The best waterfall campgrounds near Modesto, California

Looking to experience the magic of camping near Modesto, California with stunning waterfalls as your backdrop? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 450 available options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a rustic retreat or a glamping experience, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), and Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews) to see what other campers have to say. Enjoy popular amenities like showers, potable water, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're feeling adventurous, take advantage of nearby activities such as hiking, surfing, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $92 and options as low as $10, camping near Modesto, California has never been more accessible or picturesque. Happy camping!

95% (910)

Top-rated campgrounds near Modesto

Looking to experience the magic of camping near Modesto, California with stunning waterfalls as your backdrop? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 450 available options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a rustic retreat or a glamping experience, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), and Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews) to see what other campers have to say. Enjoy popular amenities like showers, potable water, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're feeling adventurous, take advantage of nearby activities such as hiking, surfing, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $92 and options as low as $10, camping near Modesto, California has never been more accessible or picturesque. Happy camping!

95% (910)

Top-rated campgrounds near Modesto

1. Shangrilog Near Yosemite

92%

(25)

50mi from Modesto · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to Shangrilog – a hidden gem tucked away on two wooded acres just outside Twain Harte, California. Surrounded by towering trees and the gentle murmur of a year-round creek, this peaceful retreat offers a perfect blend of nature, nostalgia, and adventure. At the heart of the property is a handcrafted, three-level treehouse - ideal for solo reflection or gatherings with friends and family. Camp beside it in your own RV or tent. While we don’t have toilets on-site yet, we’re working on it and always happy to answer questions or offer tips to make your stay more comfortable. The site sits just 30 yards off a quiet mountain road and includes views of three century-old log cabins, once part of the Stanislaus Forest. Whether you’re unwinding by the fire under the stars, exploring the creek, or venturing to nearby spots like Sonora Pass, Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge, or even Yosemite, Shangrilog is your gateway to the simple joys of mountain life. This is more than just a campsite - it’s our home. And we love sharing it with fellow nature lovers and kindred spirits.

2. Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

99%

(1249)

49mi from Modesto · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Thank you Hipcamper's for many great years of support. Historic Brice Station 100 acres, was a horse stop on the Ebbetts Pass stage line. Horses were fed, watered and swapped here, over 100 years ago. Today, Brice station hosts a ceramics gallery and school, vineyard and tasting room, Blacksmith school, Concert series, Shakespeare performances and Master artist, Michel Olson's, Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden and campground. Born in Berlin, Germany, he has spent much of his life performing, guiding, studying, while travelling and becoming an accomplished artist in wood, stone and iron. Two of his gypsy rigs and several large art installations, are in the meadow next to the forested 6 site campground. Installation include, 100 ft sacred circle, yin/yang, sun dial and calendar. Quadruple Branch Arch. Avenue of art. Glass and Brass over Grass. Stone stage with two bell racks. Wheels of time. Florence the Freightliner. Glass henge. Chain henge. Family altar. Double sand box. Stone spiral Each, of the 6 campsites, have art installations as well. Site 1 is spacious with multiple tent sites, art Steel TeePee, and nice shade oak. Picnic table and some chairs. Parking for 4 cars. Sites 1 and 6 together, with kitchen area, makes a great group site. Site 2, is our largest single site. Multiple tent sites. 2 tables. Branch arch way. Parking for 6 cars. Hammock friendly trees. Site 3, is our cozy site. Multiple tent sites. Wood wizard and frog carving. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 4, has our second metal TeePee, with melted bottle suncatchers. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 5, has Wood Henge, made from one enormous tree. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Site 6, has a burningman bicycle fence, and ski lift chair swing. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Brice Station Winery, tasting room. Open Fri. - Sun. 12 to 6pm .Quyle Kilns Pottery Gallery, School and ceramic art studio Wed thru Sunday 10am to 6pm Paul Quyle Blacksmith school. C.B.A. member. First and third Sat 9am. Brice Station Vineyard, tasting room and concerts bricestation.com Simply put, art, nature camping, with a hint of history, at its best. Children are full price and must be attended to. No trailers over 14 ft. No campsite open fires June thru Oct. Communal kitchen/crafts area with large tables, BBQ and cook top available. Propane fire rings and counter top stoves allowed in campsite. Leashed dogs welcome, please pick up after. Please no extra loud music or voices.

3. BaseCampByBo!

95%

(342)

47mi from Modesto · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

If you are looking for man made and leveled campsites, then this is not your basecamp. This land is a gorgeous 20 acres that means a lot to us.  It's space to find your peace of mind and pitch a tent or hammock, as you would when hiking the backcountry.  Aside from complimentary ice water, potty, shower, soaps, sanitizer, sunscreen, first aid, communal fire pit, wood stove and dishwashing area) this is not "glamping".  If you are  a person who appreciates nature and making due with what the land has provided, then we are a great fit. Guests have 20 acres to find a secluded, or socially distanced spot to pitch camp. This is for people that know how to camp in the backcountry -  Without a trash can, who don’t leave cigarette butts, respect the land and would rather not be sectioned off. Flat areas are all over if you explore, and use your feet to brush aside rocks and twigs, to lay down a tent base, as we do every time we camp in the backcountry. The geography of these mountains is just that, hills and mountains. The vista at the top of the property is gorgeous and easily camps 5 tents spaced out. The property does offer many other great camping areas, and I’m more than happy to point them out. Yosemite is 30 minutes away, Don Pedro lake is 30 minutes, Cherry Lake is 30 minutes, Preston falls and Carlon falls are both 30 min away.  Downtown Groveland Is 7 minutes away, and other historic towns are not too far.  Close to many swimming holes. Rainbow pools is 15 minutes away. 10 min from the local grocery store and other local shops. Base Camp is just off of highway 120. Sonora has a great farmers market on Sunday and is a beautiful 40 min drive away. Thank you for taking time to read this, we look forward to hosting you!  -Best    Jarrett & Bo

