Best Cabin Camping near Waterford, CA

Cabin rentals are a great way to see Waterford without the hassle of setting up a tent. Finding a place to cabin camp near Waterford is easier than ever. You're sure to find the perfect cabin for your California cabin camping excursion.

Best Cabin Sites Near Waterford, California (19)

    Brett C.'s photo of a cabin at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA

    1. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    23 Reviews
    70 Photos
    208 Saves
    Groveland, California

    Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging offers some of the best lodging near Yosemite National Park, with many types of cabins, plus yurts and RV and tent sites. While here, enjoy our large swimming pool, volleyball court, deli and Petting Farm! Spend your days at Yosemite and the surrounding Gold Country towns and return to stay with us, where peace and quiet is plentiful! Relax and recharge in a family-friendly setting, ready for your next day’s adventure!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA

    2. Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

    9 Reviews
    24 Photos
    102 Saves
    Fall River Lake, California

    At Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina you can enjoy your choice of 110 sites on over ten acres including shoreline for Lake Tulloch camping. These include lakefront hookups with space to keep your boat right at your site, lakefront cabins with your own dock and full hookup sites with 50 amp service, water and sewer. Many tent sites with water, picnic table and firepits are also available. Our General Store, Restaurant, 21 slip marina and gas dock, boat rentals at Lake Tulloch Boat Rentals, modern restrooms, hot showers and laundromat all contribute to making Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina one of the best spots for family camping, boating and fishing in California!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA

    3. Lake McSwain Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    14 Photos
    77 Saves
    La Grange, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 - $40 / night

    The Dyrt's photo of a cabin at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes near Waterford, CA

    4. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    37 Reviews
    124 Photos
    616 Saves
    Eastman Lake, California

    Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is located 80 miles east of Modesto, and just 5 miles west of Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance station. This large, year-round resort offers nearly 400 sites for RV and tent campers along the banks of the South Fork Tuolumne River. RV campers can choose from open, grassy spaces, or shady, wooded spaces with full hookups; tent campers can set up under mostly shady pine woods. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located throughout the resort. The resort also offers a variety of cottages, cabins, yurts and bunkhouses. Onsite amenities include a country store, laundry room, Wifi and satellite TV service, trash receptacles, gas station, and propane depot. Dogs are permitted. Reservations are recommended, however many tent sites are first-come, first-served. Seasonal campsite rates are $41–$75/night; other accommodations range from $86–$305/night. For campers looking for a little rest and relaxation time outside of the busy national park, the resort offers a variety of amenities and activities. There’s a playground for the kids, and mini golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and basketball for kids of all ages. Swimming, floating, fishing, and gold panning can be enjoyed on the South Fork Tuolumne River, which flows right through the resort area. The resort also hosts group activities, movies and weekend events. Nearby activities include swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing on Don Pedro Reservoir and New Melones Lake, as well as touring the old mining towns of Sonora, Angels Camp and Murphys. When it’s time to visit Yosemite National Park: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is 45 minutes away; Yosemite Valley is 1 hour away; Tuolumne Meadows is 80 minutes away; and Mariposa Grove is 90 minutes away. In the busy summer season, it’s good to allow extra time to get to these destinations, and have patience looking for parking. Yosemite National Park, located in the heart of California’s spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains, is, justifiably, one of America’s most popular national parks. Visitors flock to Yosemite every summer to marvel at its towering granite walls, domes and pinnacles, as well as its spectacular meadows, waterfalls and wildlife. No trip to Yosemite is complete without taking at least a short walk or hike to soak in the majesty of this glacier-carved landscape, away from the park’s busy roads and villages. Yet, with its limited camping and lodging options, it can be challenging to visit the park during its busy summer season. Fortunately, there are several campgrounds and resorts located just short distances outside of the park that make suitable alternatives to the often congested and overcrowded park facilities, while still allowing easy access to the park’s sights, attractions, and trails.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA

    5. Barrett Cove Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    14 Photos
    51 Saves
    La Grange, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 - $40 / night

    Amanda V.'s photo of a cabin at Angels Camp Campground and RV near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Angels Camp Campground and RV near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Angels Camp Campground and RV near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Angels Camp Campground and RV near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Angels Camp Campground and RV near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Angels Camp Campground and RV near Waterford, CA

    6. Angels Camp Campground and RV

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    86 Saves
    Angels, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Amador Resort near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Amador Resort near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Amador Resort near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Amador Resort near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Amador Resort near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Amador Resort near Waterford, CA

    7. Lake Amador Resort

    11 Reviews
    20 Photos
    124 Saves
    Ione, California

    Please note: Tent Camping is by reservation only.

