The best camping near Merced River

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Merced River adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Merced River

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Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CA

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

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Musick Creek Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Shaver Lake, CA

Musick Creek Falls: A Carbon-Negative Legacy of Gold, Wilderness & Renewal Perched at 4,800 feet near Shaver Lake, this 40-acre sanctuary is where California’s soul stirs. Named for the Musick family, whose 1848 gold strike here sparked the Gold Rush, this very property played center stage for millennia—from the Nuimmu (Mono) people to pioneers, loggers, and innovators. Today, we’re rewriting its legacy as the areas first carbon-negative campground, blending agro-tourism, conservation, and sustainability into every aspect. This place is like no other. There is only 4 sites to ensure groups will have ample space , each site with its own waterfall. Shaver Lake is just a few minutes away and is absolutely stunning and is a MUST SEE!, as well as Dinky Creek wilderness area , and so many other iconic Sierra Nevada destinations. The night sky absent a moon will provide a truly remarkable night sky as is was 1000 years ago. Explore three cascading waterfalls, trails, and climbing routes framed by wild Sierra Manzanita, cedars, and meadows of Indian paintbrush. Rock climbing Borrow kayaks, gear, or blankets onsite, then just 7 minutes away Shaver Lake for fishing, skiing at China Peak, Mono Hotsprings, Mamoth Pools and so so much more. Honoring the Past, Building Anew Walk paths where Nuimmu hunters, Gold Rush dreamers, and Louis L’Amour’s heroes once tread. This land witnessed triumph, tragedy, and reinvention—stories we share to inspire Please note that there is no host on-site during winter months (December–April), and access depends on weather conditions. Visit musickcreekfalls.com for updates and additional details. This property holds profound historical significance, having witnessed pivotal events like the California Gold Rush, the timber and mining booms, and the rise of early electric companies. Inspiring stories in Louis L’Amour novels. It has also borne witness to more somber chapters in history, including acts of genocide. More about its remarkable past can be explored at musickcreekfalls.com We are thrilled to share with you Musick Creek Falls so so much more than just a campground. Come recharge your soul, and feel the magic of the falls. You will never look at camping the same.

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Diamond Gulch

44 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CA

CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.

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Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · CA

Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.

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Yosemite Colfax Spring

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA

Welcome to Yosemite Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!

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Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. Come and enjoy our beautiful and private micro climate, created by the cascading waterfalls from Nelder and Lewis Creek. Camp by the creekside and fall asleep to the sound of the meandering creek, with absolutely incredible views of the stars overhead. Both creeks feed into the head of the Fresno river next to the campsite. You'll be surrounded by Oaks, Alders, Pine and Cedar trees. Take a day trip to Yosemite, hike/bike in the mountains, or explore the nearby towns of Oakhurst and Bass Lake. The south gate to Yosemite is approx. 20 minutes and Bass Lake is 5 minutes by car.

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Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Groveland, CA

Reserve your tent site on 15 exclusive, wooded-acres only 10 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Once you've set up camp, you can explore the walking trails on the property and if you make it to the top, why not enjoy a lovely picnic with beautiful mountain views? Conveniently located across the highway from a gas station and a general store, you never have to worry about running out of ice or forgetting to bring the bug spray. If our base package isn't enough, as an "extra" we can have a tent set up and ready for you when you arrive. Whatever you're looking for, Yosemite's Doorstep is ready to provide the ideal camping experience to suit your needs.

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Red Tail Ranch at Yosemite

12 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Groveland, CA

Only 25 minutes from Yosemite's entrance gate, come stay at stunning Red Tail Ranch and avoid the crowds of the big campgrounds. With fast wifi, abundant hot water for showers, clean/flush toilets and inside space for cooking with a commercial sink for dishes, all the necessities for a comfortable stay are on site. Use Red Tail Ranch as an ideal launching off point for Yosemite or stay on the property and enjoy all that it has to offer. Red Tail Ranch is a beautiful 90 acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Among the oak woodlands, meadows and coniferous forest, there are numerous trails to explore the property and direct riding access to a developed mountain biking area nearby. Great birding, botanizing and wildlife watching opportunities abound. We have RV sites with hookups, a five site drive-in campground and one walk-in campsite- all with clean, flush toilet bathrooms, hot outdoor showers, indoor camp kitchen and gathering space. Whether your pitching a tent, parking a campervan or rv, there are opportunities for everyone. For large events, workshops or reunions, Red Tail Ranch can be rented out in its entirety- please reach out with any questions or how to do this. New additions to the campground include hammocks, basketball, cornhole, darts and a ring toss game for all to enjoy. We are 10 minutes from the small town of Groveland with a market and restaurants and just down the road from the put in for rafting on the Tuolumne river. Our pricing is a little higher than other places nearby and this is due to the property's great locations, incredible beauty, and all of the amenities added for a great experience. If wanting more information about Yosemite or the surroundings, host Robb Hirsch is a biologist and professional nature photographer with 25 years of experience in the area. He also is connected with all the local guides for any outdoor adventure referrals. Concerned about getting into Yosemite with the new summer reservation requirements? We know all the details, including how to navigate and get through or around the system. Stay with us and we will show you how to access the park with or without reservations.

