Campgrounds and RV parks near Westley, CA

River recreation drives most outdoor plans in this stretch of the Central Valley. At Caswell Memorial State Park, activities include campfire programs, picnicking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, biking and hiking, with easy trails winding under the oak canopy. Bordered by the Merced River, George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area offers more than a mile of river frontage with recreation including fishing, picnicking, river wading, sunbathing, hiking, kayaking and nature study. Kit Fox RV Park works well as a base for day trips to Yosemite, regional wineries, and the Bay Area. Birding is strong throughout, especially in spring when migratory species pass through the valley along the Pacific Flyway.

The Central Valley climate around Westley is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and fall are the most comfortable windows for RV travel, with mild days, blooming vegetation, and lighter crowds. The best time of year to visit the Modesto area is March to May and October to November. Summer brings consistent heat, with afternoon highs frequently in the 90s Fahrenheit and very little rain. River campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends because visitors come to cool off in the water, so reservations should be locked in well ahead. Insect repellent is recommended for those sensitive to mosquitoes, especially near the riparian vegetation at Caswell and Hatfield. Winters are cool and damp rather than cold, with January among the wettest months and dense Tule fog common in the mornings. Some areas of Caswell Memorial State Park remain closed due to past flooding damage, so confirm site status before booking winter or early-spring trips along the Stanislaus.

Expect a mix of polished private parks and rustic state campgrounds. Kit Fox RV Park LLP provides full hookups, laundry, showers, a dump station, and pull-throughs sized for big rigs along the I-5 corridor. Caswell's 64 sites sit beneath valley oaks along the Stanislaus River, with a maximum length of 24 feet for motorhomes and 21 feet for trailers, restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, drinking water, and each site equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food locker. George J. Hatfield campsites are for tents only and require a short walk from the parking area, equipped with tables and drinking water, with restrooms nearby. No hookups are available at the state-park sites, so arrive with full fresh water and empty holding tanks.