Los Banos Creek Campground (San Luis Reservoir)
Los Banos, CA 93635, United States
Overview
Los Banos Creek Campground is located within San Luis Reservoir Recreation Area. The campground includes 14 sites that are spread along the Los Banos Reservoir. There are two group camps nearby in a separate area.
Although many of the sites are marked for tents, the campground does allow small RVs up to 25 feet. There is very little space to turn around, so it’s advisable to check dimensions carefully. Los Banos Creek Campground is open all year, but closures are possible in the winter or when water is released from the reservoir.
Amenities include chemical toilets, fire rings, tables, shade ramadas, and drinking water. There are also dump stations at two neighboring campgrounds within the same recreation area. Dogs are allowed in the campground, but they are not permitted on trails or anywhere else within the recreation area.
Best Campsites at Los Banos Creek Campground (San Luis Reservoir)
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Los Banos Creek Campground (San Luis Reservoir).
Most Spacious: Sites #13, #14
- Located in a more secluded area
- More space to turn around and maneuver
- Trees dividing #13 and #14 for privacy
- Downside: not located along the water
Most Private Waterfront Sites: #3, #4
- Located away from the main part of the campground
- Plenty of trees for shade
- Not far from the water
Best for Groups: Sites #5–#9
- Five individual sites in same area
- Easy to walk between sites
- Close to the water with direct views
- Downside: less privacy
Unique Experiences
- Bring your remote-controlled glider to soar above the water and take in the diverse topography, wildlife, and natural beauty of the area.
- Grab your fishing gear and try your chances at catching large-mouth bass, catfish, trout, and a variety of other species just steps away from your campsite.
- Stop by Romero Overlook Visitors Center to discover the history of the reservoirs and use the center’s telescope for an unbeatable view.
Los Banos Creek Campground (San Luis Reservoir) Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
25 feetMax People per Site
8 for individual sites. 30 for small group site. 60 for large group siteMax Vehicles per Site
2 for individual sites. 10 for small group site. 15 for large group siteFires Allowed
YesLos Banos Creek Campground (San Luis Reservoir) Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations for Los Banos Creek Campground are available online at www.reservecalifornia.com. Guests may also reserve sites in person or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. A nonrefundable $7.99 fee will apply.
All sites are $20 per night, and no hookups or upgrades are available. There is a maximum occupancy of 8 guests and 2 vehicles. Although RVs of up to 25 feet are allowed even in spaces marked online as “Tent Primitive Campsite,” some sites lack sufficient space to easily maneuver an RV or trailer.
Group Camping Reservations
There are two group sites located in San Luis Reservoir Recreation Area. One is a premium site that has a shade ramada, 120-volt electric, an accessible flush toilet, and a shower. The maximum capacity for the premium site is 60 guests and 15 vehicles, and the nightly rate is $200. The smaller standard group site has similar amenities but can only fit 30 people and 10 vehicles for $100 per night.
Reservations are available online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275 for both sites. A $7.99 fee will apply.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations must be made through the online portal at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. A $7.99 fee will apply. Any cancellation that takes place after 6 p.m. the day before arrival will be charged an additional fee equivalent to a single night’s stay in the campground.
Los Banos Creek Campground (San Luis Reservoir) Campground Cost
Single Sites
$20Small Group Sites
$100Large Group Sites
$200Activities
Geocaching
Hiking
Photography
Stargazing
Picnicking
Swimming
Boating
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Trash
Alcohol
Picnic Tables
Boat Rental
Grills
Campfire Rings
Boat Ramp
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Los Banos Creek Campground (San Luis Reservoir)
Los Banos Creek Campground is much smaller than many others in the area, but it’s located in a unique setting along the water for guests who are searching for a scenic place to stay. The sites are very small, and it’s difficult to access most sites with RVs or trailers. With a length limit of only 25 feet, this is not the right location for mid-sized or large rigs.
Amenities include chemical toilets, fire rings, drinking water, tables, and shade covers. There are no showers or flush toilets, so other campgrounds that are more developed are better for guests who prefer access to running water.
Swimming is not allowed at Los Banos Creek Reservoir due to algae, but there are other swimming areas nearby within the park. At a rate of only $20 per night, Los Banos Creek Campground is highly affordable and perfect for budget travelers.
San Luis Creek Campground
San Luis Creek Campground is located in the same park as Los Banos, but the amenities are starkly different. San Luis Creek has over 50 sites that offer electric and water hookups. There are no showers or flush toilets, but the campground has a dump station to make longer stays more convenient. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 30 feet. Prices are much higher due to the upgraded amenities; a single night at San Luis Creek is $40.
Mcconnell State Recreational Area Campground
McConnell SRA Campground has 4 tent-only sites, 17 sites for tents or RVs, and 2 group sites. The length limit is 24 feet for trailers and 30 feet for RVs, so this location is better able to accommodate larger motorhomes. A limited number of sites feature pull-through layouts. This campground has access to the Merced River for swimming, fishing, and rafting. Rates are considerably higher than at Los Banos Creek. Individual sites are $35 per night.
Oak Point Campground
Oak Point is a small campground with 9 tent-only sites, 2 of which are walk-in only. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water. A nearby group site can fit up to 50 guests but lacks the upgraded amenities at the San Luis Reservoir group sites. Oak Point does not have access to a body of water, so guests who enjoy boating and fishing should stay at campgrounds like Los Banos Creek Campground.
