The best river, stream, or creek RV parks near Mendota

·
97% (445)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping area, aerial view

1. Camp near Pinnacles National Park

98%
(474)
41mi from Mendota · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paicines, CA
Started in 2014 by Tim and Michelle Borland and their three kids, the Bar SZ Ranch is a true family business with a mission to help others “forge their legacy.” Set on 2200-acres in its own valley with iconic California oak trees and golden hills; views of the surrounding mountains and Pinnacles National Park; and painted, sunlit skies guests can't get enough of, this working ranch offers unique, getaway camping and glamping experiences for both new and seasoned campers. The Bar SZ Campground is near Pinnacles National Park but relatively remote from other services, which is part of what makes the area so special. It is a place to unplug, share stories and spend time with your family and friends, and explore the wilderness of California. From the ranch: Pinnacles National Park East entrance 6.6 miles Nearest Groceries and restaurants: Hollister 36 miles north King City 28.5 miles south Tres Pinos 29.2 miles north The nearest amenities (stores, restaurants, gas) are about 30 miles away so please plan ahead and bring the things you will need during your stay. We have great service for AT&T on the ranch. Do you have an even larger group? Message us if you have a larger event or are interested in a whole campsite/ranch rental.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
Golden Sky Retreat

3. Golden Sky Retreat

35mi from Mendota · 1 site · RV · Tres Pinos, CA
Golden Sky Retreat sits on a private stretch of rolling hills with wide-open valley views, peaceful quiet, and some of the clearest night skies in California. The land offers beautiful sunrises and sunsets, natural rock formations, gentle trails, and plenty of space to explore, relax, and disconnect. Guests can roam the property freely — hike up ridgelines, enjoy panoramic overlooks, meditate, take photos, or simply sit back and enjoy the stillness. At night, the sky fills with stars thanks to extremely low light pollution, making this a perfect stargazing location. ⭐ Distance to Pinnacles National Park From the property gate to Highway 25 takes about 25 minutes depending on your vehicle and driving pace. Once you reach Highway 25, it’s a straight, scenic drive to the eastern entrance of Pinnacles National Park, one of the most unique and underrated national parks in California. Golden Sky Retreat is a great basecamp if you plan to explore the park by day and return to total peace, privacy, and starlit skies at night. ⭐ What Guests Can Expect Here • Expansive views of hills, valleys, and open sky • Total quiet and privacy — no crowds, no neighbors • Clear stargazing conditions ideal for photography • Natural terrain with oak trees, native grasses, and rock outcrops • Drive-in access for vans, trucks, rooftop tents, or overland rigs • A raw, untouched environment perfect for nature lovers ⭐ Best For • Stargazers & photographers • Couples seeking a peaceful escape • Camping groups & families • Visitors exploring Pinnacles National Park • Anyone who wants open land, quiet nights, and beautiful natural scenery
Pets
from 
$53
 / night
San Pedro Ranch

6. San Pedro Ranch

84%
(19)
48mi from Mendota · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Coarsegold, CA
Escape to Nature at Our Private Yosemite-Area Ranch Welcome to your ultimate outdoor retreat! Nestled on 80 private acres of pristine forest, rolling hills, and a flowing river, our ranch offers an unforgettable camping experience just a short drive from Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, our secluded paradise is the perfect escape. What We Offer: • Spacious Campsites – Set up your tent or park your RV under towering trees, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the wilderness. • Breathtaking Views – Wake up to panoramic mountain landscapes, hike through scenic trails, and unwind by the peaceful river. • On-Site Adventures – Explore miles of private hiking trails, go fishing in the river, or rent an ATV or motorcycle for an off-road thrill. • Luxury Glamping (Optional) – Upgrade your stay with a cozy, fully-furnished glamping tent featuring comfortable beds and rustic charm. • Campfire Nights – Enjoy starlit evenings around the firepit, complete with s’mores and storytelling. Why You’ll Love It: ✔ Total Privacy – Unlike crowded campgrounds, this is your own private oasis in nature. ✔ Perfect for Groups & Families – Whether it’s a solo getaway, a romantic retreat, or a group adventure, there’s something for everyone. ✔ Close to Yosemite – Just a short drive to one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature. Book your stay today and experience raw beauty, adventure, and relaxation—all in one place!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Along the way.

9. Golden Foothills

100%
(1)
48mi from Mendota · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Coarsegold, CA
This is a piece of land that belongs solely to itself, and the beauty of the surrounding region. A history too rich and long, to wholly know.The honor of its stewardship has fallen to my family these last couple decades. A family of several generations in California. Most recently home to Coyotes, Pigs, Snakes and Birds, as well as a wild grey-bearded elder named "Uncle Robbert". Presently, home to myself, and in passing to those who seek moments of refuge and leisure in the beauty of rugged foothills.   Learn more about this land:Yosemite foothills. Pines. Oaks. Granite Slabs. Seasonal Creeks. Long Vistas. Grinding Rocks harken to peoples well before our time. The beautiful rolling foothills will provide a scenic and secluded camping retreat, nestled in the depths of country quaint, down at the very end of the dirt road. Here, you can wander the dells, soaking in the verdant lush of winter and spring, or scrambling rocks while gazing into long sun kissed horizons of summer and fall. this is DIY country living. Fit for self sufficient, hardy adventurers seeking a more unique, personal, dusty old country getaway. Pack it in, pack it out. you're 15 minutes from wading in the Fresno river, east on Rd 600 or an hour and a half from the South Gate of Yosemite in Mariposa.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
97% (445)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping area, aerial view