    Here at Lake Amador we have a large campground consisting of 113 sites located on a 100 acre portion of the facility that is surrounded by shade giving Oaks. Most campsites have running potable water, some have electricity and many sites are located on the waters edge when the lake is full. There are hot showers and flush toilets located throughout the campground and some sites located by swim pond also have free WIFI access!

    Lake Amador also has a 73 site Deluxe RV Park on a private peninsula. All sites located in the RV Park have Full hookups and FREE WIFI. Some sites are reserved year round for residents and as vacation spots. All open RV sites are first come first served so call prior to your visit to check availability.

    At the Lake Amador Clubhouse we offer food and fun. There you will find both air conditioning and a large fireplace so no matter the weather outside you can always find refuge inside. While there you can utilize the FREE WIFI, play pool, horse shoes, foosball, watch TV or even play Checkers, Chess, or Cribbage on our custom gaming tables. The Clubhouse features a well stocked Beer Bar as well as The Tackle Box Café where you can get a delicious Breakfast and Lunch on the weekends. Now if supplies are all your after you’ll be happy to know we also have a fully stocked general store with any essentials you may have forgotten at home.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park near Waterford, CA

    8. Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    14 Photos
    114 Saves
    Groveland, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Flat RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Flat RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Flat RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Flat RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Flat RV Park near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Flat RV Park near Waterford, CA

    9. Indian Flat RV Park

    9 Reviews
    13 Photos
    318 Saves
    El Portal, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 - $289 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Ridge near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Ridge near Waterford, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yosemite Ridge near Waterford, CA

    10. Yosemite Ridge

    3 Reviews
    2 Photos
    33 Saves
    Groveland, California

    Yosemite Ridge Resort is located on State Highway 120, which is open all year and only 12 miles from Yosemite National Park’s west gate. We are located in Buck Meadows, population 50, within the beautiful Stanislaus National Forest surrounded by pine covered mountains. Since we are so close to the park, our lodging near Yosemite Park is the perfect base camp for your Yosemite Adventure, whether it be for one night or one week.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $40 - $80 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Recent Cabin Reviews near Waterford, CA

129 Reviews of 19 Waterford Campgrounds


  • B
    The Dyrt's photo of a cabin at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes near Waterford, CA
    Oct. 3, 2021

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    "Child/Pet Friendly!

    This Campground is 5 miles from West gate entrance to "Yosemite National Park". Only 35 miles west of " Lake Don Pedro, take out your boat, go jet skiing or fishing. Don't forget to go to " Moaning Cavern!" Tuolumne River runs through campground. There are 254 Full Hookups, 130 Tent sites, Hostel, Cabin & Yurts. They have WiFi, Satellite TV,Clubhouse, Billiard's, Game room, Shuffleboard, Store, Hiking Trails,Nature, Playground, Mini Golf, Tennis, Picnic/BBQ,Volleyball, Basketball & in the Summer-Bus runs to Yosemite, for an additional fee. Summer Swimming,Seasonal Fishing,Wheelchair Accessible, Restroom/Shower Facilities & Laundry. Yosemite Lakes Resort 31191 Hardin Flat Rd. Groveland,CA 95321 Reservations Member- 1-800-368-7788 Non-Member 1-888-481-6348 Welcome Center (209)962-0103 Rental Check In- 4PM Rental Check Out - 11AM Front Desk- Sun-Sat 8AM-8PM

  • Jen U.
    Brett C.'s photo of a cabin at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA
    May. 15, 2019

    Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    Stayed in the basic cabins and loved it!

    2 adults and 1 kid in the basic cabin over Easter weekend a few years ago. We really enjoyed our stay and the property. Petting zoo animals were adorable. Nice location to Yosemite. Friendly interactions with staff.

  • Amanda V.
    Amanda V.'s photo of a cabin at Angels Camp Campground and RV near Waterford, CA
    Oct. 3, 2021

    Angels Camp Campground and RV

    Relaxing weekend away

    First time up and it's so nice and peaceful. Stayed in the cabin that sleeps 6. Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that cam and said hi to us. Will definitely be coming back. Love that this place is open all year long

  • Everyday P.
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Aug. 2, 2021

    Lake McSwain Recreation Area

    How does it have 5 stars?!

