Waterford, California
Cole Ranch
About Cole Ranch
"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, Cole Ranch has just about everything a camper would look for. 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.) Recent Cancellations: Several sites are now available for both Memorial Day and July 4 weekends !!! ** RIVER ADVISORY UDATE - 4/4/26 ** River is at normal flow, and only minor fluctuations are expected in the coming weeks. (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. Feel free to text or call Barry at (209) 484-3675 if you have any questions.
Accommodations on the property
- Primitive site
Location
Waterford, California
Open in Google MapsWhat people say about their stay at Cole Ranch
Synthesized from 38 review mentions across 6 aspects.
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Setting & Nature
“Cole Ranch provides a peaceful and well-equipped camping experience, with friendly and attentive hosts like Barry and Chrissy. Campers appreciate the spacious riverside pitches, cl…”
14 mentions
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Host & Communication
“Visitors consistently commend the hosts for their outstanding hospitality and attentiveness. The hosts are noted for their welcoming demeanor and hands-on approach, ensuring that g…”
8 mentions
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Amenities
“The outdoor kitchen/coffee bar are a really nice added touch.”
7 mentions
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Cleanliness
“Bathrooms are so clean and cheerful.”
5 mentions
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Family-Friendly
“Perfection for our family of five with three young kids”
2 mentions
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Comfort & Sleep
“this place is clearly a labor of love!”
2 mentions
Gallery
Recent reviews
[hipcamp aggregate summary]
Great location right on the river, perfect for fishing for rainbow trout or launching a boat. Site had all the amenities you might need for a weekend stay and lots more!
I had to cancel my reservation but Barry the host was very understanding . I hope to get there at a later time.
This was a beautiful spot! Barry and his wife were very welcoming and responsive. The scenery is extremely peaceful. The outdoor kitchen/coffee bar are a really nice added touch. There are also bathrooms and showers on site. Perfect spot by the river, definitely recommend!
Barry and Chrissy were wonderful. Very friendly and accommodating. The grounds were beautiful, roomy, and peaceful. Just what we needed after the busy holiday!
Amazing spot to get away for a weekend! Very band well kept!
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Cole Ranch located?
Cole Ranch is located in Waterford, California.
What types of accommodations does Cole Ranch offer?
Cole Ranch offers Primitive site. Specifics vary — verify the exact unit availability with the operator before booking.
How is Cole Ranch rated?
Cole Ranch has a 5/5 rating from 307 reviews on aggregate. Ratings reflect aggregate sentiment from public review platforms; we don't moderate operator reviews.
How do I book Cole Ranch?
Use the "Official Website" button to go to Cole Ranch's own site. glamping.directory is a meta-search directory — bookings, payments, and customer service happen between you and the operator.
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