid week and was not crowded at all. The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site."
"over night & day sites, hot showers and indoor restrooms surrounded by beautiful nature."
from $30 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $175 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"These spots were NOT good for little ones learning to walk. It was very uneven and rocky but spacious with trees and a view of the lake. We stayed Thursday to Sunday."
"Near by store for any items you forgot to bring. Take my boys here a few time a year. Fishing is always good and the water is perfect just to go boating."
ScoutThe area was quiet during my stay. Site is adjacent to the road, with a rock fire ring . The road up had some rough areas, but my outback had no real issues. I recommend hugh clearance, 4x4 to get here.
ScoutPerfect spot with river access gor fishing. Friendliest people ive met so far. They actually like my bloodhounds ❤️ that right there says alot. Clean pool clean bathrooms and showers. Only bad thing is showers close at 8pm
ScoutWebsite says Luxurious sites, spacious sites. Our site was extremely narrow, sat on a hillside, unlevel, difficult to hook/unhook a 5th wheel because of the downhill. We booked a site for a 30 foot 5th wheel. After my negative review, they posted that LARGE trailers and 5th wheels might have issues??? 30 foot is not large. Our lawn chairs were literally 6 feet from our neighbors sewer hook up and our picnic table sat at about a 30 degree slope. They also said the staff tried to resolve my issues, which never happened. They have a lot of amenities, laundry, pool, etc. But the sites we saw were pretty much like ours. Make your own decisions, form your own opinions, but we'll never go back, nor will we recommend it to anyone.
ScoutWe have spent summers here on the water for the last 3 years. The site has a convenience store and a restaurant that serves up a really great burger. Also a very short drive into town.
ScoutThis campsite was well kept, in a beautiful area not toooo far from stores if you forget anything and a really beautiful creek and river around it. The camp hosts are nice and seem to really care about the property, which I love seeing. There is no electric hookups at least at some of the sites which is fine, just be aware to plan for that if you need any medical devices etc. The mosquitoes are rabid. So come prepared with the best repellent you can get. They keep the potties clean but like of spiders in them that have clearer been left there, one had a small wasps nest that I took care of since it was right by our head in the toilet. I also wouldn’t plan to swim, if it gets warm enough I guess, but the water is literally ice cold. I got in to my ankles and they were red and stinging after about 10 seconds.
While I understand most of their rules the one rule that is THE MOST insisted and on literally all points of booking and checking in is that they don’t allow any music of and level on any speakers. I understand quiet times and having a sound limit but absolutely no music seems extreme to me. Especially for families, my kids love music and it’s a daily part of our lives, and as a place they used to hold literal music festivals it seems a little saddening to me.
But overall it was a nice time.
ScoutEasy freeway access. Sites are wide open with no real privacy.
TravelerThe morning view and the sunset light through the trees were wonderful, and the starry sky at night was a highlight. I also liked the grill area, but the campsite was quite challenging for the tent since the ground wasn't even.
We booked two nights but left after one because of the cold weather and lack of internet connection. Service was only available about 10 minutes away by car, which became inconvenient for us. Since the area is publicly managed, getting help was difficult, and we couldn’t easily cancel the second night because nobody was available. Two volunteers were very kind and tried to help though.
The place would also benefit from adding showers, especially considering how many people stay there.
Overall, the location itself was beautiful, but the inconveniences made it harder to fully enjoy the experience.
ScoutWe are having a great time at Hodgdon Meadow Campground! The camp hosts have been terrific! Helped us out when we got locked out of our trailer. This campground has lots of tent camping and a handful of rv and trailers. The hardest thing is to get consecutive nights at the same site. We had to move from site 104 to site 85 after 1 night. We are at site 85 (very nice ) for 3 nights. Have 1 more move to site 75.
TravelerI went up for Memorial Day weekend and it was a wonderful experience! I stayed in site M1. There is no visual of the river there, but it is a very short walk to get to the picnic area where you have full view.
The site was very close to the bathrooms and showers which was very convenient. The only downside is that you are right next to the entrance so you see a lot of cars go by, however it never caused an issue during our stay. We also didn’t see much wildlife, but again I think that was because of the proximity to the entrance.
Because you are close to the entrance though, we did have full access to wifi throughout the entire trip! If course we didn’t use it much because the goal was to disconnect, however if having connection is important to you, this is a great site!
