Camping

Important Reminder: No open campfires allowed at California State Parks in Merced County.
Fires permitted only in fire rings provided by state parks.

Temporary Closure Notice: Dam Safety Project to Temporarily Close Basalt Campground and Day Use Area at San Luis Reservoir SRA: California State Parks announced the extended temporary closure of the Basalt Campground and Day Use Area at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area due to a Safety of Dams Project.  As of May 31, 2022 the Basalt Campground and Day Use Area will be closed for the entirety of the Dam Safety Project. Reservation holders will be contacted directly by State Parks’ reservation system -- ReserveCalifornia.com. Alternative campgrounds and day use locations will remain open in the park complex during the temporary closure. 

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area has four campgrounds open year-round. Green grass and trees

Basalt Area - CURRENTLY CLOSED

The only campground located near San Luis Reservoir; Basalt has 79 developed family campsites in a shaded, wind-protected valley. Some sites will accommodate trailers and motor homes up to about 30 feet. Each site has a fire ring and table with water faucets nearby. New restroom facilities offer hot pay showers and flushable toilets. A dump station is available to registered campers. Reservations can be made year-round.

San Luis Creek 

One of two campgrounds on the O'Neill Forebay, San Luis Creek has 53 sites that offer water and electric hook-ups. Some of the sites border the shoreline. The campground has very little shade and is in an open area susceptible to wind. No flush toilets or showers are available. Each site has a level pad, fire ring, and a table. Some sites will accommodate trailers and motor homes up to about 30 feet. A dump station is available for registered campers.A 5-mile accessible walking trail follows the O'Neill Forebay shoreline and connects the campground to the North Beach day-use area. All boats must be removed from the water by sunset. Reservations can be made year-round.

Mederios Area 

The Medeiros primitive campsites are located along the southern shoreline of O'Neill Forebay. A limited number of fire rings, shade ramadas, and tables are available. Drinking water is available in 3 locations. There are no flush toilets or showers, however chemical toilets are available. All boats must be removed from the water by sunset. Medeiros campground is available on a first - come first - serve basis

Los Banos Creek 

Twenty primitive camping/day-use sites are located along the shore of Los Banos Creek Reservoir. Each site has a shade ramada, fire ring, and table. Drinking water and chemical toilets are available. Most sites cannot accommodate trailers or motor homes because of limited turn around space. Limited parking exists and the park may close once the sites are occupied. Boaters are allowed to beach their boat. Boating is prohibited after sunset. Los Banos Creek campground is available on a first-come first - serve basis. Los Banos Creek is subject to winter and/or road closures because of water release from the reservoir. For additional information about this area, visit the Los Banos Creek Reservoir page. 

Group Camps 

Two group campgrounds are available at the San Luis Creek Area along the shoreline of O'Neill Forebay. Both sites offer shade ramadas, tables, fire rings, flushable toilets, and hot pay showers. Group Camp A can accommodate 60 people and 15 vehicles. Group Camp B can accommodate 30 people and 10 vehicles. Boats must be removed from the water by sunset. These group campsites are available only by reservation.

Fam Camp

FamCamp® is a California State Parks and California State Parks Foundation that began in 1994. It is the largest statewide program that introduces camping to underserved areas of our communities. More info is available on the Fam Camp web page.