Medeiros Campground
4.0335 reviews31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322
Medeiros Campground
$20.00 - $20.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$20.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $20 per night. Additional vehicles cost $10 each. There are no discounts for longer stays.
About this campground
Tucked along the sun-dappled southern shores of O'Neill Forebay, Medeiros Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience. This hidden gem offers sweeping lakefront vistas and the simple pleasure of sleeping under California's vast sky, all without breaking the bank. Wake to the gentle lapping of water against the shore and spend your days exploring this peaceful primitive retreat where nature takes center stage.
Medeiros Campground provides primitive camping opportunities along the southern shoreline of O’Neill Forebay. It is suitable for tents, small RVs, and trailers, and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where centuries of stories whisper through the oak trees. Long before European settlers arrived, the Yokuts people called these hills home, living in harmony with the land for thousands of years. Spanish missionaries later traversed these paths, followed by fortune-seekers racing toward Gold Rush dreams. The campground bears the name of early pioneering families who transformed this wilderness into ranchland, and keen eyes can still spot weathered fence posts and stone foundations - silent monuments to California's ranching heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of California's inland climate at Medeiros. Summer days sizzle with temperatures soaring past 100°F, creating perfect conditions for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon swims, while evenings bring sweet relief with cooling breezes off the water. Winter transforms the landscape into a mysterious wonderland wrapped in thick blankets of fog, with temperatures staying comfortably above freezing. Spring emerges as nature's grand performance, painting the hillsides with vibrant wildflower displays beneath perfectly mild skies.
ElevationElevation data not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryGolden grassy hills roll like ocean waves toward the shimmering expanse of O'Neill Forebay, creating a landscape that captures the essence of California's untamed beauty. Ancient valley oaks dot the hillsides, their gnarled branches providing shade and shelter for countless creatures. Come spring, these hills explode in a riot of color as lupines, poppies, and countless other wildflowers carpet the slopes in purple, orange, and gold. The lake itself serves as the campground's centerpiece, its calm waters reflecting dramatic sunsets and offering a tranquil soundtrack to your outdoor adventure.
Geological RegionMedeiros Campground rests in the embrace of the western San Joaquin Valley's rolling terrain, near the historic Pacheco Pass that has served as a natural gateway for centuries. This unique geological setting creates a diverse ecosystem where valley grasslands meet oak woodlands, forming a tapestry of California's most iconic landscapes. The undulating hills, carved by ancient waterways and shaped by tectonic forces, create natural amphitheaters that burst with seasonal wildflower displays, making every visit a visual feast for nature enthusiasts.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree accessible campsites are available at Medeiros Campground along with accessible restrooms (non-flushable).
Sites SizeSites can accommodate tents and trailers/RVs, with some spots offering lakefront views.
Sites PrivacySites are generally spaced out but lack significant privacy due to minimal tree coverage. A user noted, 'Campsites are fairly spaced out, but there aren’t many trees for privacy.'
Total Campsites46 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the lake for the best views and access to water. Avoid sites near the northwest due to traffic noise from Highway 152.
Best CampsitesSites closer to the lake offer superior views, particularly 15, 20-27.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Cannot exceed 15 consecutive days per site and 30 days overall in state parks within a year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
No group-specific camping sites are mentioned for Medeiros Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spread along the southern shoreline, with clusters such as 1-19 near the entrance and 20-27 farther down the dirt road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation available; first-come, first-served only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations allowed.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation required; first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Medeiros Campground offers opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing, with its lakefront location serving as a highlight for many campers. While this is primarily a primitive camping experience, the natural surroundings make it suitable for those seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Medeiros Campground, with the O’Neill Forebay providing opportunities for catching species such as striped bass and catfish. One user remarked, 'You can fish from your campsite.'
SwimmingThe campground offers direct access to the water, but reviews suggest caution as there are no designated swim zones or lifeguards.
BoatingBoating is permitted at Medeiros, but all boats must be removed from the water by sunset. The campground’s proximity to the O’Neill Forebay makes it convenient for boaters.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as coyotes and toads have been observed by campers, adding to the natural charm of the area.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in provided fire rings. No ground fires permitted, and wood gathering is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCommon hazards include high winds, which can arise suddenly, and wildlife such as coyotes and rattlesnakes. Heavy mosquito presence reported in warmer months.
Active alertsWind conditions are monitored and may lead to sudden lake closures. Harmful algae blooms have been detected at Dinosaur Point Boat Launch.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 17.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include Gustine police, fire department, and medical facilities approximately 7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day is the busiest period.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available throughout the campground, but reviews mention that garbage is frequently left behind by campers, creating a littered environment. 'There is a lot of garbage everywhere. I don't blame the park service people as much as the people who stay here and dump their trash everywhere,' one reviewer commented.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the southern shoreline of O'Neill Forebay, providing easy lake access for fishing and scenic views.
Common complaintsTrash accumulation is frequently mentioned in user reviews. Pit toilets are often dirty and poorly maintained. Mosquitoes and ants cause discomfort.
HostFriendly staff mentioned in user reviews, but no specific host details provided.
Campground Map
31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322
Driving directionsOn Highway 152, 7 miles West of I-5, or 33 miles East of Highway 101 from Gilroy.
Accessible by paved roads; seasonal closures and windy conditions may affect navigation. Located near major highways, making it highly accessible.Nearby places
Gustine (approximately 7 miles, 15 minutes)
Gilroy (approximately 33 miles, 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Santa Nella town offers groceries, fuel stations, and camping supplies about 6 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.0
35 reviews
Medeiros Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Medeiros Campground as a convenient location for primitive camping near I-5, with beautiful lakefront views and opportunities for fishing and stargazing. However, criticisms include the lack of maintenance of the chemical toilets, prevalence of mosquitoes and ants, and garbage frequently left behind by previous campers. The wind can also be a challenge for tent campers.
Review Summaries
Many reviewers praised the lakefront views, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient access to fishing and stargazing. 'Beautiful spot for overnight camping,' said one user. Another noted, 'Great for...
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Common complaints include poor maintenance of chemical toilets, litter left by previous campers, and challenges posed by mosquitoes and ants. Many reviewers also mentioned wind as a significant...
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Campers recommend bringing insect repellant, preparing for windy conditions, and choosing weekdays for quieter stays. One user advised, 'Go Monday maybe Tuesday for a private stay.' Another suggested...
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The campground is generally quieter during the offseason, with more privacy and less crowding. However, offseason visits still require preparation for windy and chilly conditions, as noted in...
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1. 'Nice camping along the lake. Camping costs $20 at the ranger station ($10 per additional car).' - Sam
2. 'Good Verizon coverage.' - Carl Strohmeyer
3. 'Used to be a decent place to stop for a...
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Site-specific details include comments on proximity to the entrance and lake. 'Campsites 1 through 19 are located together closest to the entrance. 20 to 27 are farther down the dirt road,' stated...
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Accessibility features include three accessible campsites and accessible restrooms (chemical toilets).
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. One user cautioned, 'Don't tie up your dogs outside or leave food out!' Coyotes were noted as frequent visitors.
Last updated July 20, 2025