Absolutely wonderful spot to camp! Just a quick walk down the hill to the beach (there are stairs, so can’t pull a wagon as a heads up). Beach wasn’t busy and the waves aren’t too big.
Epic sunset views. Most campsites are quite big. Some trees and shade too. Super clean bathrooms.
Near a freeway but we didn’t hear any traffic noise from our site.
Nice flat paved roads inside the campground for biking or scootering kids.
Dog friendly beach.
This campground is usually booked up but we were able to get a last minute reservation a few weeks before. Lots of free sites even though it looked full online, so worth calling the day or two before the weekend too.
Hiking in from the falls site at sunset will reward you with the most spectacular sunset views!! It’s easier to hike in from the Bear Valley side though and then you can always do a little evening hike along the ridge too. Love camping so close to the beach and the campsites have some privacy from other groups which is great too.
This is a super magical park! Giant trees, great visitor center and junior ranger program, and swimming in the Stanislaus river (cold but refreshing!!)
The good: The private beach is great for kids (and adults). Easy swimming without a strong current. Lots of shallows but a deep swimming hole are for adults too. The camp store is cute and there’s a brewery next door if you want a meal out. There are several playgrounds which are fun for kids. And an arcade.
The bad: super expensive and the actual sites aren’t great. We camped in our van in the rv area and it’s really just a big parking lot right by the highway. I think the tent sites are a bit better.
Other info: there are cabins and camper vans to rent so could be a good place to go with friends or family who aren’t campers and want a nice river day but again it’s $$$.
Highly recommended Pinnacles for families! There are lots of great hikes, a pool to swim on hot days, and so many stars at night. There is also a great camp store with everything you need - from food to cookware to cute t-shirts. And if your kid loves the junior ranger program as much as ours you can pick up your guide and badge at the visitor center.
It’s also a super short drive from the Bay Area which makes it an easy getaway during the school year.