It had been years since I have been here. People still party hard till late at night. They have added many tables in the undeveloped areas and try as they might people are just gross going to the bathrooms. Without any boats there are so many birds that is quite nice, we saw a huge pelican catching the fish we could not. Camped for one both with son in law and grand dog and had a nice time. read more

Woodward Reservoir - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

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There needs to be more police or rangers frequently checking or enforcing the strict policy when staying overnight. People get out of control, like they have never seen or been to the lake. Its disgusting to watch. we camped a few times and people next to us were throwing trash everywhere but the trash bins that's behind their car. Also if spot is reserved till 2pm next day, why are you allowing next person who reserved it arrive few hours early and waiting around or passing by your RV like basically asking you to leave. Something here needs to change, but after yesterday's shooting, we won't be coming here again. There is always someone that has to ruin it for everyone else, can't even act normal while at the lake. This could really be a very beautiful place to enjoy with family, and the only way that will happen is for Rangers and police department needs to step up or raise the fees. Why are you allowing vehicles park in RV spots just because they come out to drink, do drugs, etc. 2 young kids were parked in our spot and we had to ask them to leave. read more

Tried to come out during the week to save money and not have long lines, but this place has become overpriced at $40 a day without a designated parking spot in the middle of the week and the restroom doors don't lock and have no toilet paper and everything seems to be overpriced in the stores. This used to be my favorite place now it's gone down hill I won't be going back! read more

Came here on Father's Day weekend and it was super packed. We stayed at campsite 84. Majority of the sites are RV's but they allow tents as well. The campsites are very close together and not really a relaxing camping experience. People are blasting music all day until 10pm due to the noise restriction. I could still hear music from other campsites and people talking and drinking until 1am. If you're looking for a more lively campsite with a lot of people and kids, this may be for you. There's a lot of trash everywhere including around the lake. The lake is pretty dirty, i recommend bringing water shoes. Oh my the bathrooms..... they get hosed down every morning but throughout the day it gets pretty bad. It runs out of toilet paper and there's trash everywhere because there are not trash cans in the stalls, only one big one right outside the bathroom. Both nights we were there, there was human feces in the shower stall. The showers have lukewarm water and the women's side has 3 shower stalls while the men's have 1. My boyfriend said the men's bathroom was horrendously dirty (pee on and around the toilet, feces on the ground, etc). The day use area is next to the campground so sometimes theres a wait for the bathroom. The campground is dog friendly but occasionally there were loose dogs running around with no owners in sight. There was occasionally a ranger or workers that drove thru the campsite but I don't think they enforce much. Also they do allow a 3rd car but they are subject to pay the price of a full campsite. read more

Went camping here this past Saturday. Checking in was easy, no waits, staff was clear and efficient. Though campsites are pretty close together, site #37 (like many sites here) is right on the water, it's like you have your own little beach, with occasional flocks of geese coming on shore... Had to stay at Charlie's Point, cuz I was with Charlie Chaplin (only cuz "Charlie Chaplin Days" was happening this past weekend in Fremont). At arrival, we noticed animal feces and bottle caps galore. The campgrounds seem to be a bit filthier than what you'd expect from roughing it outdoors (and I have plenty to compare it to). Before we set up and settled, I kinda had to clean up... wish I had brought a broomstick, as funny as it sounds, I prefer to camp out on dirt, not trash. Love that they offer so many site options for camping here, and a huge lake for visitors to enjoy swimming, boating, jetskiing, or just appreciating the views and adoring the waterbirds. But one thing missing is there's nowhere to really go hiking, like we often find at other parks and campgrounds. It's fine though, cuz we spent our time on the water (brought our own inflatable boat), relaxing on a beach mat at our campsite, and hanging out by the campfire at night. And I enjoyed just being out in nature with Charlie Chaplin! :P No problems with wifi/internet access at Woodward, and the Crescent General Store on site selling swim gear, camping accessories, firewood, medicine, snacks, drinks, and limited groceries (open till 6pm on Saturday), added to the convenience of our stay. It was quiet after 10:30pm this past Saturday, so we ended up getting a good night's rest, with Charlie Chaplin ready to do his thing the next day :) read more

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This is a great place to have outdoor fun, boating,fishing and swimming. My dogs had a great time in the lake,so did my husband and I. Also has great day camp spots. read more

