Waterford makes more sense from the riverbank than from a passing car on Highway 132. The Tuolumne River runs along the city’s southern edge. Its crossings helped shape the town’s name; today the river parks give visitors a reason to stop.
Updated 2026.
Before Waterford, there was Bakersville
The city’s nineteenth-century history begins under a different name. William W. Baker homesteaded land south of the river in 1857, and the settlement became Bakersville. Mail confusion prompted a change to Waterford in 1870. The city’s community history links its early farming roots to the town that developed along the river.
The name recalls a place where travelers could ford the river, as the historical section of the city’s General Plan environmental report explains.
The Southern Pacific railroad reached Waterford in 1891. A library followed in 1912, the Waterford Irrigation District in 1913, and electric street lighting in 1921. Each changed everyday life in a settlement surrounded by agriculture. The city incorporated in 1969, with Richard M. Moon as its first mayor.
Waterford uses the name “Gateway to Recreation” for good reason. It sits on the route to reservoirs and the Sierra foothills. A visit can combine local river access with an outing farther east, but the individual recreation areas have different entrances, rules and operators.
The Tuolumne River is part of town
The city’s park gallery is a useful first look at the options. It shows River Park, the South Reinway Park and Trailhead, Beard Park and its skate park, and Brethren Park.
- A river-side stop: open directions to River Park or the South Reinway Park and Trailhead. The city’s photographs show stairs descending from the Reinway entrance toward the trail and river. If steps are a concern, ask the city about a suitable access point before choosing that entrance.
- A playground or skate-park visit: Beard Park is the option to compare with a river walk. The official gallery shows playground equipment, picnic pavilions and the separate skate-park area.
- A ride around town: the city’s bike-route page links a route map. Use it to distinguish separated paths from lanes and routes on streets.
For the park facilities and river-trail information, contact Waterford Parks & Recreation. A trail visit is a simple way to see the Tuolumne without organizing a reservoir trip.
Modesto Reservoir is east of Waterford
Modesto Reservoir Regional Park is outside town at 18143 Reservoir Road, reached from Highway 132 east of Waterford. Despite its name, it is a Waterford-area outing. The county’s reservoir page lists camping, boating, fishing, swimming and picnic facilities, along with an archery range and an electric radio-control aircraft field.
Plan this as a separate destination with a park entrance fee. Campsite types include basic sites and hookup areas. The current county page has reservations, a campground map, fees and operating notices. Pets and gasoline containers are prohibited to protect the water supply.
Boaters should read the entrance requirements before towing a vessel out. In October 2026, the county’s notice requires inspections, banding and a 30-day quarantine procedure, with inspection appointments rather than an unrestricted same-day launch. Call the park at (209) 874-9540 for the current process.
Turlock Lake is farther out—and currently closed
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is farther east along Lake Road, at 22600 Lake Road. It is separate from both Modesto Reservoir and the river parks in Waterford.
As of October 2026, the recreation area remains closed. California State Parks reports that a March 2026 agreement gives Stanislaus County responsibility for operating the day-use area after improvements. The agency says reopening could be as soon as summer 2027. That is a target, not a confirmed opening date; use the park’s current notice before planning a visit.
A pizza stop in town
Pizza Plus is at 12705 Bentley Street, Waterford. Our Pizza Plus locations guide links the Waterford menu and follows the restaurant’s connection to local civic history.
Community traditions and useful stops
The city’s community-activities guide lists Heritage Day, the Tri W’s Strawberry Breakfast and the Lighted Christmas Parade among Waterford’s traditions. For a particular year’s date and venue, use the city event calendar rather than assuming the older activity list is a current schedule.
Waterford Library is at 324 E Street; its county listing has current hours. City Hall is at 101 E Street, with services and meetings on the city website.
Explore Hughson and Denair for nearby town histories, or compare the parks inside Turlock when choosing a shorter outing.
