Discover the best campgrounds near Tracy, California with wildlife watching

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12 top campgrounds near Tracy with wildlife watching

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Walden Ranch

2 sites · Tents300 acres · Linden, CA

Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures. Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands. This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot!

Silicon Valley View

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Day Valley, CA

We created this space for everyone to enjoy.

The Ranch at Cross Road

11 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

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Cole Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Waterford, CA

"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank- Serene, quiet acreage on the Tuolumne River, with views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas on a clear day. Scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers, and many more. Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Like to fish? Fishing at Cole Ranch is a Love/Hate thing. If you Love to Fish, you will Hate to leave. Gateway to Yosemite National Park, the Mother Lode region, hiking trails, and spelunking opportunities. All sites have access to our community outdoor kitchen, which has a refrigerator, coffee bar, sink, BBQ's, and stoves. Also available are our bathrooms, quite possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms in the 13 western states, which include flushable toilets, two sinks, and warm showers. Book your visit now. (Group bookings must be approved by host. Group bookings that have not been pre-approved may be cancelled.) *%*% Ever see a meteor shower? Cole Ranch is a perfect place to view one. The Perseid meteor shower is active mid-July through August, with the most active night being August 12. The moon will be 50% illuminated that night, and will set around midnight. With few lights around, there will be lots to see.*%*% (Cole Ranch is a working ranch, surrounded by walnut and almond orchards. Harvest for these orchards occur mid-August thru September, and can create dust and noise. Occasional noise from common ranching activities may be heard. Landscaping activities like mowing, watering, etc. generally occur Mondays-Wednesdays) Check back here periodically for advisories on river conditions. ###EXCITING NEWS### We are working hard to open at least THREE new campsites. These new sites will be more secluded and private than current sites, each with its own path to the river. Earliest these will be open is Mid-September. Contact Barry, coleranch23@icloud.com, for more information. NEW ADDITION We have added two picnic tables with benches to our inventory. These tables are available like our other equipment, First come First served. All we ask is you return any of or stuff to its place after use. **ADVISORY** 6/20/24 River is currently running at normal levels. 4/18/24 River is currently running about 3' above normal. Except for Fisherman's Hideout, all sites remain open. Fisherman's Hideout is currently under water, but should be open some time in May. Fishing is great right now, but water activities will be limited. Will update as changes occur.

WindTree

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents64 acres · Los Gatos, CA

WindTree is an awesome retreat perched high on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, over looking the entire Monterey Bay and Santa Clara Valley. WindTree is sacred land used by many over the past 30 years for retreat and ceremony. It has also been a working "Wwoof" -ing farm for volunteers from all over the world to come and learn about organic gardening in a fun, beautiful, nurturing community restoring our sense of interrelatedness and encouraging planetary sustainability by our choices and concerns for the wellness of the environment. You can make your experience apart of this community or enjoy a quiet private camp site away from any activities. We are off the grid with solar power and our own well. We have small organic gardens with chickens and goats. You will love it up here under the stars. Note: RV's over 21 feet will have difficulties on our driveway.

The Foxes Family Farm

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Wilton, CA

Welcome to The Foxes Family Farm! Our property is situated on 5 beautiful acres and we offer private campsites that provide the ultimate in seclusion and relaxation. We have multiple tent/RV sites that come complete with 30 amp power, water, and septic facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your motorhome. We also have a cabin available that sleeps 4 people and comes with A/C! No need to worry about laundry during your stay, as we have a washer and dryer available onsite. Additionally, we've crafted a delightful shower, toilet, and laundry room, equipped with all the amenities you'd need for a refreshing and comfortable experience. The hot water shower is available for a small fee of $3, and we've even provided shampoo and conditioner for your convenience. We also have potable water available through our pump or well. We understand that your furry friends are part of the family, so we happily welcome pets to our property. Let them explore and enjoy the great outdoors alongside you. As the sun sets and the night sky blankets the surroundings, you'll have the opportunity to gather around a crackling campfire. Enjoy the warmth, roast marshmallows, and create lasting memories. Please note that campfires are allowed unless there's a fire ban in effect, ensuring everyone's safety. Located just a 35-minute drive from Sacramento, our property offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Explore the city's vibrant attractions, then return to our peaceful retreat to unwind and rejuvenate.

