Campgrounds and RV parks near Riverdale Park, CA

River activities anchor most trips in this area. Caswell Memorial State Park protects one of the last remaining oak-riparian woodlands in the Central Valley, with a loop nature trail through the oak canopy, swimming holes and sandy beaches along the Stanislaus, and fishing for catfish and bass. The mature canopy provides shade for picnicking and supports strong birding, with woodpeckers, hawks, and migratory songbirds common in spring and fall. At George J Hatfield State Recreation Area, the Merced River runs low enough for safe wading, and the park offers fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and nature study along more than a mile of river frontage. Patterson, Modesto, and Manteca all sit within a short drive for groceries, restaurants, and supplies, and Yosemite National Park is reachable as a long day trip east on Highway 120 or 140.

The Central Valley climate shapes the camping calendar. Summers are hot, arid, and clear, while winters are short, cool, wet, and partly cloudy, with July daytime highs near 35°C cooling to around 13°C in December and January. Spring and fall are the most comfortable windows, with mild days, low humidity, and minimal rain. Summer is peak season for river camping, when many visitors come to cool off on the Stanislaus and Merced, so reservations are recommended for summer stays. Expect strong sun, dry grass, and elevated fire-weather risk; check current fire restrictions before lighting a campfire. Mosquitoes can be heavy near slow-moving water, particularly at riverside parks like Hatfield. Winter brings the bulk of the annual rainfall and occasional dense tule fog that reduces visibility on valley highways. Caswell Memorial State Park has experienced flood-related closures after major storms on the Stanislaus, so confirm site availability after heavy rain. Spring brings green hills, high river flows, and wildflowers; fall offers warm days, cool nights, and lighter crowds after Labor Day.

Sites vary widely between state and private parks. Caswell Memorial is designed for tent camping and smaller RVs, with a maximum length of 24 feet for motorhomes and 21 feet for trailers, restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, drinking water, ADA-accessible sites, and each site equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and food locker. There are no hookups or dump station at the state park campground. Private parks fill the hookup gap. Kit Fox RV Park LLP and similar private parks in the area typically offer full hookups with 30/50 amp service, pull-through sites for big rigs, WiFi, laundry, showers, and dump stations. Expect freeway noise at I-5 parks, limited shade at newer Central Valley RV parks, and persistent mosquitoes at riverside state sites during warm months. Pets are welcome at Caswell on a six-foot leash but are prohibited on trails and at the river.