The best waterside campgrounds near Modesto, California

Nestled between San Francisco and Yosemite National Park, lies the perfect place for your next adventure. Seeking a quick escape from city life? Need a jumping off point for a week-long Yosemite escapade? Camping near Modesto provides plenty of choices. One of the most popular spots in the area is the Modesto Reservoir Regional Park. With over 2,000 acres of recreation and camping land, there’s lots to do. Water enthusiasts will enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and waterskiing. Land lovers will find plentiful picnic tables and an archery range. Both tent camping and RV camping is welcome, with full hookups available. Bonus amenity: hot showers! Another fun location in Stanislaus County is Woodward Reservoir Regional Park. Remember your fishing poles, as this lake is filled with rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. Boating and jet skiing are also popular activities around here. If you desire a more peaceful spot to camp, check out Two Rivers RV Park. This campground has access to both the Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and other river sports. It’s also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring a furry friend. Whether you’re seeking a summertime hot spot or a serene Yosemite scene, you’ll find plenty of camping destinations in the Modesto area.

96% (5.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Modesto

Nestled between San Francisco and Yosemite National Park, lies the perfect place for your next adventure. Seeking a quick escape from city life? Need a jumping off point for a week-long Yosemite escapade? Camping near Modesto provides plenty of choices. One of the most popular spots in the area is the Modesto Reservoir Regional Park. With over 2,000 acres of recreation and camping land, there’s lots to do. Water enthusiasts will enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and waterskiing. Land lovers will find plentiful picnic tables and an archery range. Both tent camping and RV camping is welcome, with full hookups available. Bonus amenity: hot showers! Another fun location in Stanislaus County is Woodward Reservoir Regional Park. Remember your fishing poles, as this lake is filled with rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. Boating and jet skiing are also popular activities around here. If you desire a more peaceful spot to camp, check out Two Rivers RV Park. This campground has access to both the Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and other river sports. It’s also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring a furry friend. Whether you’re seeking a summertime hot spot or a serene Yosemite scene, you’ll find plenty of camping destinations in the Modesto area.

96% (5.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Modesto

1. 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.

2. The Meadows at Isleton

95%

(1524)

49mi from Modesto · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Once an asparagus farm for Heinz, the property was left neglected for over 25 years. They started to convert the land to a lavender farm when they realized that there was more that they should do to enjoy their journey, hence; they incorporated the camping to share this beautiful location with others. From majestic sunrises to magnificent sunsets, The Meadows offers not only a calm and relaxing atmosphere gained from the Lavenders growing, but also provides a central location to all of the California River Delta venues and experiences. From local wine tasting to boating, fishing or just enjoying the nearby collectic towns, Bring your tent, trailer, or motor home to enjoy the heart of the California river delta. Each campsite is extra large for privacy and room to spread out. Dog-friendly. Watch the sunset while enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. Walk the streets of our historic downtown and visit the small shops and locally-owned restaurants-- Manny’s Barzzeria, Mc Broodery's, Pineapples, or Peters Steak House. Of course, don’t miss out on DeJacks our country store that stocks it all!! Spend the day at the public fishing docks, kayak for the day in the delta waters, or head over to Sherman Islands epic wind/kite surfing areas. Local year-round festivals abound in the Delta and The Meadows is strategically located central to all. Our small town of 800 people will truly give you the feeling of being out of the big city!

3. Private lakeside resort, Groveland

46mi from Modesto · 1 site · Lodging

Lakeside + Amenities + Sleeps 12 = WIN for an unforgettable family getaway! PRIVATE, lakeside recreation area with beach entry, kayaks, SUPs, ping pong, bocce ball, tree swing, hammock, corn hole, and BBQ ALL ON SITE! Ideal for 2-3 families or 1 larger family traveling together! Within a 5-minute drive are the Pine Mountain Lake amenities available to all of our renters: swimming pool, beaches, pickle ball, golf, tennis, children's playground, hiking, horseback riding, archery... The space a King-sized bed in the Master bedroom with an ensuite bath, Queen-sized beds in the other bedrooms with an adjacent bath, and a bunk room with an adjacent bath. A total of 3 bedrooms, 1 bunk room, and 3 full baths to accommodate groups as large as 12 persons. Guest access Self-check-in is available with door access granted by entry code via a Schlage smart lock. ***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests. Other things to note Memory foam mattresses, 100% down pillows and comforters, and 100% cotton sheets.

4. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

83%

(7)

111 sites · Hickman, California

Park with both lake and river offers camping and water recreation in the San Joaquin Valley.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Luxury By The Lake, Groveland CA

47mi from Modesto · 1 site · Lodging

Experience Groveland's premier luxury Lake House at the Pine Mountain Lake gated community. The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer. The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock. Included are 2 canoes and 2 SUPs with life jackets. A large game room with a pool table, arcade-grade air hockey table, Sonos sound system, and a vintage upright piano provides indoor entertainment. The space The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer. Guest access smart lock access by code ***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests. Other things to note Located at the quiet end of the Lake away from the Marina, the property features: - Private dock access into Pine Mountain Lake - Canoes (x2), Standup Paddle boards (x2), and life jackets (all sizes) - Ping Pong - Pool Table - Air hockey - BBQ grill/Griddle - piano - Sonos sound system The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock. The two large wraparound redwood decks offer prime views of the lake, outdoor dining and BBQ areas, and Adirondack lounge chairs to relax in and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Public campgrounds near Modesto

83%

(7)

Turlock Lake Campground

23mi from Modesto · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

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.

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

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

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.

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.

S

Susan

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We thoroughly enjoyed tent camping at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden. It was a very warm weekend, so we were thankful that our site had a lot of trees for shade. Plus, the trees were perfect for hanging our hammocks. Our host Michel was awesome and did a great job familiarizing us with the property. He is the creator behind many of the sculptures, which were fascinating to explore. We also enjoyed checking out the onsite clay and pottery studio as well as sampling wines at the onsite winery, Brice Station. The conveniences of well-maintained port-a-potties, non-potable water, picnic tables and hand-crafted wooden tables and benches, and an outdoor shower made camping feel a little less like camping. The location was great and allowed us to easily drive to the quaint town of Murphys and to Calaveras Big Trees State Park to hike through Sequoia groves.

Lori

August 2025

20 ft Class B

4 nights at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Great place offering lots of privacy, kind and interesting hosts and wonderfully quiet. Ill be back. Thx Michael!

P

Paul

July 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

What a beautiful spot! We reserved a group site for 3 families that were rendezvousing from across CA, one of us on a 2-week, 4000-mile roadtrip. The grounds were maintained nicely and SO artistic. As our 2-night stay progressed, it was exciting to see our group’s kids (ages ranging 5-13) recognize the individual pieces and the time it must have taken to create them. Michel stopped by each day to ensure we had all we needed and we appreciated getting to know his personal history, as well as the history of the lot. There’s a lot happening on property - all fun things to explore - from the natural beauty, to the art, the wine tasting, the shop and the events stage. Great location relative to Murphys (we explored the caverns) and the lakes/wilderness further up hwy 4. Thank you for a wonderful stay! Note to other campers: be sure to bring in fresh water! They provide outhouses and a good dishwashing area, but you’ll need fresh drinking water, just as described in the listing.

Kathy

July 2025

15 ft campervan

Group trip

3 nights at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Awesome Hipcamp! We had my birthday here! Cool place, nice vibe, walked to a summer concert on the property, took a rustic and refreshing outdoor shower, enjoyed the stars, and learned a lot from our host Michel! We will be back!

K

Keri

July 2025

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We love this spot! Great sites, host is wonderful! Highly recommend if you are in the area!

Jeff

July 2025

20 ft Class B

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

This was our 4th trip back to Sierra Circles. As usual Michel and Pam were great hosts. We enjoyed to curated grounds and a fantastic concert at Brice Winery’s amphitheater right on the property. Highly recommend.

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Modesto

83%

(7)

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Hickman, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Modesto guide

Nearby attractions

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting and relaxing fishing sessions when camping near Tuolumne River. With ruggedly beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, the Tuolumne River camping experience is truly one for the outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.