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Great place to camp swim picnic all of the above. Just make sure and get there early because it fills up fast

We go every year with boat and rv and tents yes the bathrooms are messy and disgusting but it's better then shiting in the woods besides it's from disgusting people that can't control their liquor and have no respect...don't blame the park for ignorant people so next time pick up your crap...and you know who you are...I love Woodward read more

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It's very nice when you can reserve a hookup spot for your trailer! I think it's ridiculous that they sale out all the hook ups to people with tents! And they also take a spot of hookup for their vehicles! Those spots should only be for TRAILERS they can go dry camping they don't have outlets if they don't like what I said go buy a RV leave those spots for people with RV's we can never book because you sale out to people who have tents RIDICULOUS! read more

AVOID THIS PLACE. Worst park for camping I have ever visited!! Came here Saturday night paid for a two day stay. Once we found a campsite we setup and then I went over to the restroom which was destroyed.... Urine and feces everywhere inside of the two of them. We ate and go a fire going got tired around 11 and tried to sleep. Very difficult to sleep no enforcement of quite time people playing music like your at a concert, screaming and yelling. This went on until 3-4am. The next night which was Sunday I thought it would change but it was exactly the same. Sunday we went to the store to get ice and came back to some POS setup right ifo of our campsite which was the only shaded area they were literally 10ft away from us. I will never come here again and I would reccomend you dont either. read more

Woodward Reservoir - Rude person took over our site - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

Great place to camp without a reservation. Had a great weekend with family. That said, the state of the bathrooms leaves something to be desired. Think of the worst gas station bathroom you've ever been in and multiply that by 100. We had to hop in our car and travel 10 minutes to one of the few bathrooms with plumbing and indoor lighting. One of the three stalls was missing a seat. The other two that were in working order had piles of shit-stained toilet paper piled in grocery bags campers had tied in the stall. It's a bring-your-own-toilet paper situation, and please don't mind the flies. They are just living their best lives feasting on the filth. You'll find "bathrooms" near your campsite but they do not have running water or lights. They are not cleaned and you will find flies, filthy floors and shit everywhere. They are essentially permanently-affixed outhouses and you are just relieving yourself in holes that are piled high with shit and toilet paper. I do not understand how people use the restrooms because shit was in places that just defied the laws of logic. With as much revenue as this place generates, you would think they'd be able to afford to provide their campers with clean bathrooms. So, if you're planning to camp here, make sure to bring a portable outhouse and thank me later. read more

Bathrooms are disgusting and small. Shower line over an hour. There is no such thing as quiet time here. Loud till 3-4am. No clear marking of Campsite space, our neighbors set up so close. Fun to party and play at the water. read more

One star because the lake itself is beautiful, and big, and there is many camping spots, no reservation needed. But a very negative issue, is the bad restrooms management, dirty, fill with shit, cero maintenance/ cleaning throughout the day. I caldo the math, this reservior makes over $100, 000 thousand dollars in a weekend, please spend a couple thousand keeping this restrooms clean. read more

nice water but no space for day time hate it people where rude when we had pass by then to get to water do to all day time being far from water and I seen that camp area had no many em space i think it's stupid had cry all kids over there read more

Frank was very disrespectful he was being very unprofessional and was not being reasonable. He was being very disrespectful after we have been coming here for 3+ years. He called the sheriff and even the sheriff didn't tell us anything. We understand the rules but no one else was asked to move when braking the rules throughout the park. read more

I used to go there for years and it was pleasant. Now that I went back there after a long time, it was a complete nightmare. I believe in having a good time but you also have to respect your neighbors. Music was full blast till 4 in the morning only for it to start back up at 7 in the morning. There was no toilet paper in the restrooms. There was feces on the walls and floor. Where does the money for the entrance fee go? It's obvious they do not have any employees to patrol the area or to clean the bathrooms. There is no enforcement at all at the campground. I've seen many disgusting toilets but this one tops them all. If you decide to go, bring your own bucket toilet and some wipes and you can take that to the bank. read more

Woodward Reservoir - Never again will I go there. - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