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Andy

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Sierra Circles was wonderful! I had the camping area to myself due to the time of year and it was the perfect blend of a quiet experience in the woods that I was looking for and close enough to Murphy's to be able to pick up a few supplies. Check in was super easy and the hosts were very friendly and accommodating. I would definitely stay here again.

D

Dan

October 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We had a great time. Very private and quiet camping spot and we got a tour of the pottery buliding. Very interesting

John

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Michel was hospitable as usual, and we enjoyed our second trip to the property. Everything was clean and well maintained, just as it was in 2020. I hope we get to stay there again.

S

Sabrina

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We had a nice stay at Sierra Circles camping site, Iron Teepee. We went wine tasting ant Brice Station and really enjoyed both the wine and the friendly host. The campsite was well maintained. We appreciated that Michel, our host, took the time to chop extra wood for us- it was a nice touch.

J

James

October 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at BaseCampByBo!

We loved camping at BaseCampByBo! The location and scenery was insane and we got to meet Bo himself! It was easy to find and Jarrett was incredibly helpful. The campsite feels isolated and gives the wild camping feel whilst being not crazy far from civilization. 30 minutes from some amazing hikes in Yosemite.

Garrett

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

This was our second time staying here, and it just keeps getting better! The host is incredibly friendly. We love having the winery right on site; it’s such a beautiful spot to relax with a glass of wine after exploring. The art throughout the camp is amazing — there’s so much creativity everywhere you look. It’s become a tradition for us now, and we can’t wait to come back again!

M

Matt

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Excellent location. Fun decor, clean, and it's great to be in walking distance of the winery

Z

Zoar

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shangrilog Near Yosemite

I love this place! Its the first time,my and my family of 5 really love and enjoy this place,it’s super peaceful and the guy of the house really kind,🙌🏻 It is the perfect place if you want to enjoy the nature of the forest and the tranquility, I would really love to come back without thinking about it!! They have a very nice little town, If you like photography, this is a nice place for it! Thank you very much for receiving us, enjoy this place and remember to clean and tidy up before you leave!

A

Ana

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Shangrilog Near Yosemite

It was a great stay! Matthew was wonderful! We really enjoyed sleeping by the little creek.

B

Brian

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to BaseCampByBo!

Great site. Good views and peaceful and quiet. Shower and bathroom were in good shape.

M

Marc

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Spectacular stay at Sierra Circles (our 3rd trip). Michael is always super helpful with recommendations of things to see and do locally. The camp situation is spacious, private, and beautiful.

Elizabeth

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We love this place! Full relaxation, wonderful artwork to enjoy, Wine tasting, pottery making and buying - what more can you ask for from a few days in the beautiful Sierras!

S

Stephanie

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

This place is a hidden gem. Everyone I’ve talked to that is affiliated with this place seems to have life figured out and interesting stories to sharez

P

Pam

August 2025

22 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Fun and funky! Well kept. Loved having the concert so close, it was fabulous. We will be back!

P

Paolo

August 2025

16 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We had a great two-day stay at Sierra Circles. Michel is friendly and engaging, and his artwork is mesmerizing, especially when the sun hits it at dawn and sunset! Great location near Murphys and the beautiful nature and concerts.

C

Cate

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shangrilog Near Yosemite

Amazing host, amazing land, amazing vibe. Cannot recommend enough! About 1.5 hrs from Yosemite. Wish we had gotten here earlier to explore the rest of his property but highly recommend regardless!!

C

Catherine

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We loved our two night stay . We were a bit worried about the concert on Saturday night but the camp sites were far enough away from the music that we didn’t hear it. The scenery was amazing and everyone was very friendly! Loved it and we will definitely be back.

Sergio

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BaseCampByBo!

Great Host ! Great camping spot! Will definitely recommend! The host was really kind, helpful and informative! His Dog was also pretty awesome! We Had a great experience!

A

Angelina

August 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Perfect campsite while visiting the foothills. We came in late at night after a concert at Ironside Winery. Michel gave us detailed directions to easily locate our campsite in the dark. The toilets are super clean! Very peaceful good vibes, on this working property with cool art dispersed throughout. Thanks for making our last-minute stay so easy, including the warm welcome wave in the morning. Looking forward to returning soon to explore the ceramics shop, winery, and on-site concerts.

R

Rick

August 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Peaceful and awesome stay. Michel is a great host and Brice is a great patch of earth. Moved to Site 4 to grab a bit more shade. Site 5 would be preferred earlier in the season.