I absolutely love river ranch. My family has so many memories of being there as children and adults. 4 generations strong. Just spent the past weekend there and enjoyed every minute. We had no problems abiding by new managements rules, we never have disrespected that place. It would be nice if Tuolumne County residents would be given a discount. read more

See all

Well, we found our new family get away! It was quiet and clean! The bathrooms even smelt clean! The river is beautiful. The camp host is amazing! We stayed for our first time last night, and we will be returning hopefully next weekend for a longer stay!! Thanks for trusting us with your campground! read more

River Ranch Campgrounds - Our view beside the river - Campgrounds Near Me - Tuolumne, California

See all

New management feels like HOA killed the culture not being able to enjoy the experience the same way

We were extremely disappointed with our recent experience at River Ranch Campground. We had planned a 3-day camping trip--a tradition our family has enjoyed for three generations--but were kicked out after just one night due to a new "no music" policy that was never mentioned on the website during booking. Within 10 minutes of our arrival, we were approached and warned about playing music, even though it was very low and only audible to those at our site. It turns out there are now surveillance cameras and speakers at every campsite, and staff are actively listening in to ensure no music is being played. This level of monitoring felt invasive and unnecessary. We were harassed repeatedly throughout our short stay--not just about the quiet music, but also about a service dog that belonged to our friend, a military veteran. Despite the website clearly stating that pets are welcome, we were approached multiple times and questioned about the dog in a way that felt discriminatory and disrespectful. Our group included a handicapped friend and a retired veteran, both of whom were deeply upset by how we were treated. After all the years and money we've spent here, we were shocked by the lack of respect and hospitality. Thankfully, Don Pedro Campgrounds welcomed us without a reservation and turned our ruined trip into a positive experience. We will not be returning to River Ranch and strongly recommend choosing Don Pedro instead. It offers a far more welcoming and respectful camping environment. 10 out of 10 times, Don Pedro is the better choice. 0 stars is what they deserve but isn't an option! read more

Oh my word, where do I start,.... well, this is the place to get away, when you want to get away. Peaceful and quiet. No loud music playing. Remember, this is the place to get away from it all. Pretty much dry camping only. There are showers available. Bathrooms, and spots for RV's.Great host, I always enjoy talking with him. And the owners, I was honored to meet both and they had a wonderful vision for this camping spot. And as a life long resident of Tuolumne, I can say I 100% support their vision. Good luck folks. If you're interested in nice quiet solitude with the sounds of wildlife and running waters, come on down and give it a try. It's my get away spot. read more

My fiance and I were here for a few nights mid April. We LOVED it. Go to their website, and reserve a spot before someone else does! We arrived shortly after the check in time. We were approached by a very friendly and peaceful camp tender. He directed us to our camp site and answered the few questions we had. We made camp and headed back up to the camp tender, and paid for a few bundles of firewood. He loaded us up with two large bundles of firewood which was seasoned and ready to burn. The campsite was very clean. Not a bit of trash, scraps, or evidence from previous campers. The foliage in the area is heavy and vibrant green. The campsites were cleared out of extra foliage and ready for use. There is wifi close to the check in area, very clean running water bathrooms, and showers. We did not experience any pests or rodents out of your typical Sonora wildlife. Lots of birds, and tons of different types of trees. Beautiful place to camp and I will be returning here. read more

See all

Our Girl Scout troop stayed at this campground and loved it. It's on the river and is so beautiful. I will be coming back here with my family. read more

See all

Have been coming for over 30 years & 1st time with the new owners. Had emailed them a couple questions before my group of 14 came & were answered very quickly. Arrived and there were some campers in two of our six spots we reserved for holiday weekend. The owner was already on top of it, trying to locate them so we could set up. He came back by a couple times to check in & apologized for the issue. We understand things happened & it was resolved promptly. We had sites 1-6C on Basin Creek. Sites had vegetation cleared recently so we could hear the creek flowing this time. Our only issue was the skunks- keep your food up & away. As always, it's a pleasure coming here. Our group can't wait to come back. read more

