Cole Ranch

100%

208 reviews

· Waterford, Stanislaus, California

7 acres hosted by Barry C.

5 RV/tent sites · 4 tent sites

Great for groups

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Big rig-friendly

Spacious, level camping well-suited for travel trailers over 40 ft long.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank- Serene, quiet acreage on the Tuolumne River, with views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas on a clear day. Scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers, and many more. Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Like to fish? Fishing at Cole Ranch is a Love/Hate thing. If you Love to Fish, you will Hate to leave. Gateway to Yosemite National Park, the Mother Lode region, hiking trails, and spelunking opportunities. All sites have access to our community outdoor kitchen, which has a refrigerator, coffee bar, sink, BBQ's, and stoves. Also available are our bathrooms, quite possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms in the 13 western states, which include flushable toilets, two sinks, and warm showers. Book your visit now. (Group bookings must be approved by host. Group bookings that have not been pre-approved may be cancelled.) *%*% Ever see a meteor shower? Cole Ranch is a perfect place to view one. The Perseid meteor shower is active mid-July through August, with the most active night being August 12. The moon will be 50% illuminated that night, and will set around midnight. With few lights around, there will be lots to see.*%*% (Cole Ranch is a working ranch, surrounded by walnut and almond orchards. Harvest for these orchards occur mid-August thru September, and can create dust and noise. Occasional noise from common ranching activities may be heard. Landscaping activities like mowing, watering, etc. generally occur Mondays-Wednesdays) Check back here periodically for advisories on river conditions. ###EXCITING NEWS### We are working hard to open at least THREE new campsites. These new sites will be more secluded and private than current sites, each with its own path to the river. Earliest these will be open is Mid-September. Contact Barry, coleranch23@icloud.com, for more information. NEW ADDITION We have added two picnic tables with benches to our inventory. These tables are available like our other equipment, First come First served. All we ask is you return any of or stuff to its place after use. **ADVISORY** 6/20/24 River is currently running at normal levels. 4/18/24 River is currently running about 3' above normal. Except for Fisherman's Hideout, all sites remain open. Fisherman's Hideout is currently under water, but should be open some time in May. Fishing is great right now, but water activities will be limited. Will update as changes occur.

Activities

Boating

Fishing

Paddling

Swimming

Natural features

River, stream, or creek

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273 ratings · 208 reviews

Lynn G.

3 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

2nd Trip - 5 Star

27 ft travel trailer ·

River's Edge Premium RV Site 5

Our 2nd stay at Cole Ranch was once again perfect! The grounds and facilities are meticulously maintained. The hosts take pride in their accommodations. Barry is very attentive and there to help you in any way he can. For the birdwatchers out there, we found the ranch to be the perfect home base for day trips to Merced, San Luis and San Joaquin National Wildlife Refuges. You can also enjoy many feathered friends from your campsite, as well as a rascally otter! This trip is an "annual" for us and I already have it on my calendar reminder to book for next year! Thank you Barry!!!

Ken F.

2 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

37 ft fifth wheel ·

BlackBerry Briar RV Park

We loved our stay at Cole Ranch! Beautiful property and very well kept up. Bathrooms were spotless and they have everything you could possibly need. We will definitely be back soon!

Charlotte G.

4 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

Simply beautiful and lots of extras

16 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

BlackBerry Briar RV Park

This is such a beautiful property. Barry was a perfect host. Great communication from start to end, going over every detail. So many amenities. We took our little dogs over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day and it was just what we needed. We intend to go again.

Angelica T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

Awesome New Years Eve Stay

Tent ·

Fisherman's Hideout

If I could leave more stars I would. Barry and his family thought of everything you could need to make your stay as comfortable as it could be! If I could stay longer I would! Absolutely no complaints and the icing on the cake was the pomegranate orchid they have that they tell you you’re more than welcome to help yourselves to just showed how kind and thought the owners are!

Max M.

6 reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

Cole Ranch Campground Review

Tent ·

Fisherman's Hideout

As a professional camper, I can confidently say that Cole Ranch is by far the best, safest, and most beautiful campsite we've ever experienced. The lush grass flooring underfoot makes for a serene and comfortable stay. To our surprise, the campsite also features a flash toilet, which adds a layer of convenience and luxury. Cole Ranch is situated next to a wide, calm river, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil ambiance that’s hard to beat. The welcoming and responsive host ensured our stay was perfect, leaving such a great impression that we've already rebooked for the upcoming Spring! If you're curious to see more of this incredible campsite, check out our YouTube channel, AMERSIAN CAMPERS. We’re excited to upload our full experience at RainDale before the end of 2024. Don’t miss it!

Kelly F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

Tent · With pets ·

River’s Edge Campsites

Definitely a destination to plan around for this hipcamp. A pure delight if you love to fish (I heard fish jumping throughout the night!), or just want to unwind on/ in an inviting river and listen to all the bird chatter. The outdoor kitchen/ prep station is superior to many Airbnb's I've stayed in, and the bathroom will spoil you and taint any future camping experiences you have. Oh, and I didn't even use my tent tarp - the most level, comfy ground I think I've ever pitched on. The host (Barry) is, exceptionally, on top of every detail regarding a stay on his land, as in superb lighting, space between the handful of sites, hot water at the kitchen sink, cotton dish/ hand towels...the list goes on! It's mind-boggling that this bucolic setting is in the midst of modern conveniences, but you don't need to leave bcs the site is so complete. Hat's off to Barry...

Location

Waterford, Stanislaus, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Miwok and Yokuts First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking