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River Ranch Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review

The Tuolumne Park and Recreation District manages River Ranch Campground, a drive-in facility that operates from March through September in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Located near Twain Harte, the campground accommodates RVs up to 22 feet with water hookups available at select sites. The terrain features open areas alongside a creek that runs through the property.

Campers consistently mention the sound of flowing water, with several sites positioned directly along the creek bank. The facility includes restrooms with showers that reviewers describe as clean with reliable hot water. A camp host provides on-site assistance and can recommend specific sites based on group size and preferences. "You can bring your furry kids, there are clean showers and restrooms," notes Tabitha R.. The campground allows pets and campfires, with firewood available for purchase.

Access includes drive-in, walk-in, and hike-in options, with the property featuring several trails within a small canyon setting. Reviewers mention the proximity to fishing opportunities and Cherry Lake. The Hacienda campground sits just 0.2 miles north for campers exploring multiple sites in the area. Mosquitoes can be present during wetter periods, so insect repellent proves useful.

River Ranch works well for campers who prioritize water access and appreciate having basic amenities while maintaining a connection to the creek environment.

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Location

Public Campground

River Ranch Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

4 miles east of Tuolumne City on Cottonwood Road

Coordinates

37.99330004 N
120.1815004 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the secluded creek-side sites and helpful hosts who provide personalized service. Clean facilities and pet-friendly policies were consistently highlighted, with the natural canyon setting being a major draw.

AThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 24, 2023

Beautiful and relaxing

We had such a relaxing time at River Ranch. The camp host, Cito, was very helpful and friendly. We were registered at site 2B. Cito recommended that we move to 1M because a large family reunion group was coming in and our new sight was much more secluded. We were backed up to the river and slept with our van back door open. The sound of the creek was awesome, made falling asleep so easy. Highly recommend this campground. The bathrooms were clean, showers had nice warm water. We will definitely return. There were quite a few mosquitoes but with all the rain we’ve had it was to be expected, just bring your bug spray.

Site1-M
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of River Ranch Campground by Allison , May 24, 2023
  • Review photo of River Ranch Campground by Allison , May 24, 2023
Janet M.
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2022

Casino close & Easy in & out

Few minutes from Black Oak Casino, river fishing & Cherry lake. Cool & Shady In the summer. Can’t wait to go back & camp right by the little creek. My lab loves it there! Plenty of room for the taco caterer to feed us all!

Siteunknown
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of River Ranch Campground by Janet M., April 27, 2022
  • Review photo of River Ranch Campground by Janet M., April 27, 2022
M
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Great Campsite

This is a great site. They have onsite assistance, and the layout is great. The site has several trails and is secluded in a great little canyon.

SiteRiver Ranch
Month of VisitJuly
Tabitha R.
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2020

Found on accident! Fell in love!

This will always be my FOREVER campground ! We have been coming for about two years now and still so absolutely in love with it! I recommend to friends and family all the time. You can bring your furry kids, there are clean showers and restrooms. Watering holes on campgrounds and around the area like Cherry Lake, Rainbow Pools and Gods Bath! California is full of beautiful wonders and this little gem in Stanislaus Forest is one of them! There is a little coffee-smoothie shack made by the hosts! Enjoy a mocha and have great conversations with them! Frank is our go to guy, he’ll set you up with a great spot to suit your needs!!

  • Review photo of River Ranch Campground by Tabitha R., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of River Ranch Campground by Tabitha R., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of River Ranch Campground by Tabitha R., September 22, 2020
  • (5) View All
Dameion L.
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2020

very relaxing

when I was a kid we used to go there as a family very nice place to camp. me and my wife went there 2 years ago. we were gonna further up the road a little closer to cherry lake campground at a private and free place called Thompson meadows but the Rangers closed it down because the homeless left it a mess and so she upset so we went and stayed at River ranch and it was great. I love that place. I will find some pictures for u guys.

Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is River Ranch Campground located in Tuolumne, CA and how do I get there?

River Ranch Campground is nestled in a scenic canyon in Tuolumne, California. It's located a short distance from Black Oak Casino and within driving distance of Cherry Lake. The campground sits in a shaded area that offers cooler temperatures during summer months. For specific directions, contact the campground directly or check with the local forest service office, as the exact access roads may vary depending on your starting point. The campground is situated in a relatively secluded area that provides a peaceful retreat in nature.

What amenities and facilities are available at River Ranch Campground?

River Ranch Campground offers clean restrooms and shower facilities for campers to use during their stay. The campground features multiple campsites with varying layouts, including some secluded spots and others near the creek or river. There's onsite assistance available from friendly camp hosts who can help with any questions or issues. The grounds include several trails within the campground area, and water access is available with watering holes on the property. The campground is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry companions along to enjoy the outdoors with you.

What activities and attractions are near River Ranch Campground?

River Ranch Campground offers excellent access to numerous outdoor activities and local attractions. The campground is just minutes from Black Oak Casino for those seeking entertainment. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy river fishing in the nearby waterways or take a drive to Cherry Lake for additional water recreation. The campground's location in a canyon provides access to several hiking trails both within and around the property. The creek running through the campground is perfect for cooling off in the summer, and the surrounding area offers plenty of exploration opportunities. The shaded setting makes it an ideal base for summer adventures in the Tuolumne region.

What do visitor reviews say about River Ranch Campground?

River Ranch Campground receives high praise for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Campers particularly appreciate the helpful and friendly camp hosts who provide assistance and sometimes suggest optimal campsites based on group size and preferences. The layout gets positive mentions for its thoughtful design, with various sites offering different experiences - some secluded and others along the water. Many visitors comment on the beautiful creek and river access, which is especially popular with dogs and families looking to cool off. The clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, are highlighted as well-maintained. The campground's location near attractions while still feeling secluded makes it a favorite for repeat visits.

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