I would agree that these grounds are fun for groups of all sizes. There are a few things I would like to highlight for consideration should you plan a day out in the sun - * centrally located for those traveling from Stockton or nearby cities * $20 for day parking. * go early to pick your ideal spot. First come, first served * parking is scarce. Carpool if possible. * water is dirty so bring fresh water to rinse yourself off when you're done. * jet skiing allowed. * Bluetooth speakers allowed if you like loud music. * lots of kids and families. We spent a day here with friends BBQing and jetsking. Had a blast. Come prepared with canopies, chairs, foldable tables, etc. Would recommend. read more

Love the water ! Love the ducks too but not their poop! :) the scenery is really nice and calm ! Super big and spacious, they have a concession stand! Love it here read more

Very nice area, depending on where you stay you could be around other campers who are up and playing music well into the early morning. This did not bother me but it is definitely something to keep in mind if booking a spot to camp. Our campsite was right off the water which was a plus for sure in the hot weather. read more

Woodward Reservoir is a decent place for a day trip to escape the sun while relaxing in the water. It's located about 5 miles north of Oakdale on 26 Mile Road. Day use is $15 per vehicle and camping is $30 per vehicle. For current fees please check out this site: http://www.stancounty.com/parks/pdf/fee_schedule.pdf I have both camped and the visited day use areas. While both are decent, I prefer Woodward as my local day use go to. Their day use area has great water access, picnic tables, and bbq's. In many areas there is also some grass. Their camping area isn't terrible. It just gets so darn windy here in the evening that even in a really nice time of year it can quickly become more than the average recreational camper really wants to deal with. read more

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I really enjoyed camping here, the resivour was nice for swimming and fishing, , they have shower's and bathroom's next to campsites, it is great for family fun.i will definitely be coming back. read more

Woodward Reservoir - Clear and calm , for boater's - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

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I have been going to this place to camp for more than five years, but it seems every year, it gets worse, starting with the bathrooms. It Is disgusting (July 2024 ) that portable toilets weren't cleaned from July 1st until July 5th; imagine hundreds of people using four portable toilets. Not Mentioning the other bathrooms were closed. We left on July 7th, and the bathrooms were getting worse. ( NO paper toilet, poop on top of the toilet lid disgusting) Before we left, I told the front entrance to clean the portable toilets. Another thing: The grass was super grown out. We had to ask our neighbors to use the weed cutters they brought to cut the grass, as holes were everywhere, making walking around extremely dangerous and not twisting your ankle. read more

Personally for my family and i even though we got there late we still found a great spot. The water was not too cold and there was no rocks or fishing hooks or even too much weeds. It was a perfect experience except for the bathrooms. Im not sure about the mens but as for the womens the doors and walls are SHORT I could easily see over to the bathroom next to me. So definitely be prepared for that if possible bring your own type of "bathroom" they do offer portable potties but they may not be fit for everyone specially in the heat. Other than that the water and area was really nice! read more

Been coming here for years It's not too bad it's nice great for going and taking a dip in the lake and barbecuing check it out read more

Woodward Reservoir - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

Gorgeous grounds and beautiful landscape, + a reasonable drive from the SF Bay Area. I was here for a festival Earth Day weekend and didn't get to use any of the campground's facilities (bathrooms/showers/etc), but from what I did see & experience, this place appears to be very well-kept & well-loved. This place is a gem. read more

Woodward Reservoir - "Serenity Gathering" at Woodward Reservoir #thecovestage #opulenttemple - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

We have come here plenty.. But this last time things were so awful. The bathrooms were so beyond not useable.. There was feces and pee all over.. Plus I was upset with how they post about quiet time being 10... But our neighbors we're not following that rule by yelling across the bend, playing music, being highly disrespectful until 4AM.... Yes 4AM... I called them no answer... Very frustrating. They need to spend more time reinforcing that rule. read more

7/20/24 The cops this day were so power hungry it was insane. They claimed my relative drove in front of there boat on the jetski and said "we could've ended your life". She was no where in front of them but stopped to let them pass so she can go on their wake. They told her to go back to the camp and followed her. We were told this story and I asked calmly "Is there any cameras on the boat to show if she did?" The Officer Adams on the boat also had a body cam and said "you know what, you all have 15 minutes to pack up and leave or you will all be arrested." They called for back up cause we kept asking why? What did we do? 7 cop cars pulled up to intimidate us and they all stood and watched us pack. Paid all that overnight camping fees just to not camp. We felt so powerless because they kept saying they would arrest us for trespassing. We never cussed at them, or raised our voices. It was terrible. Fuck all those cops who could've done actual better things to do than harass a family. Fucking useless. read more