Private Reservoir

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Valley Springs, CA

Private property on a private reservoir. Enjoy some quiet time on the water, swimming, fishing, camping or just sitting and enjoying this hidden gem. Conveniently located a couple minutes from town to get some groceries or even fast food and gas. Also minutes from the large lake of New Hogan if your brining a jet ski or boat. Come relax on this 10 acres of private water access. Fish till your heart is content. Please catch and release. We have a variety of fish: Bass, Blue Gill, Cat fish and even some big Carp. Use our row boat or bring your own kayak, SUP, canoe etc. Newly added large floating dock, sand beach and large swing set/ hammock polls. Come play and have fun and listen to the sounds of frogs at night and the birds in the morning.

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Magical Forbes Island Large Groups!

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Knightsen, CA

Book our floating Forbes Island for your OffBeat, Off-Grid Experience! This private, historic event venue accommodates 2 to 125 people with a few special on-board bedrooms, and plenty of camping at adjoining Willow Grove Ranch. *This property appeals to the adventurous - guests must pay attention to transportation instructions and prepare to be off-grid during their stay.* *DISCLAIMER* Forbes Island is a ferry and boat-accessible destination! To drive, you must catch the Car Ferry in Oakley to transport you to the Island. A Midday Car-Ferry Boat or Pre-Booked Passenger Boat is Required! - Please Call Before Booking - *This property has unique logistics. Please send a message to call and iron out all your details, before booking!* --- The Forbes Island off-grid event venue and campground are at Bradford Island in the Sacramento River Delta. The floating barge is moored next to our private ranch, utilized for tent and RV camping for larger groups. We limit rentals to single groups for ultimate privacy in a natural setting. You and your guests enjoy the remote Sacramento River Delta wetlands while being only a short drive from the Bay Area. Guests have direct access to water sports and private docks. *Note: Forbes Island requires passage via the Bradford Island car ferry (see schedule below), a personal watercraft, or a captained passenger ferry boat that must be booked in advance. Boat dock space is included. History: Forbes Thor Kiddoo came to San Francisco in 1959 after a stint in the Coast Guard. A carpenter and engineer, he developed a business constructing houseboats in Sausalito. Then, inspired by Jules Verne’s Captain Nemo and the movie version of “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea”, Forbes Kiddoo built himself an underwater home, complete with portholes for watching the fish swim past, a diving hatch and a grand bedroom suite fit for a captain of his private world. In the ’90s, Forbes added a 40-foot lighthouse and a white picket fence. Today, a small group of committed friends has preserved and kept Forbes Island afloat for community events, opening it for all to experience and enjoy. Your rental helps us to maintain this totally unique, fabulous find into the future. FAQ Are day campers included in the total guest count, or does it only apply to overnight guests? All campers, whether they are staying overnight or not, must be included in the reservation. Can additional guests be added after the initial booking? Yes, you can modify your trip to add more guests through the Hipcamp app, but you cannot exceed the maximum capacity. --- Forbes Island is a historic architectural folly built on a floating barge, with indoor spaces above and below its deck. The venue is adjacent to private land available to add-on to your booking, for camping and RV parking. Guests may sleep in any of the following places on the property: 1. Top Deck: Open-Air Camping 2. Top Deck Tiki Room: Indoor room, no furnishings 3. Below Deck Bedroom 1: Full Bed with attached bathroom 4. Below Deck Bedroom 2: Queen Bed 5. Below Deck "Living Room" and Bar: Indoor room, no furnishings 6. Adjacent field available for tent and RV camping. *Note: the barge has two functional bathrooms with toilet and sink that uses non-potable water, no showers onboard. Provided Aboard: Refrigerator Grill on Deck Electrical Power Starlink Wifi BYO: Drinking Water Provisions Musical Instruments Sunscreen --- BRADFORD ISLAND FERRY: https://bradfordisland.com/wp-... Round-Trip (car) Ferry Ticket $15.50: Purchase ferry tickets at this Oakley Valero Station https://goo.gl/maps/FHpr8VUvj8... Ferry Schedule: MONDAY – FRIDAY RUNS: 9 am to 5 pm (RUNS ON THE HOUR EXCEPT AT 12 NOON) SATURDAY RUNS: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am & 12 NOON SUNDAY RUNS: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm Be sure to be there at least 5 minutes early because Delta Time has its own way of doing things! *NOTE: if you miss the last ferry of the day, you are staying for another night!