Camping near Waterford, California offers access to multiple lakes and reservoirs within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September, making water-based recreation particularly popular. Most camping areas near Waterford sit at elevations between 200-1,000 feet, with higher elevation options available within driving distance.
Water activities at Woodward Reservoir: Woodward Reservoir provides multiple water recreation options. "This lake is a great place to camp. They have many camping spots but if you want hook ups and waterfront you have to make reservations on T-Island or Hackleberry Flats. Great boating and swimming," notes Mary K. The reservoir permits direct water contact between April and mid-September.
Fishing opportunities: The Tuolumne River offers productive fishing spots near Waterford. "The campgrounds are located across the street next to the banks of the tuolumne river. Very shady campgrounds with big oak trees providing shade throughout the day and night," reports Russell L. about Turlock Lake State Recreation Area.
Local hiking trails: Some campgrounds near Waterford connect to hiking trails. At Fleming Meadows Don Pedro Recreation Area, visitors can access nearby trails. "The Blue Oak Campground just minutes away so you can access the Blue Oak Shoreline Trail but bring plenty of water and some snacks. Trail is 7 miles round trip," advises Eddie N.
Waterfront camping options: Several campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to water. At Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina, one camper reports, "We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset... We went swimming in the lake: what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn't bothered us."
Shaded sites: Campers appreciate tree cover during hot Central Valley summers. The Turlock Lake area provides good shade options. "The campgrounds are located across the street next to the banks of the tuolumne river. Very shady campgrounds with big oak trees providing shade throughout the day and night," notes Russell L.
Wildlife viewing: Local campgrounds offer opportunities to observe wildlife. At Lake Tulloch, campers report regular deer sightings: "There were several deer walking thru the site." Woodward Reservoir campers mention similar experiences, with wildlife often appearing near campsites in early morning and evening hours.
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds require advance planning. At Modesto Reservoir, campers should understand the layout: "Has two style of camping based on your camping style. To the left of the pay station, One side of the lake has disbursed camping with very minimal shade... no electricital or water hookups, and then to the right on the pay station, other side of the lake has multiple camping loops with paved camping spots with water and electrical hookups."
Seasonal considerations: Water conditions and restrictions vary throughout the year. "Be aware that usually late September to Mid April, there is no body to water contact," warns Mary K. about Woodward Reservoir. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, while winters can bring fog and temperatures below 45°F.
Facility conditions: Restroom and shower quality varies between campgrounds. At McConnell State Recreation Area, "Probably COVID related but this park is under utilized and under attended. The shower is of if you throw in quarters and close your eyes. It could use some TLC but was a quite place to stop for the night."
Swimming areas: Cole Ranch offers water access suitable for families. "We just returned from RV camping at Cole Ranch and highly recommend it... The shoreline overlooking the river was relaxing, quiet and inviting... One afternoon we took out one of the facilities canoes on the river and relaxed on the water all afternoon," reports Joyce L.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds feature dedicated areas for children. "Plenty of areas to go biking and there is a near by trail if you feel like going on a hike," notes Eddie N. about Fleming Meadows. Another camper adds, "The lagoon is great area for kids to play in the water and there are nearby grills to cook some burgers while watching the kids in water."
Safety considerations: Parents should note water conditions when planning activities with children. "Lake gets muddy...I wish it was clear for safety reasons, but we totally enjoyed it," mentions Jessica D. about Fleming Meadows. Shallow areas exist at several reservoirs, making them suitable for younger swimmers with supervision.
Hookup availability: RV sites with utilities exist at multiple campgrounds near Waterford. "Located just outside of oakdale, very similar to that of Modesto reservoir as it is managed by the same people. Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports. Has paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping," notes Russell L.
Site positioning: Some campgrounds offer premium RV spots with water views. At Woodward Reservoir, "Full hookups were use and enjoyed by all each time. On the T-Island sites you right on the water. Which is were we go," reports Craig & Linda L.
Access considerations: RV campers should check road conditions before arrival. Some campgrounds have limited big-rig access, while others accommodate larger vehicles. Parking arrangements vary by campground, with some requiring vehicles to park separately from camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Waterford, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Waterford, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 132 campgrounds and RV parks near Waterford, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Waterford, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waterford, CA is Modesto Reservoir with a 3.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waterford, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Waterford, CA.
What parks are near Waterford, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Waterford, CA that allow camping, notably Fall River Lake and New Melones Lake.
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