I've come here for years, true to many of the posts bathrooms have been dirty (slightly) trash usually around the dumpsters... I haven't been in a year due to working my ass off but when I took a trip here this past week it's changed.. Thursday-Sunday... ish Thursday night: Showed up trash EVERYWHERE Practically no shade anywhere on camp site and where there were trees there are signs posted that u can't camp behind them so no shaded areas for tents. ZERO. Friday: Found a spot to camp that had access to a few awesome small beaches. U camped 30ft or more away from it so we had to set up canopies. It was 100 degrees by 730am Some people wouldn't read the signs and wanted to camp close to the beach we resided at we would remind them of the "NO CAMPING BEHIND THIS SIGN" and they would go else where. Sat: Horrible. Reached a high of 108 degrees. SO MANY PEOPLE TRIED TO CAMP ON TOP OF US. Even the 3 feet between our van and our tent someone tried to set up tables and ice chests... Like ummmm really? It wasent until a HUGE group of people walked through our camp (9 adults, 12 children, 7 cars deep) and started setting up camp jumping all over our jet ski and messing with our dogs. My husband got in a non violent confrontation with them, cops came, paid no attention to the reservoir rules of 2 cars per camp site (we had one camp sight with 1 car) no more than 8 people per camp. And sided with the massive group of people stating that we can't "build a wall with our vehicle and tent" and that they can take over our camp site if they please. I explains to the sheriff that we paid a lot of money to be here, took off work and SHOWED UP THURSDAY looking for the perfect spot and he's telling me people can take our spot while we still reside there if we want!? Lastly the reservoir was so packed by sat with drunken jet skiers and boaters running over children and crashing in to banks we had to leave sat night and swallow the loss for last night we paid for. (NO REFUNDS UNLESS U CONTACT THE COUNTY) It was a blast until people packed themselves in like sardines and started acting insane. It's ghetto. Disgusting. Unkept. Unregulated. Only thing is I see a lot of posts about nasty water the water was great. No nastiness and no floating grossness I won't be back. Needless to say, this place is disgusting Bathrooms were so sick they were scary. Police won't help u. read more

Woodward Reservoir - The "wall" we made to block off our 1 camp site. Also signs posted that state "no vehicles no tents and no trailers beyond this sign" - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

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Bathrooms are filthyyyy ! Never in two days did someone clean the restrooms. Also people don't care anymore or even respect our space they take over which is not fair. This place needs more trees. They should allow low music not loud! This place needs more showers people take a long time showering while holding up the big line not fair for others. read more

Comparisons to Modesto Reservoir quickly come to mind probably because of thier close proximity to each other and the fact both are ran by Stanislaus County. This reservoir and camping facilities seem bigger than Modesto's, the campsites and day use areas seemingly go on forever. This facility appears to draw a larger crowd, as there are people everywhere. The staff didn't seem as friendly as the staff at Modesto Reservoir and the facility didn't seem as well kept. Some day use areas and campsites have tall weeds in them and some of the bathrooms were filthy. Overall this isn't a bad place to spend the day outdoors, or camping for a weekend. However it could be improved greatly with cleaner bathrooms and some mowing. read more

Woodward Reservoir - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

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We enjoyed our time here. Very packed tho. Water was nice. We camped right next to water. Just wish they had closer restrooms.

So this is going to be long. But today me and my family experienced racial profiling while enjoying a day at the lake. The day was going great and the sheriffs where hot with everyone I the sherif pull over like 4 people but here is where they targeted us. They pulled my boyfriend over while he was on the jet ski and he asked why and went to shore so they can write his ticket but while the sherif on the boat was following him two other sheriffs decided to follow him like if he was resisting or causing a scene when it was nothing like that. I got up to go see why there was three sheriffs for one jet ski but they just kept saying we were making a commotion when it was nothing like that because I watched him pull over multiple people and no one else was followed by two others sheriffs. We asked the need of why there needed to be extra sheriffs but they wouldn't answer our question. They ended up giving us a ticket which is fine I don't care but the need to send two extra sheriff for one person was not okay. Also the sheriffs boat was hitting out jet ski and we told him and he didn't care well out jet ski now has scratches from the sheriffs boat hitting out jet ski multiple times and he didn't even bother moving it until he gave us our ticket. Today was definitely the worst experience. I know he did it because of the way we looked because no one else was escorted by three sheriffs it was only my boyfriend. Needless to say I am very upset and we will be looking for a new lake to enjoy our day at. read more