River Ranch Campgrounds - Campgrounds Near Me - Tuolumne, California

Obsessed with this place. It is beautiful, the creek isn't as deep perfect for the family restrooms and showers are decent , just remodeled . It is a very peaceful campsite and pretty clean . Warning no signal on your cellphone or cellular devices . On my part I don't mind it because makes the experience even better . Other than that everything was amazing. Owners come check on you make sure everything is okay . Very welcoming place . read more

River Ranch Campgrounds - The entrance to the campsite - Campgrounds Near Me - Tuolumne, California

First time here, i was amazed by the beauty of the campground!! We stayed in 15R . Absolutely beautiful site with a beach area right on the creek . It was a little tricky to find but I loved the sound of the creek at night. The sites were not too close together which was nice . Firewood was sold 10 bucks for a good amount and the host brought it to us . The only things i did not like was the restrooms were very far away. We had to drive to them ... not walking distance. They were clean restrooms with free showers but really felt like they could of had a port-a potty closer to our area. Also the mosquitos were sooooo bad!! Take extra mosquito repellent when go you go. I will definitely go back just a little more prepared . read more

River Ranch Campgrounds - Beachy area on our campsite 15R - Campgrounds Near Me - Tuolumne, California

See all

The first time we visited this campground it was amazing! Quiet, lots of animal life, flushing toilets and hot showers, great camp host. Listening to the River at night was wonderful! The second time we went it was horrible! There were people to the right that made their own camp spot next to ours and the one next to ours encroached into our camp by at least 10 feet. They had 13 people that I counted and three vehicles. Played loud music all night and morning. The little kids cried nonstop. The older kids kept running through our campsite knocking things over. They were snapping branches off trees and collected other wood from the camp to make a fire. We spoke to the camp host but there wasn't any thing he could do, so we left. There is a sign with don't as you entered but every rule was broken by the campers around us, which made for an unpleasant stay. Also, there is a family of skunks that live on the property but they were pretty cute and very friendly. read more

The best of honor the best of beauty Who would ever want to leave I grew up here exploring every were rail road, tarantulas spiders that I love, bear fish coyote beautiful stars it night read more

See all

This was my first time camping at River Ranch. Did the drive with my boyfriend Friday night and got there at around 9 PM after night fall. Since it was early April, it was easy to find a spot and we settled in. I'd definitely come back. Here's why: Pros: * Absolutely delightful owners. Frank Junior and Frank Senior tend the site and are very warm, friendly and helpful. Frank Senior pointed us in the direction of a nice hike, and we enjoyed meeting their dog Spike. Adorable rat terrier. * Very large, spacious camp sites. The whole location is gorgeous, quiet and peaceful. Overall, this place has a very relaxed feel. * Since we went in early April, there weren't many bugs and mosquitoes- though it seems like that may become a problem later in the year. * The sites are very close to a nice hike that takes you along an abandoned rail-road with beautiful views of the canyon. You can hike 7 miles to town, which is nice if you forgot something too. Things to Prepare for and Be Aware of: * The water is not potable, contrary to the Forest Service website. Luckily we had brought a water filter and a lot of water bottles so we were able to do that, but I'd definitely recommend bringing water jugs if you can. The water spigots are hard to get to. * There was only 1 inconvenient location of bathrooms and not the greatest showers. While the showers are free, it felt like I was being doused in a bath of sulfuric- old egg smelling water. It was disgusting. But again, nice that they had free warm showers. I'd skip it here though next time. * You have to be very self-reliant here. The map said there was a camp store but they shut that down a while ago. Make sure you bring everything you need, and you are in charge of disposing your own trash! Pack it in, pack it out! Overall, an awesome experience. I will definitely be back!! read more