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Delta Respite

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Sherman Island, CA

The perfect solo escape! Treat yourself to a quiet getaway for one at this cozy, clean and comfortable cabin on our rural farm, between two rivers, on Sherman Island. Located in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area at the confluence of the San Joaquin River, Sacramento River, and the eastern terminus of San Francisco Bay, Sherman Island is known for its wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets, and its dark sky for stargazing opportunities. The property is surrounded by alfalfa fields, grazing cattle, sheep, and a wildland habitat populated with migratory and native birds, animals, and plants. The one-room cabin has a bed and clawfoot bathtub with hot water offering a peaceful escape on our 5-acre tree-lined farm. Here you can listen to birdsong instead of the sounds of the city. This is an ideal cabin for birdwatchers, writers, plein air painters, nature photographers, stargazing, windsurfers/kiteboarders, meditation, or some stress-free, peaceful reset time. The private cottage has a refrigerator, microwave, compostable dinnerware, drinking water, and a coffeemaker with coffee. It is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter. Pets are welcome and free to enjoy being off-leash in the cabin's fenced yard. The hosts raise free-range chickens and bees on their farm and also conduct a nonprofit rescue and hospice for senior pets. The property is in the Pacific Migratory Flyway, surrounded by a 1000-acre State habitat/preserve populated by wildlife and seasonal birds. Downtown San Francisco and Sacramento are each about 50 miles away in opposite directions. Mount Diablo, viewed from the property, is about 15 miles south and offers hiking trails with stunning views and abundant wildlife. Friday bookings are for a minimum of 2 nights.

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Flip Flop Flat

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakdale, CA

We are a 5 Acre property along the Stanislaus River below the shade trees with 2 private beaches and boat launch. We are located between Oakdale and Knights Ferry and just a short drive to Yosemite Valley. Enjoy river raft trips, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing etc. This property can accommodate tent camping, dry RV and group camping. We even hold weddings and events. Disclaimer: Fire ban in effect! We offer a community fire pit to all and we provide the firewood. We do allow propane firepits for your personal site. Our property is our home and our business and is not a public park. Registered guests only.

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Camp Jaron

1 site · Lodging19 acres · CA

Completely private 19 acres to explore while only being 10 min from downtown Los Gatos (FYI has great cell reception). We have a small cabin that has a mattress that sleeps 2 and a futon below for 1. Also plenty of flat empty land to pitch tents. There is a compost toilet and an outdoor shower with running hot water. There is plenty of room to explore, half of the property is pretty dense wilderness but the main half has hammocks, slack line, fire pit, bbq, tables, etc. *FYI due to the steep driveway (see pic) the property is only accessible by AWD or 4-wheel drive SUV or truck; cars, vans, or RVs will not be able to make it (if you are not sure please ask before booking).

