The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Avenal, California

In Avenal, you’ll find over 45 campsites along rivers—ideal if you want a spot where you can swim, watch wildlife, or ride horseback right from camp. Prices average $70 a night, but you can snag a site for as low as $40. Top picks include Vinyl Vineyards Glampground (338 reviews), Broken Branch Creek (111 reviews), and Country Comfortable (109 reviews). Most sites offer toilets, allow pets, and let you build a campfire. Expect riverside stretches with plenty of wildlife—hawks overhead, deer at dusk, the occasional frog chorus at night. If you want to wake up steps from the water, this is where you pitch your tent.

97% (666)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Avenal, you’ll find over 45 campsites along rivers—ideal if you want a spot where you can swim, watch wildlife, or ride horseback right from camp. Prices average $70 a night, but you can snag a site for as low as $40. Top picks include Vinyl Vineyards Glampground (338 reviews), Broken Branch Creek (111 reviews), and Country Comfortable (109 reviews). Most sites offer toilets, allow pets, and let you build a campfire. Expect riverside stretches with plenty of wildlife—hawks overhead, deer at dusk, the occasional frog chorus at night. If you want to wake up steps from the water, this is where you pitch your tent.

97% (666)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Feather River Ranch+solar pool+spa

91%

(70)

41mi from Avenal · 2 sites · RVs · Paso Robles, CA

Feather River Ranch Eco Homestead is the perfect place to pull up and hook up your RV or camper van and enjoy the property. 110 plug (it’s green) conveniently located for use in the RV carport. Please park along the vines or by corral entrance if your travel trailer/ RV is too large. Enjoy the newly built 16•34 ft solar heated pool, private hot tub, and a 3 minute walk down to the river. There is no bathroom on site so your rv or camper is needed. We are hands off and have another home so we may or may not be able to greet you if we are away. Enjoy the peace of this eco homestead.

2. Country Comfortable

97%

(146)

35mi from Avenal · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Laton, CA

13 acres in a very secluded location away from city noise. But still just minutes from Hanford where you can find anything you need to shop for. Great camping area on SEASONAL Kings River. No other houses in view since we are located between 20 acres of almond trees and 30 acres of walnut trees. Very safe location with security in place.

3. Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

97%

(712)

39mi from Avenal · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paso Robles, CA

Welcome to Vinyl Vineyards – a 120-acre private ranch, working vineyard, and boutique glampground tucked along the scenic Union Road Wine Trail in Paso Robles, California. Our 10-site glamping retreat blends rustic charm with refined adventure. Unplug, recharge, and reconnect—with nature, with wine, friends and family. Hike private trails through vineyard rows, oak forests, and wildflower fields. Cool off with afternoon breezes and cool Paso nights, greet our alpacas and chickens, or nap in a hammock with the scent of lavender in the air. The property features: 26 acres of producing vineyard Outdoor kitchens, BBQ grills, and communal fire pits Sunset hilltops and dark-sky stargazing Frisbee golf, garden rows, and peaceful picnic spots Alpacas (yes, you can meet them), chickens, and bees Pet-friendly vibes with plenty of space to roam Guests are invited to book a complimentary "Sip & Spin" wine tasting in our private cellar—where the vinyl spins and our award winning wine flows. And we also deliver to your site. We’re just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles and within walking distance to local wineries. A 5-minute drive puts you at Sensorio Field of Light, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and Paso’s golf courses. Or stay put—there’s magic in staying still.

4. Los Padres National Forest

95%

(452)

762 sites · Mission Canyon, California

From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Wolf Six Ranch • Wine Country Stay

100%

(2)

45mi from Avenal · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Creston, CA

Wolf Six Ranch @ Indian Oaks Wolf Six Ranch @ Indian Oaks sits in the heart of Central Coast wine country—oak-dotted hills, a stone’s throw from downtown Creston and just five minutes from the nearest winery. We traveled full-time around the U.S. for over a year in our RV, and our favorite stays were always on someone’s property—ranches, farms, and wineries. That’s part of why we fell for this place: along with a cozy tiny house, we have two RV sites with full hookups, making it a natural fit for fellow travelers. We purchased the ranch this year for our kids, family, and friends—and while we’re making improvements, we’d love to share the serenity and small-town feel of Creston with you. We’re tucked away, not isolated—20–25 minutes to Paso Robles, Templeton, or Atascadero, and about 35 to San Luis Obispo. Spend the day wine tasting, visiting farm stands, or hiking nearby trails, then come “home” to quiet, big skies, and knockout sunsets. Wildlife is part of the rhythm here—deer in the pastures, cows wandering through like they own the place, and great bird-watching (quail in the grass, hawks cruising above, owls after sunset, hummingbirds and blue jays in the oaks). Straightforward, from-scratch breakfast by Christy (trained chef, long-time culinary instructor, and One Three Ghee co-founder): baked goods, fresh fruit, and ranch eggs when the gals are laying. Work-in-progress charm (honesty corner): • Rustic ranch setting—unpaved roads, occasional mooing, and frequent jaw-dropping sunsets. • Cattle and wildlife roam—please admire respectfully and leave gates as you found them. • Great hiking on the property, plus easy access to dozens of wineries. • Our gate says “Indian Oaks” (you’re in the right place!). • We’re actively upgrading as we go—comfortable, thoughtful spaces made for unwinding, not perfection. If you’re craving nature, stillness, and the friendliest small-town energy—without giving up world-class wine—Wolf Six Ranch is your spot. Come exhale, explore Creston, and let me handle breakfast.