See all

Looks like it was a great place in the days of yore. Run down now. Looks like a good setting for a horror movie. No potable water. No trash service. Cheap, warping banquet tables used as picnic tables. The old, sturdy tables were in a big pile next to a dilapidated bodega that must have been a place for kid activities when the camp was fully operational. A highly visible part of camp is used as a junk yard. Campers have to pack their own trash out. Elusive camp host. We did not see one at all. Just signs of life. We did not feel comfortable using their showers or sinks for cleaning up. read more

See all

Great place to camp for the whole family. Beautiful grounds. And the people that run it are super nice. Lots of sites to choose from and places to explore. Just be sure to bring the mosquito repellant! read more

River Ranch Campgrounds - Campgrounds Near Me - Tuolumne, California

What a Awesome place to camp! !!...we enjoyed our stay was very quite and beautiful!!...nice size campsites and Frank and his family are so so nice!!...it's a close trip if u live near modesto ca and has a nice Creek that runs by your campsite....There is no hook ups so fill up at home.... they have a expresso bar and also serve snowcones for the kids!!..you can have pets too!...they have 48 campsites ...I hear it gets busy in the summertime...Best time is springtime to camp there!!...they also have small bathroom with 4 showers...it cost $28 a nite and is well worth it!!!...we will be going back for sure....love it there! read more

See all

Fantastic place to stay. Close to home. Super great people that run it. We had the best time with our grandkids. Thanks River Ranch crew. Oh and the bathrooms are so clean. read more

I have been coming to River Ranch since I was a teenager (I'm now 55). It's my favorite private campground in the Sierras ! You can stay and explore the creek, build a fire and camp with comfort. They have showers and a cute little store for those little things you forgot. I heartily recommend it, but make sure you call before drinving up because sometimes it's full of music festival and other event campers. read more

Guy at the gate is super nice. It's one of those remote places that you can't get to without a GPS. This is my first "real" camping trip in a while. Real, meaning, just a tent with a fire. It does a shower facility. My camp was located near a little river and it was cute. They said they haven't seen a bear in that area in over 30 years so I guess its pretty safe. No need to bring any firearms. read more

I've camped here 3 years in a row. Frank (who runs the camp) is always very friendly. I just camped here over Labor day. It's quiet clean and in a great location for hiking, fishing and taking a dip in the creek. It's also pet friendly. Too many yellow-jackets and mosquitoes were the reason i didn't give this 5 stars. read more

Very beautiful place to camp at nice and quite. Also the family that owns it is very nice ....

awesome campsite! The family that runs it is really nice. The camping area is spacious and clean. They even have an espresso bar. Highly recommended. read more

This campground is great. My wife and I were married here in the fall. The colors are beautiful. There's a couple great swimming holes on the creek and it has a very safe feel. Frank is great and sells snow cones in the summer. read more

We went here once on a huge campout in April of 2018. Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this campground and the location. We can not wait to go back!!! We were right by the river and had so much room for activities. Very private in the back area where we were. Again we can not wait to go back! read more

The site is beautiful but the mosquitoes were thick. The people that own or work there walked back and fourth past our campground from morning to dusk (at least 5 times each day). They mostly just starred at us but occasionally made comments. It made us feel very uncomfortable. I would not go there again only because of the people who run the camp ground. They made us feel very unsafe and unwelcome. read more

A little rustic for some but I love it and Enjoy the fishing there in the early summer months. No bears at this elevation so leave firearms in the trunk, you don't need them. the folks that work there that I've had contact were all really kind and friendly. I like that they don't bother you while your staying there. It's normally quiet and peaceful. Generally a nice place to stay for a short trip from home. read more

as much as I would like to give a bad review to keep it as quiet as possible I just cant Frank and his family are awesome the camp sites are perfect there is plenty of room for the kids, there is a the river for fishing and other activities to keep ya busy if yer bored from all the peace and quiet read more

This place is great! The locals love it as well they should. Frank and Cito take great care of you! Please dont go when I do because I like the privacy! Just kidding! read more