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Managed Mischief Micro Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Gilroy, CA

We are here in Gilroy Ca, on a rural 2 acres just outside of town, further up our road is Coyote Lake to go boating and fishing and Harvey Bear park to go hiking and horse riding. Santa Cruz is a 45 min drive West over hwy 152 and San Jose is 30 min North on 101 and keep going a bit more and you will be in San Francisco. Here at home we raise several different kinds of lives stock. Goats for meat and milk, Sheep for meat and wool and eventually milk, Pigs for meat, Rabbits for meat and hide, Chickens, Ducks and Quail for meat and eggs. We have a garden and small orchard with nearly a dozen fruit trees of different kinds : loquat, a few apples, plums, apricot, peach, fig, persimmons and my favorite the pomegranate! We process everything ourselves using ancestral techniques and love to share and learn with others. Id say the main draw back here is the traffic noise but beyond that, We are quite lucky to have very a green and Id say an oasis of a property, with multiple large palms trees surrounding the pool area and a large weeping willow tree in the main yard/sheep pasture. At the NE corner of the property is a very large oak tree, it is majestic and with the tipi door open to the East the big oak is the first thing you'll see every morning besides the suns rays! The entire Northern property line is rowed with 60ft tall redwood trees and there are a smattering of citrus trees around to boot! The freezer is stocked with in house meat, the BBQ is hot, the pool is cool, come relax after a day on the trails!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

77%

(12)

Brannan Island State Recreation Area

Rio Vista, California

97%

(19)

Castle Rock State Park

Saratoga, California

Stanislaus River Parks

East Oakdale, California

George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area

Newman, California

86%

(41)

Mount Diablo State Park

Diablo, California

Awesome camp ground - amazing views and spectacular oak trees. Lots of families, so not very quiet, but that's car camping for you.

89%

(36)

Henry W. Coe State Park

Morgan Hill, California

80%

(7)

Caswell Memorial State Park

Ripon, California

78%

(40)

Del Valle Regional Park

Livermore, California

75%

(6)

New Hogan Lake

Valley Springs, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Tracy with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Tracy is full of outdoor activity—and even only an hour away from San Francisco. Nearby, Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area hosts windsurfing or fishing and has ample biking trails for thrilling adventures amidst natural surroundings. The San Joaquin River and California Delta present a playground for water activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. Or launch the boat and hike scenic trails along San Luis Reservoir instead. Travel a little farther to experience Black Chasm Cavern and its spectacular underground formations. Then, set up camp nearby at various RV and tent campsites that feature playgrounds, electric hookups, and restrooms.

Where to go

Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area

Twenty minutes from Tracy is Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area. Boat, fish, or windsurf along the 160-acre reservoir. Shaded picnic areas are dog-friendly and available near the boat ramp. Then, explore hilly back roads on challenging bike climbs or ride along the California Aqueduct Bikeway and view windmills in the recreation area. To end the day, set up at a nearby RV or tent campsite that is pet-friendly and has electrical hookups.

Black Chasm Cavern

About an hour and a half northeast of Tracy looms Black Chasm Cavern. The cavern’s beauty includes a stunning blue lake and millions of twisting helictite crystals, which defy gravity and grow abundantly throughout the chambers. Campers can explore the cavern with knowledgeable guides to view formations that resemble animals and figures like candy canes, butterflies, and even a dragon—the cave’s mascot. Additionally, cave explorers may traverse Miners Trail, an ecologically fragile area with convoluted marble monoliths, in a self-guided walking tour. Nearby cabin lodges, RV sites, and tent sites are available for campers who may want to visit the caverns for more than one day.

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is an ideal destination for campers seeking water-based activities. Situated about an hour and a half west of Tracy, the park sits around the expansive San Luis Reservoir. Launch a boat from designated ramps, fish for striped bass and catfish, and hike trails with scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. The park features numerous tent and RV campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, as well.

When to go

Tracy's climate offers campers favorable conditions for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall provide comfortable weather with milder temperatures ranging from 70°F to the 80s as well as occasional rainfall. Campers can expect plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall during summer months, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to 90s. Winters in Tracy range from the low to mid-60s. Rainfall is also more prevalent during this season, creating a greener landscape.