    This Campground has lots of potential. We expected a cleaner site for $40 a night. Really just a cleaner campground in general. Our site had lots of trash at it. Like Chewing Tobacco, old empanadas, cereal, etc. But it had some positives. Like the store, Lake and splash n dash. But it seems like the money you pay goes to there cabins not the campground. Cell service was spotty. Rangers were nice but they didn’t know what they were doing even though the clearly had experience. Overall the campground just needs some TLC

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Brett C.'s photo of a cabin at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    Going downhill ?

    It wasn’t as nice as the photos depicted. Water shortage? The grasses were long and dried up, there appears to have been a wooden bridge as a shortcut to the pool/restroom/laundry room/Deli, but no longer. The restrooms were barely tolerable and the woman’s had a bad odor. There’s a dishwashing station that is no longer serviceable, just a stainless sink set in a covered table with no water or even plumbing to include drains. You have to pay for WiFi and sometimes the signal drops. For the cost of the campground the WiFi should be free! Lesser known campgrounds even have free WiFi. There are Conestoga Wagons, Cabins and Yurts. None were occupied. Reason?

  • Heather D.
    Camper-submitted photo at Three Links Camp - Members Only near Waterford, CA
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Three Links Camp - Members Only

    Awesome for families!

    Three Links Camp is a private campground just below Stanislaus National Forest on 108. The campground has dorms for families/groups (a building with bunk beds and a bathroom) and tent and full-hookup RV sites. The campground was beautiful and my kids had a blast walking around all the buildings (hall, chapel, cabins/dorms) and on baseball field, disc golf course, and basketball court! There’s also a pool, but it was closed for the season. They’re open year-round, so we might return for a snow visit! The hosts were nice, the rates are affordable, and there is cell service (ATT) and WiFi if you don’t want to unplug completely.

    I feel like I should note the owners are new and not the ones who were there for the review below mine. They’ve done a lot of work to better the campsite!

  • J
    Brett C.'s photo of a cabin at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging near Waterford, CA
    May. 17, 2018

    Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    Good Place for Kids

    With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids.

    The showers are free and usually clean although on Saturday evening the campground was full and the bathrooms were dirty and out of TP.

    There are tent sites, RV sites and cabins so something for everyone.

    There were A LOT of stray cats on the property which kind of drove our dog crazy. But at least the campground is pet friendly.

    If you plan to go into Yosemite NP, it's a long drive so plan accordingly. Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here. The kids can jump and swim there and that's all they really want to do anyway so being close to that is key for us. So many of the places in the park where we used to get in the water do not allow swimming anymore.

  • Derek & Alex W.
    The Dyrt's photo of a cabin at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes near Waterford, CA
    Oct. 26, 2021

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    Great place near Yosemite

    You come into Yosemite Lakes by a little Thousand Trails convenience store and gas station. It's kind of handy since there's really nothing nearby other than Groveland. Make sure to come in at this entrance though. When coming from the west GPS likes to take you through Hardin Flat Road... don't go that way with an RV. Check-in was quick and easy. Don't forget it's first come first serve like most Thousand Trails campgrounds. Staff were all very friendly. There's complimentary wifi at the main office if you need it. There's NO phone signal of any kind for miles. There is Jabba Communications wifi throughout that campground that you can pay for but it's pricey and very shoddy and unpredictable here. Unless you're staying for a long time it's not worth it.

    Every spot pretty much has full hookups but only a few with 50 amp. The rest have 30 amp. Again, as I've said with other Thousand Trails, that just seems like laziness to me. These campgrounds have been around long enough to see the need for upgrades.

    We parked at the far east end past the cabins in a pull-through group spot. They are the biggest spots and didn't seem like people really use that area much. It was pretty quiet for the two weeks we were there. It's off season as well though. Power went out to the entire campground two days in a row. Not the campground's fault as high winds knocked out power to the entire area. They were nice and let us use our generator even though they are not allowed any other time.

    There's a little river that runs along the campground that looks like it would be beautiful in the spring and summer when there's more water. It still had quite a bit flowing through over by the main office. Yosemite National Forest is just a short distance away. Some great hikes and sights to see!

    I'd say with a few more updates this one could easily be a 5-star!

  • Clara T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

    Great time in this campground!

    We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. It’s true that bathroom / toilets / showers aren’t clean, they are quite old.

    But we didn’t care, the view worth it. We went swimming in the lake : what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn’t bothered us.

    It was super calm. The crew was nice with us and let us spend only one night here for 50$ (the minimum should be 2 nights)

    I recommend this place!

