Basalt Campground

We camped here over a holiday weekend this January. It’s off season and the area is often foggy this time of year. Check-in is at 2 and we arrived about 4 pm. The reservation was not site-specific and we were able to choose which site we wanted, especially since we were there with only one other camper. The rangers and camp host were friendly and welcoming. We picked a site that had lovely view of grassy hills and some of the water. The sites were very clean, with paved back-in spots, most of which were level. It also had picnic table and food storage box. Some spots had more shade trees than others; with the fog, we opted for less shade. This would be a great place for birders. Heard owls, saw hawks, white pelicans, egrets, and others I don’t know the names of. The second night, some rowdy coyotes ran through the camp while we slept; otherwise very peaceful. We took a walk on nearby trail the second day there. A few people were fishing on the reservoir. It’s also a popular boating spot and there are lots of activities for folks.
There weren’t any hookups, which was fine since we were in a roof tent on a truck. Water was easily accessed with nearby spigots around campground. Restrooms were clean yet lacked soap dispensers, and most were locked, understandable with off season. Our only complaint was the shower facility. Coin operated, it didn’t appear to work. We put in 50 cents for minimum time, just to test out and nothing happened. Maybe we needed to put in full amount first? The camp host and rangers told us the shower was available, so not sure what happened. Perhaps instructions for us newbies would be nice, my only reason for 4 stars. We didn’t notify the camp host and maybe we should have. However, all said, this is very quiet and lovely place to camp and we would definitely stay here again. The second night saw three more campers arriving but it was still very peaceful. It may get busier and noisier on peak weekends, later in year. Note that summer temps can spike at upper 90s plus, so be prepared for that. Also, great cell service.

Nestled in a nicely wooded hollow about 15 min. drive from Santa Nella, CA, Basalt campground is part of the San Luis Reservoir Recreation Area. It offers showers & flush toilets, picnic table, and level asphalt pad for your camper/RV. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because the bathrooms were locked, apparently due to plumbing issues. Had to use weathered porta pottys instead. It’s location off the I-5, south of Los Banos, makes it a good choice for a quiet place to layover.

Basalt State Park & campground is a nice spot to spend the night if you’re passing through California on Interstate 5 near Highway 152 (Pacheco Pass) ~ or, if you’re into birding, 150 different species of birds are around this park and the nearby San Luis Reservoir. Some of the campsites have reservoir views. There were only 3 other campers in the campground while we were there. I don’t know that I would go there in the summer because of the Central Valley heat, but when we were there in October it was lovely. The ranger at the gate was friendly and helpful. We had a nice secluded spot near the bathrooms. We will definitely be going there again~

This is the second time we used a Basalt site as an overnight stop while traveling north from SoCal. This time is was the kicking off location for several planned sites, mostly California parks, from Santa Cruz north to Salt Point.

Basalt Campground is easily accessed from I5. At least during our two visits, there were sites available for dropping in at the last minute. No hookups but we typically don't look for them.

Great campground to come to off-season before it gets too hot and too buggy. Campground was not crowded, spacious, beautiful surroundings and many elk. Flush toilets and pay showers.

It’s open! We are only one of three campsites occupied. There is a camp host. We rolled in and asked for a site. Maybe just opening after COVID shut-down? Nice stop over for the night. 2 bars of ATT and peaceful. Bathrooms in great shape. Showers are $.50 for 2 minutes or $1.25 for 5 minutes. We scouted out nearby Madeira Campground first which is $20 to dry camp but chose here because it’s nicer. Our site had views of the distant water and rolling hills. Quite peaceful.

First, the cons. When I checked in, the ranger at the booth was a bit snippy. I had a reservation and showed it to her on my phone. Apparently my card had not been charged. There were plenty of sites still available, so I told her I would take any of them for two nights. She asked if I had a preference--shade, level, what? I said since I was solar powered, I'd like sun and as level as possible. She looked at her list and found a site. I went to it and it was so off level I didn't have enough blocks to make my van level enough to run the propane fridge. It was under trees, and although lovely, would not have allowed me to charge my solar unit. So I went back (the park was nearly empty) and politely apologized and asked if there was any way possible to switch to another site. I explained that the site was not level and was shaded. She got a little snippy and defensive telling me she can only go by the notes on her list. I told her I was not blaming her. I had checked out other sites and found several that were sunny and more level (notthing in this park is level. Most not even close) and asked if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I please switch. She made the switch and seemed to be a little calmer.

The campground is sort of nice. The most level and sunny spot was by the bathroom. I made that mistake before and won't make it again. Constant people "taking the shortcut" through my campsite to the bathroom. It was a Saturday night and there were several larger groups. They were talking loudly and laughing...nothing outrageous, but you know how sound travels in nature. They did all quiet down by 10:00.

I originally booked this because I thought it was by the reservoir. It is not. Not visible. Not within walking distance. So if you want to be by water, this is not the place. As I said above, nothing is level. Bring lots of leveling blocks. The sites are asphalt and most are EXTREMELY narrow. They could use some upkeep. (Maybe instead of paying thousands of dollars for a bogus recall election, CA could spend some money on their parks? Just a suggestion.) The park is a bit run down, but the trees and bushes are lovely, and it felt very safe and comfortable.

Oh. And they didn't give me my senior discount. My bad for not asking if there were any discounts available. Their bad because I'm clearly not 21 and the ranger seemed to be very impatient/annoyed. I don't think she likes her job.

After the fires in Northern California prevented us from camping in El Dorado County, we made a quick decision to go south a bit to San Luis Reservoir. Basalt Campground was practically empty for the entire weekend we were there. The campsites are spaced apart generously and the sites are huge. Each site has running water to wash dishes and/or hands and feet. The restrooms were very clean and well stocked and the showers were great. I would definitely return here for another getaway!

location has been close by state due to construction.

Not free its $20-30 a night