6. Broken Branch Creek

96%

(173)

37mi from Avenal · 9 sites · RVs · Paso Robles, CA

Broken Branch Creek is a new family farm in Paso Robles, CA. Our land is abundant with with blue oaks and local wildlife. There is a creek bed, usually dry most of the year, that provides excellent rock hunting and shady areas with overhanging oaks. We have grazing cattle fenced off from the camping areas and farm so you may see or hear them during your stay. The entrance to the camping area is a very wide oil pipe fenced driveway off Branch Road, designed to accommodate farm equipment and cattle trailers. Sometimes map apps say you've arrived at one of the separate residential driveways on the property. Please keep looking for the commercial sized entrance. We are a 15 minute drive to the restaurants and shopping in downtown Paso Robles, 8 minutes to the Vina Robles Amphitheater, 6 minutes to the Hunter Ranch Golf Course, and 5 min to the Sensorio Art Exhibit. We're just off the Union Road Wine Trail among the Back Roads Wineries of Paso Robles. Please be aware we cannot accept longer than 7 day bookings.

7. The Westside Island

100%

(6)

40mi from Avenal · 2 sites · RVs · Kingsburg, CA

There is 10 acres of beautiful land to stay on which includes a barbecue, kitchen, and gazebo area. Private stocked bass pond that you can also swim, paddle board, and fish on. The pond is backed by the kings river where you can boat, jet ski, fish, float on tubes, and do water sports on. There is electricity, and a nice men’s and women’s built in restrooms available for use. There are 2 RV hook ups available as well. The whole property is private and about 10 minutes from the nearest town, Kingsburg.

Public campgrounds near Avenal

Friis Campground

46mi from Avenal · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(2)

La Panza Campground

48mi from Avenal · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Stories from the community

Eric

3 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Wolf Six Ranch • Wine Country Stay

This is a very special property, it felt like we walked for miles each day with our dogs in gentle rolling hills dotted with beautiful oak trees and not having any indication of humanity, lots of nature. Each night we walked up the nearby hill to watch the seemingly endless sunsets transform from yellows oranges and reds into shades of purple. The site is clean level and easy to access and the hookups are easy and clean. Christy was responsive, helpful and friendly with a nice gift bag upon arrival and other baking options in the mornings. There’s no doubt we’ll visit many more times when we need a nature break. Highly recommend.

Juno’s Creek Site offers 20- and 30-amp hookups, water, and sewer — everything you need for an easy RV stay.

Ben

3 weeks ago

18 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wolf Six Ranch • Wine Country Stay

Christy's spot was beautiful. We enjoyed the serene landscape and hiking the hills with our kids and dogs. Water and electric hookups worked well and her freshly cooked breakfast goods were mouth watering!

Rebecca

November 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Broken Branch Creek

Nice, simple spot. Responsive, kind hosts. Clean porta potty. Clear sky to see stars (and one falling one) at night and a flock of hundreds, if not thousands, of birds taking off at dawn.

M

Matt

November 2025

26 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Broken Branch Creek

Cabernet and her husband were excellent hosts! Extremely friendly and beautiful property. Would absolutely recommend!

A

Anna

November 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Country Comfortable

Mona’s space is great! Due to weather she had us stay on the concrete so that we weren’t in the mud. So sweet of her!

M

Meg

November 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Country Comfortable

Wonderful place off the highway and near nature. Flat site for van or small RVwith hookup. Perfect location between I5 and Hwy 99 enroute north or south Hosts were welcoming and we would happily return

Site 1 and 2 offer a road base pad, just beyond the tree.

L

Lisa

November 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Broken Branch Creek

Kevin was so friendly and welcoming; gave me a great overview of the property and even told me of a little hike I could take. One porta potty on the grounds, stocked with tp and is taken care of. Stayed for three nights---I was away during the days, but each night when I came back to camp it was great just to sit with a glass of wine by my tent and watch the stars. Thanks, Cabernet and Kevin, for providing such a great spot to camp!