    (Also, it’s right halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco: which was perfect for us)

  • Maria M.
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

    ick

    Wow, let's say we had a nightmare ishhorrible experience. We rented a tent camp site for 2 nights. We were given an RV Slab camping site. It had the tiniest barbecue grill available. The water that was coming out of all the faucets,  was red and brown. People weren't allowed to shower that night. Once night fall came, the camp's site was infested with roaches Everywhere, they went in all our grocery bags and under them. Went into and under all our boxes that we had. The roaches hid under our tents also. There also seemed to be a termite infestation. We had to cut our camping trip short after spending over a thousand dollars on supplies, food, the Camping site and parking fees The workers that drove by, especially Travis, were nice and Welcoming. Dogs have to be on a leash at all times. If you want to go into the lake with your dog, You have to walk very far away if you didn't rent one of the tent sites at the lake front area. Had to fumigate my vehicle when I got home with all my stuff in it. I pray none of the bugs will be in my stuff at home. I heard many other guests screeching and shouting, omg theres cockroaches every where. Good to know, we weren't the only ones disappointed. The owner Jake refused to refund me, or my two guests that wasted their 50 dollars in parking fees, although the trip was cut short due to the conditions. Jake offered for us to stay another night. Will never be back. Beware.

  • Katie K.
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

    Loved it!

    These were quite decent campgrounds, kind of close together but decent sized sites. 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. Since we got there on a Saturday night, we were surprised to see that the campsite directly to our left and directly to our right were empty. By Sunday night, every campsite within sight was vacated so we had a lot of freedom to do what we wanted without having to worry about disturbing other people. Deer are fearless & majestic, several “packs” walked through our campsite all throughout Sunday night when everyone else was gone. They walked up to us to smell our campfire & our food (we were making s’mores). There’s a campfire spot, a water source, a picnic table, & a grill set up at each site (for the most part), with trashes nearby. 

    The Lake was nice! We went swimming in the swimming area and there were a surprising amount of people there via Covid. We went in the little shop briefly but from what I could tell they had a lot of useful things campers may need varying from firewood, ice, snacks. fast food, alcohol, & camping/fishing supplies. You can have 2 cars at your campsite but we only had one, the second would be an additional charge. You can bring pets but also for a charge. If you have campsites like 1-20 you’ll have to walk clear across the campgrounds to get to the water or make a quick drive down with your party. We just drove which was better for us after having swam. 

    Only complaint is the porta-potties. We went from Saturday to Monday & by the end of Sunday there was no more toilet paper, high-piled waste, & when I called to try to inform them to restock the toilet paper no one answered. I brought my own toilet paper so that wasn’t the worst situation but definitely bring some just in case! Master that sumo squat to hover over that thing!

  • Melissa B.
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina near Waterford, CA
    Jul. 7, 2020

    Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

    Beautiful water

    I stayed here for one night. 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. The bathrooms weren’t so awesome but the campground did offer showers by the store and those were very awesome! This is hot weather territory but you can take a quick swim to cool off. There is a day use area and a swimming area with a beach.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Barrett Cove Recreation Area

    Back for more

    This time I brought a friend who hadn't been here before. 

    As usual, the staff was great! Very friendly at our arrival and in the evening while performing their drive-by checks. 

    This time I actually tried the showers and I was not disappointed. Great water pressure, plenty warm and cleaner than you might expect. Sure, there are some bugs that get in, but it was way nicer than showering in my van. 

    The bathrooms are well maintained and stocked with paper towels and tp. They really do a nice job here.

    The riding was great. We were in awe of how empty it was. Father's Day weekend and we never came across anyone else on the trails. 

    We did have to relocate. My buddy couldn't get his RV into the hillside spot we'd reserved - M49 I think it was.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    May. 3, 2024

    Barrett Cove Recreation Area

    Continues to be a great MTB destination

    Since my initial visit in 2021 I've been back 4 or 5 times now. I guess that means I like it.

    Generally, it's a great place - especially for mountain biking fans. Perhaps also for fishing and other activities, but that's outside my scope of interest. 

    On my first return visit I went to the same spot as the first visit. It was a bad choice - crowded and full of RVs who ran their generators all night long. The next morning I scouted out some better spots. The ranger was quite accommodating and allowed me to move to a quiet spot on top of a hill. This area has become my "go to" as it's close to the Exchequer trailhead and away from boaters. 

    Subsequent visits have been much better.

    Could be a 5 star place, but shade is hard to come by in some areas and some clusters of camp sites get noisy when they're used by groups. 