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Nolla A-Frames Near Yosemite

5 sites · Lodging45 acres · Colfax Springs, CA

Welcome to our A-Frame Nolla Cabins at the doorstep to Yosemite! Our property is conveniently located off Highway 120 and 15 minutes outside of the entrance to Yosemite National Park. While amenities such as the town of Groveland, restaurants, and gas stations are nearby (15 minutes away), you will truly feel like you are off the beaten path at this campsite. Featuring our A-Frame cabins in partnership with Nolla from Finland, sleep on a comfy mattress on a bed looking out through a floor-to-ceiling window where you may see deer grazing nearby, cedar and pine trees, and big sky with stars at night. Each cabin has a picnic table outside, a Yeti cooler of water, as well as clean composting toilets. The cabin has a solar battery, enough to charge your devices and plug in a fan or light. Hot showers are available across the road at our sister property! These cabins are off-grid - there is no wi-fi, most cell service should work. You will feel like you are camping in the wilderness, while in a cozy bed! Note that we do allow fires in pre-approved propane fire rings, which you can add on in the extras. Please be sure to check the Yosemite website for details on Park Reservations ahead of time if you plan to go Yosemite!

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Golden Arrow Gold Claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA

Bring the whole family out for a relaxing weekend of gold panning or metal detecting on my 20 acre claim just down the road from the west entrance to Yosemite national park. Just a stones throw off of highway 120 and a few short miles east of Rush Creek Lodge and spa! Camp here at Golden Arrow and hide out under the trees along soldier creek during the heat of the day! If you don’t feel like panning there are several good fishing holes to be found across the claim along the approximately 1400ft stretch of soldier Creek. Plenty of level space to park your RV, Travel Trailer, or Conversion Van… It’s rare to find an active claim that is accessible by 2wd and even more rare to find someone willing to welcome you to pan on their claim and keep what you find! Take advantage of this rare opportunity and try your luck at hunting down some gold on your next vacation!!

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Outdoorsy Yosemite

152 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Bass Lake, CA

Immerse yourself in the splendor of California’s High Sierra and enjoy the comfort of a campground designed to welcome guests year-round. For your comfort and convenience • Wi-Fi • Showers and restrooms • Laundry facilities • Convenience store with souvenirs, ice, and other necessities • Picnic area • Basketball

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Ace's Yosemite Hide Out

3 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Coarsegold, CA

Ace's Yosemite Hide Out Is close to Yosemite National Park South entrance on a 30 acre Ranch and is very privately located at the base of a mountain in Coarsegold Ca. with beautiful oak trees and lots of wildlife. There is a barbecue pit, picnic table, sink to wash dishes and hands and a propane fire pit at each campsite You can walk or drive a short distance to the outside shower from the campsite Take a beautiful short hike and see the horses and miniature Donkeys Yosemite Park South entrance is 27.5 miles, Takes about 50 minutes Yosemite valley is a 1 1/2 hr beautiful drive. Chukchansi casino is 5 miles. Bass Lake is on the way to Yosemite with excellent restaurants swimming and day camping by the lake! Lots of biking and hiking trails

The best camping near Merced River guide

Overview

About

Begin your Merced River camping trip in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada. Whether you're rafting the whitewater or enjoying a peaceful picnic on the riverbanks, the natural beauty is sure to enchant. The majestic Yosemite National Park is within easy reach, offering more stunning vistas and outdoor activities. A camping trip near the Merced River is an irresistible call of the wild!

Nearby attractions

Discover Mariposa, a charming town that's a perfect gateway to Yosemite. Offering nearby campgrounds and rich history, it's a splendid base for your camping adventures.

Welcome to Sierra National Forest, where camping meets majestic landscapes. With its serene lakes, lush woods, and diverse wildlife, it's a haven for campers and nature lovers alike.

Breathtaking vistas, vast wilderness, and starry skies await you at Yosemite National Park. Whether you're camping in the valley or high in the mountains, it's an unforgettable experience.

With sparkling waters and beautiful shorelines, Lake McClure offers a fantastic camping destination. Enjoy water activities by day, and tranquil lakeside camping by night.

Nestled within the heart of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley offers an unparalleled camping experience. With iconic landmarks and verdant meadows, it's nature's masterpiece waiting to be explored.

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