Stefan

November 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Broken Branch Creek

Staying in my little camper Daisy on the ranch felt so wonderfully safe, peaceful and homey! So much room to spread out for every camper - there were three others there - and still felt private. Having a closed gate on the property at night was wonderful. The porta-potty was so clean! The sunrises and sunsets were stunning, as well as the stars at night. I would gladly come back for another stay!

Zeppelin sits on her own concrete pad surrounded by moss covered oaks and with views of rolling hills, vines, and wildlife.

Catherine

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

We had a fantastic time at vinyl vinyards. It was not only beautiful but it had everything we needed. There was only one thing that might have enhanced our stay. Our host let us know in advance that there was a heater in the camper but we couldn't get it to work. Other than that, we really enjoyed it! Would love to go back!

C

Carol

October 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Broken Branch Creek

This camping area was perfect for our needs. Simple sites with picnic tables near beautiful old oak trees. Very friendly, low-key hosts with great communication. Super convenient location, especially for access to Vina Robles. Would definitely stay there again.

J

John

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Country Comfortable

I d loved stay at the monas land Very kind host. Nice place to relax.

J

Jesus

September 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Broken Branch Creek

Friendly hosts, I just needed a safe space to park and sleep in my car and this was perfect. Thanks again! Would definitely come back.

J

Joel

August 2025

29 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Country Comfortable

Amazing place to make memories!!! Thank you dale and Mona! We had an amazing weekend once again

She was not happy about being in the water but on top of the water was a whole different story

K

Kelleen

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Country Comfortable

This was our first camping trip with our dog and we even got lucky with being the only campers for the weekend. We went swimming and got to use the kayaks it was so much fun! In the cool morning into mid afternoon noon we sat on the dock under the umbrellas just reading our books. It did however get a bit loud someone was doing shooting practice and then the boats and sea doos were quite active in the later afternoon. Overall we really did enjoy every moment of our trip and the hosts are very kind. We can’t wait for our next trip to Mona’s.

S

Shay

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Country Comfortable

Mona’s place is an amazing camping site, which includes wonderful river access and several options for tent locations under the trees in the shade. It has all you need for a luxury camping experience: refrigerator, shower, and restrooms, all well maintained. Also, Mona is very kind allowing us to use their kayaks! The top experience for the kids was the swing over the river enables a great jumping experience to the river. Also , in the area you can finch plenty of well maintained pick-nick tables, umbrellas, and chairs. In a 5-10 drive you can find stores for the basic supplies you need including groceries if you missed anything…☺️ We had lovely camping experience at Mona’s place, warmly recommended for others and we will be more than happy to be back again! Shay

D

Danielle

July 2025

Weekend Trip to The Westside Island

Amazing space! Super nice and clean restrooms. They had everyone talking! All the great upkeep and maintenance on this place definitely didn’t go unnoticed. Gorgeous spot and perfect for a large group like ours. Thank you guys we definitely will be back! A lot of amazing memories made here.

E

Emily

July 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Country Comfortable

Mona was very responsive and easy to work with. We booked last minute/same day and even arrived late into the evening and things went very smooth. The property is a gem and our kids really enjoyed the private beach and beautiful waterfront. We have a 28’ travel trailer and had no issues pulling in or out. Would absolutely stay again and for longer than 1 night for sure! Thanks again!

C

Cody

July 2025

22 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Country Comfortable

Such a special property that Mona & Dale have graciously given access to Hipcampers to enjoy. The open spaces for tents offers shade under mulberry trees with a working fridge, sink, trash/ recycle bins, and fire pit with plenty of wood to use. The dock has tables with umbrellas & a fun diving board to jump off (feet first - river isn’t super deep!). They event have a swing jump for the adventurous. We were treated very kindly & felt supported when asking for some accommodation given our health risks, and I’m grateful for the hosts. We had a unique situation in that we parked our camper van (ram promaster 3500) in an area we thought would be ok, but ended up getting stuck in the deep sand - so use caution when parking your vehicles in the tent camping areas. It was an unfortunate experience that did put a damper on the stay overall, but I can’t fault the hosts & honestly will be going back to visit regardless of the added stress because the spot is just so fun. Our little kids (5 & 2) wish it was their back yard - they spend hours catching fronts & swimming in the cool river on the hot summer days we spent. We also loved taking their kayaks out on the river together. Space is shared with Airbnb/hipcampers using the other rooms & RV + tent area rentals, but ample room to enjoy.

S

Shaun

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Country Comfortable

Tent camping was fun and easy! The amenities provided to us made our stay excellent. Easy access to the river from our tent site and lots of good nature all around. Great place for the kids.

K

Kevin

July 2025

38 ft Class A

5 nights at Broken Branch Creek

Peaceful and beautiful Very quiet and pastoral. Your neighbors are squirrels, hawks and golden eagles. Great location for PCH in lower Big Sur and especially Hearst Castle. Host very personable.