    None of my complaints will stop me from going again - the trails are great and keep getting better.

    The photos are from various visits.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Barrett Cove Recreation Area

    Came for the mountain biking, stayed for more

    To be honest, I didn't experience much of the campground, but that parts that I did were above my expectations. A friend and I went in March of 2021 to ride the mountain bike trails. I reserved our spots on-line with no knowledge of the layout aside from the PDF map. It turns out I picked a nicely isolated spot with great hill top views. 

    Down the hill from us - about 1/8 mile - was a nicely maintained bathroom. as my buddy said, it was a 4.5 of 5 stars. It was clean, smelled good and, get this, had nice toilet paper! This was a pleasant surprise after a night of tacos and beer. 

    Our spaces were basic, but included covered picnic benches. These came in handy for drying our wet biking clothes.

    Shortly after our arrival the nice ranger rolled by to say hi. I imagine he may have had other objectives, but since you can't get in without passing through the ranger station I can't imagine it was to check our permit. 

    The place was not crowded (rain was in the forecast, and the forecast was accurate), so we can't tell what it's like when full. The rain didn't impact the trails much - they drain well and have a lot of sand it seems - so we rode upon arrival, again after a few beers that afternoon, again the next morning and again after a couple beers that afternoon. On day 3 I stuck around by myself just to enjoy the solitude. It was a good move. 

    During our stay I think there was a fishing competition. Down the hill and around the corner was a boat launch and that place looked to have some activity. Regardless, the lake wasn't obnoxiously noisy as some lakes can become. 

    Overall we were very pleased with the camping and the trails. I know the area gets really hot in summer, so it may not be great then. We plan to return in the fall after the height of camping season subsides and the temps becomes moderate.

  • David B.
    Camper-submitted photo at Barrett Cove Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Mar. 27, 2021

    Barrett Cove Recreation Area

    HILLS!

    The staff there were great, very helpful and accommodating. They put us in G loop #19 which was pretty much on a hill and with my 33 foot travel trailer, there was no way for me to get it in there and level. I actually snapped a bolt off my stabilizer trying to back my rig in there, so we told the rangers we wouldn’t be comfortable in that spot even though it had full hook ups, so they moved us to McClure Point Rec Area. If you are planing to come out here, check out McClure Point Rec Area...much better sites and way better views, no sewer hook ups, but it’s worth it.

  • ProfG999
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    May. 26, 2021

    Lake McSwain Recreation Area

    I didn't stay. Can't believe it has 5 stars!

    I guess if you stayed on the water it might be nice but the campground itself was pretty bad. 1st they have blocked any phone signal so even with my WeBoost I could not work from here. 2nd the flies were horrible. 3rd my site was across from overflowing trash can. 4th the hookups are on the wrong side so you can't back in where you should. The photos on their website are very deceptive. They shot them so your site looks close to the water but it's not. If there's a problem there is no one you can call. I was tired, it was late, and I had to leave and drive down to Merced and sleep in Lowe's pkg lot. 2 stars because I emailed them, and they did give me a refund. I guess if you're local and this is all you know.....

  • Angie H.
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Mar. 6, 2022

    Lake McSwain Recreation Area

    Great hospitality!

    My family and I stayed at Lake McSwain Campgrounds for a weekend during a mountain bike race at Exchequer. We showed up with our 24' trailer on Friday, and even though it was February, they brought on staff to get us all checked in since it was so busy because of the race. There was a short line to get in to the campground, but we didn't wait long and the staff was helpful and friendly. The site was a good size for two trucks and the trailer. The site was not too close to the water, not too far. The bathrooms had showers which we used since our site didn't have a sewer hookup. The site did have water and power though. The marina isn't normally open in February, but they opened due to the volume of campers that weekend. They stocked up on the basics and even had hot coffee and breakfast burritos in the morning and sandwiches at lunch. On Sunday, we moved over to a full hookup site and it was level and felt private. We camped next to some friends and stayed up around the campfire and made smores. The kids rode their bikes around the campgrounds alllll day. They had a blast! Thanks, MID!

  • e
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake McSwain Recreation Area near Waterford, CA
    Mar. 14, 2022

    Lake McSwain Recreation Area

    Overall great experimce

    This is my second time staying here and I’ve really enjoyed it. There are free warm showers and the bathrooms are fairly clean. If you are staying in a tent make sure to layer up and bring lots of blankets because nights can get very cold. It’s also a nice place to fish and the on-site store is a plus.


Guide to Waterford

Cabin camping near Waterford, California, offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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