1. Camp near Pinnacles National Park

98%
(474)
41mi from Mendota · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paicines, CA
Started in 2014 by Tim and Michelle Borland and their three kids, the Bar SZ Ranch is a true family business with a mission to help others “forge their legacy.” Set on 2200-acres in its own valley with iconic California oak trees and golden hills; views of the surrounding mountains and Pinnacles National Park; and painted, sunlit skies guests can't get enough of, this working ranch offers unique, getaway camping and glamping experiences for both new and seasoned campers. The Bar SZ Campground is near Pinnacles National Park but relatively remote from other services, which is part of what makes the area so special. It is a place to unplug, share stories and spend time with your family and friends, and explore the wilderness of California. From the ranch: Pinnacles National Park East entrance 6.6 miles Nearest Groceries and restaurants: Hollister 36 miles north King City 28.5 miles south Tres Pinos 29.2 miles north The nearest amenities (stores, restaurants, gas) are about 30 miles away so please plan ahead and bring the things you will need during your stay. We have great service for AT&T on the ranch. Do you have an even larger group? Message us if you have a larger event or are interested in a whole campsite/ranch rental.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
Golden Sky Retreat

3. Golden Sky Retreat

35mi from Mendota · 1 site · RV · Tres Pinos, CA
Golden Sky Retreat sits on a private stretch of rolling hills with wide-open valley views, peaceful quiet, and some of the clearest night skies in California. The land offers beautiful sunrises and sunsets, natural rock formations, gentle trails, and plenty of space to explore, relax, and disconnect. Guests can roam the property freely — hike up ridgelines, enjoy panoramic overlooks, meditate, take photos, or simply sit back and enjoy the stillness. At night, the sky fills with stars thanks to extremely low light pollution, making this a perfect stargazing location. ⭐ Distance to Pinnacles National Park From the property gate to Highway 25 takes about 25 minutes depending on your vehicle and driving pace. Once you reach Highway 25, it’s a straight, scenic drive to the eastern entrance of Pinnacles National Park, one of the most unique and underrated national parks in California. Golden Sky Retreat is a great basecamp if you plan to explore the park by day and return to total peace, privacy, and starlit skies at night. ⭐ What Guests Can Expect Here • Expansive views of hills, valleys, and open sky • Total quiet and privacy — no crowds, no neighbors • Clear stargazing conditions ideal for photography • Natural terrain with oak trees, native grasses, and rock outcrops • Drive-in access for vans, trucks, rooftop tents, or overland rigs • A raw, untouched environment perfect for nature lovers ⭐ Best For • Stargazers & photographers • Couples seeking a peaceful escape • Camping groups & families • Visitors exploring Pinnacles National Park • Anyone who wants open land, quiet nights, and beautiful natural scenery
Pets
from 
$53
 / night
San Pedro Ranch

6. San Pedro Ranch

84%
(19)
48mi from Mendota · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Coarsegold, CA
Escape to Nature at Our Private Yosemite-Area Ranch Welcome to your ultimate outdoor retreat! Nestled on 80 private acres of pristine forest, rolling hills, and a flowing river, our ranch offers an unforgettable camping experience just a short drive from Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, our secluded paradise is the perfect escape. What We Offer: • Spacious Campsites – Set up your tent or park your RV under towering trees, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the wilderness. • Breathtaking Views – Wake up to panoramic mountain landscapes, hike through scenic trails, and unwind by the peaceful river. • On-Site Adventures – Explore miles of private hiking trails, go fishing in the river, or rent an ATV or motorcycle for an off-road thrill. • Luxury Glamping (Optional) – Upgrade your stay with a cozy, fully-furnished glamping tent featuring comfortable beds and rustic charm. • Campfire Nights – Enjoy starlit evenings around the firepit, complete with s’mores and storytelling. Why You’ll Love It: ✔ Total Privacy – Unlike crowded campgrounds, this is your own private oasis in nature. ✔ Perfect for Groups & Families – Whether it’s a solo getaway, a romantic retreat, or a group adventure, there’s something for everyone. ✔ Close to Yosemite – Just a short drive to one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature. Book your stay today and experience raw beauty, adventure, and relaxation—all in one place!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Along the way.

9. Golden Foothills

100%
(1)
48mi from Mendota · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Coarsegold, CA
This is a piece of land that belongs solely to itself, and the beauty of the surrounding region. A history too rich and long, to wholly know.The honor of its stewardship has fallen to my family these last couple decades. A family of several generations in California. Most recently home to Coyotes, Pigs, Snakes and Birds, as well as a wild grey-bearded elder named "Uncle Robbert". Presently, home to myself, and in passing to those who seek moments of refuge and leisure in the beauty of rugged foothills.   Learn more about this land:Yosemite foothills. Pines. Oaks. Granite Slabs. Seasonal Creeks. Long Vistas. Grinding Rocks harken to peoples well before our time. The beautiful rolling foothills will provide a scenic and secluded camping retreat, nestled in the depths of country quaint, down at the very end of the dirt road. Here, you can wander the dells, soaking in the verdant lush of winter and spring, or scrambling rocks while gazing into long sun kissed horizons of summer and fall. this is DIY country living. Fit for self sufficient, hardy adventurers seeking a more unique, personal, dusty old country getaway. Pack it in, pack it out. you're 15 minutes from wading in the Fresno river, east on Rd 600 or an hour and a half from the South Gate of Yosemite in Mariposa.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Camper favorites near Mendota

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Public campgrounds near Mendota

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field