Kings Canyon National Park's elevation gradient (more than 13,000 feet) provides a landscape of a variety of habitats for plants and animals. The park consists of different types of trees like mixed conifer forests, sugar pine, and ponderosa pines. The forest is a habitat for mammal species like mule deer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and black bears. When in Oakdale, visit the nearby Pinnacles National Park for a primitive experience around a mountainous area in the east of Salinas valley. Major attractions include a lake reservoir, cave exploring, and rock climbing. Yosemite National Park is known for its waterfalls and ancient Sequoia trees. Yosemite Valley offers spectacular views, including a 500-foot waterfall that cascades down El Capitan.

Oakdale Recreation Area is a winding park bordering the northern bank of Stanislaus River. The park is best known for fishing holes alongside the river. Surrounded by the Tuolumne River in the north and by Turlock Lake in the south, Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is an ideal destination for water-based outdoor activities. The park has a secluded campground offering 60 campsites, just a mile away from the lake. George J Hatfield State Recreation Area is in the San Joaquin Valley and is home to various species of birds. On the banks of the Merced River, McConnell State Recreation Area is popular for fishing. Perch, catfish, and black bass are seen here. The park is a good picnic spot and also suitable for camping.

Stanislaus National Forest is a perfect spot for your next adventure. The 898,000-acre forest has 78 lakes, streams, and rivers of 811 miles and over 1000 miles of hiking trails. A few miles north of Oakdale, the Woodward Reservoir Regional Park has 2,900 acres of reservoir, which is suitable for camping and recreation. The park features campsites, restrooms, concessions, picnic shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, a fish cleaning station, and boat launches. McConnel State Recreation Area is around two miles northeast of Livingston and on the banks of the Merced River. The park has picnic spots, play areas, and campsites. Fishing is a popular activity. Visitors can see catfish, perch, and black bass.

McConnell State Recreation Area is on the banks of the Merced River. It is a perfect destination for boating, hiking, camping, picnics, and water activities. Trailers up to 24 feet long and camper/motorhomes measuring up to 30 feet can fit inside the park. Oakdale Museum & History Center is a small home having photos, artifacts, and memorabilia representing the history of Oakdale. Muir Woods National Monument is near the Pacific Coast and a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Coast redwood is the main attraction. Other tree species include California bay laurel, tanoak, and the bigleaf maple. Redwood Creek is a habitat for fishes like silver salmon and steelhead.

Looking for a place to camp near Oakdale, CA? Here are some of the best locations- Oakdale KOA, San Juan Oaks RV Resort, and Big Sur River RV Resort.