Turlock is a small city in the heart of California. Its central location gives it easy access to urban hubs like San Francisco and Sacramento as well as some of the state's most beautiful parks. Founded by farmers in the late 1800s, Turlock quickly became an agricultural powerhouse. Agriculture remains the central part of the city's economy.
Today, around 80,000 people live in Turlock. California State University has its Stanislaus campus here. The weather is mild, and the air is clean compared to other parts of California. Historic Downtown Turlock offers visitors the chance to shop and dine in historic buildings. The Turlock Historical Society Museum chronicles the rich history of the area. If your tastes run toward the spooky, check out the Ranch of Horror at the Turlock Fairgrounds. Creep through a haunted house, ride the Circus of Horror Haunted Hayride and take in a scary movie. There's even a spooky escape room to try ... if you dare!
You can also see a show at the Turlock Community Theater. Whether you're looking for a musical, a dance troupe, or a play, you'll find it here. There are museums, galleries, and local businesses to explore. Every Saturday morning, you can visit the Turlock Certified Farmers Market to stock your RV with fresh food. There are 24 parks to visit plus two aquatic playgrounds. You'll find tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, baseball fields, concession stands and so much more.
The Gilroy Garlic Festival – For more than 40 years, this summer food festival, which usually is held in July, has provided more than just garlic. There are concerts and even a golf tournament. Gilroy is approximately an hour and a half southwest of Turlock.
The California State Fair – Don't miss this unforgettable event taking place in Sacramento from July through August. With art, food, crafts, and rides to enjoy, it's perfect for the entire family.
Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet – Held in September at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, this event is filled with motorcycle enthusiasts looking to swap, buy and sell old motorcycles. There are also tacos and beer.
Drive your rental RV approximately two hours southwest of Turlock to reach Pinnacles National Park. This park is a land of extremes. Thanks to volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, the landscape consists of distinctive rock spires and towers, boulder caves, and wildflower-filled canyons. If you enjoy climbing, this is the national park to visit. The park is divided into two areas that are linked with miles of trails. There's one campground on the eastern side of the park. The RV sites in the camp have hookups and barbecue pits. There's potable water, showers, a dump station, and even a swimming pool.
About two and a half hours northeast of Turlock is Yosemite National Park. View breathtaking waterfalls, hike beneath giant sequoias or take a guided tour on horseback. Rangers lead guided backpacking tours through the wilderness. There are several famous canyons, walls, and domes to climb. If you choose to stay in one of Yosemite's 10 RV-friendly campgrounds, you must make a reservation. Be prepared to rough it as there are no hookups in the park. Upper Pines Campground does have a dump station. The maximum length for RVs in the park is 40 feet and 35 feet for trailers. However, spaces that can handle campers that large are limited.
Kings Canyon National Park, two hours and 20 minutes southeast of Turlock, features Grant Grove and Cedar Grove which are filled with ancient groves of giant sequoia trees. Kings Canyon itself reaches a depth of 8,200 feet, making it one of the deepest in the United States — even deeper than the Grand Canyon. Two iconic, massive landmark pillars are here. The Grand Sentinel rises 8,518 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains. A few miles away lies the Sphinx. The campgrounds in the park can accommodate RVs, but they have no hookups. There are dump stations nearby. Make your reservation at least a month in advance to ensure that you get a spot.
The McConnell State Recreation Area is just 20 minutes southeast of Turlock on the Merced River. Come to fish for catfish or black bass. Have a picnic in the designated areas, or go for a dip in the river. There are restrooms, showers, and potable water available for campers.
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area lies 25 minutes southwest of Turlock. Go birding, sunbathe on the mile of Merced River frontage, or fish. Campsites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. Restrooms and potable water are on site.
The Turlock Lake State Recreation Area sits between Turlock Lake to the south and the Tuolumne River to the north, about 40 minutes northeast of Turlock. The lake contains boat ramps for water sports, and there's a beach for lying back to enjoy the scenery. The campground has 60 sites, many of which are accessible for RVs. Although there are no hookups, there are showers and restrooms.
Alcatraz Island, the infamous California landmark, is about three hours northwest of Turlock in San Francisco, but it's worth the trip. From 1934 until 1963, it housed some of the country's most notorious criminals.
“Star Wars” lovers will want to stop and see George Lucas Plaza. The bronze statue celebrates director, screenwriter, and producer George Lucas, who grew up in Modesto.
During the winter months of 1864 and 1865, Mark Twain lived in a cabin near Tuttletown, an hour and 20 minutes northeast of Turlock. A perfect replica of the Mark Twain Cabin remains and is considered a California historical landmark.
In Patterson, which is 35 minutes southwest of Turlock, Kit Fox RV Park offers full hookups, showers, and easy access to the freeway. If you're traveling with a four-legged friend or two, this RV park allows pets. Stay right at Yosemite's doorstep at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort. This large park, an hour and 50 minutes northeast of Turlock, has more than 400 sites. It provides full hookups, a store, game rooms, restrooms, and more. Closer to Stockton, about 50 minutes northwest of Turlock, French Camp RV Park features low rates, almost 200 sites, full hookups, laundry facilities, a gym, and even a restaurant.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Turlock, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Turlock?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Turlock from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Turlock?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