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I've been coming here since 1995 and unfortunately this camping area has deteriorated over the years to now being absolutely unbearable. The lake and camping areas are nice and they have done a great job upgrading the underdeveloped areas with trees, benches and bathrooms. However, the few disgusting people who visit has ruined it for the decent majority of people. The bathrooms are disgusting to the point where you have to make a choice to hold it in or go in the bushes. I can't even imagine what situation leads to feces being spread everywhere in there. Some selfish people take it upon themselves to blast their music all night long. It used to be until 3:00 am and then quiet down, but now the music blasts all night long and it's loud! There is no consideration for others. These same excuses for people also invade your space and don't care what impact their actions have on others. It's very sad as this used to be a family friendly place and is now a scene that resembles a homeless encampment. Visit at your own risk. read more

great spot for Overnight camping with families n friends as well. i really enjoyed with ma friends read more

Woodward Reservoir - lake view - Boating Near Me - Oakdale, California

Nice campgrounds and launch facilities hoping to go back next year again... heard it wasn't great when the water restrictions are lifted

It only got 2 star because of the family time you get here. This place makes soo much money and it amazes me that it's still the same shithole(literally). They could update their restrooms and add more shower options. On holidays you'd expect them to clean bathrooms at least twice a day, they don't. No one respects the speed limit buoys in the water, so keep an eye on your kids. You can sneak your dog in since, like i said, they don't care to check‍ read more

The bathrooms are disgusting. I come here frequently but the issue doesn't resolve.

I wanted to post a review because there were so many negative ones and we almost didn't come because of them. We spent a Thursday night here on our way home and are glad we did! It's a kid and dog friendly camp ground with sandy beaches and a cool breeze. Our camp neighbors all were sober, friendly, and quiet. The camp ground was not staffed when we arrived and required self check-in. The staff we encountered when we called prior to arrival and at check-out was courteous and friendly. It was clean, the hook-ups worked. Plenty if trees for shade. Pull-through and pull/back-in sites, some right at the water. The camp ground is located in the Central Valley and there must be a cattle ranch a little ways away. Some flies and a bit of a "landly" breeze in the evening, but not bothersome. We didn't encounter any mosquitos. We enjoyed our stay and will be returning, possibly for a longer stay. read more

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I agree with the rest of the people on the reviews. We were just there for the Fourth of July weekend. There were lots of people. The water was really dirty. My son had leeches on his skin after going in to the lake. The park rangers do allow more people than it should. Depending what time of year you go. There might be more people than expected. The restrooms are not that bad as people describe them. They are decent. People do play loud music, but you are there to enjoy some time off work and relax. Im ok with it. They do have some good shaded areas. If you have a jet ski or a boat make sure you bring them. read more

This is my first time here. In my opinion, It's not really legitimate camping in the woods; it's more of a chill hangout spot by the lake. The lake is really fun to play in. Bring a boat, some rafts, and water guns! The weather was pretty hot; it was around 90 degrees, but there was wind at times. I was only bit once :) I usually get bit a lot so there must not be too many mosquitoes around. There were a lot of spiders though.... The only thing is that you need to go really early in the morning to claim spots because they don't do reservations! Also, the showers and bathrooms can be far from you depending on which spot you get. For us, we had to use porta potties, and we just didn't shower while we were there :P There was a faucet that we used though to rinse off. If you're looking for real camping (with hiking trails), this isn't the place for you! Another thing, you may be really close to your next door neighbors. We were really irritated by our loud and obnoxious neighbors, because the park rangers are never around to quiet people down (which can be a good and bad thing). However, once we started playing some beer pong (we stuck our table in the lake), they came over and joined us. Afterwards, they invited us to their campsite to play horseshoes, and all had a really good time. I'm excited to go back next year! read more