The best camping near McConnell State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next McConnell State Recreation Area adventure.

100% (2 reviews)

On the banks of Merced River lies an oasis for fishing and beating the heat.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near McConnell State Recreation Area

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in McConnell State Recreation Area

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McConnell Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In McConnell State Recreation Area

Explore camping beyond McConnell State Recreation AreaDiscover 200+ magical spots to camp in State Parks

Top-rated campgrounds near McConnell State Recreation Area

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(908)

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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(482)

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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Cole Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Waterford, CA

"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.) ** Memorial Weekend Cancellation - 4 BB Briar RV sites NOW OPEN** ** Ever see a meteor shower? Cole Ranch is a perfect place to view one. Following is a list of Meteor Showers in 2025. (Dates indicate best night to see meteors) Lyrids. - April 22 Eta Aquarids. - May 4 Delta Aquarids - July 30 Perseids - Aug 12 Orionids. - Oct 22 Leonids. - Nov 17 Geminids - Dec 13 (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. ** ADVISORY - 2/3/25 ** River is currently at normal level - Easy access and gentle current. I expect minor fluctuations this spring due to average rain/snow falls so far this year. Feel free to text or call Barry at (209) 484-2675 if you have any questions.

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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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Wondernut Farm

4 sites · Lodging37 acres · Big Oak Flat, CA

Wondernut Farm is an upstart, entirely off grid, working farm-stead being built from the ground up. We breed milking goats and sheep, heritage pigs, and are in the process of converting to a grade A dairy and creamery! We use organic practices, management intensive rotational grazing, and dryland pasture management. We sell our animals locally so that others can have their own milking and meat animals. Our 110 year old hay barn and the roof of the former lumber mill were all we had to work with in getting off the ground. Being first and foremost a functional farm, we can't help but offer a somewhat warts-and-all look into everything it takes to be working to our goals. Our hearts are, and always will be, educational and local community focused, and we work closely with farmers and friends alike in better understanding our innovative animal husbandry, power, pasture and water systems. Whenever we have time, we'll afford the same time and opportunities to interested hip-campers. Our location is stunning and historic, and the beauty of the wild, natural landscape is powerful, yet offers easy access to both Yosemite Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. The area features excellent road and mountain biking in the immediate vicinity, vast access to hiking and backpacking trails, a huge variety of rock climbing in the area, the best whitewater rafting in California on the Tuolumne River, with some tasty places to eat or drink coffee in the nearby town of Groveland, just 10 minutes away. Accommodations at the farm are certainly rustic, and private but not secluded, with occasionally heavily project-exploded shared kitchen and living space, showers, and airy flush toilets. Do be advised that animals are pooping, hammers are hammering, sometimes we need to look into a health or animal injury related issue. Sometimes there is blood in an animal birth or slaughter, and our working guardian dogs have been known to be noisy some nights. Water and electricity are both very limited (though we reuse all our water), waste must be carefully sorted into a number of different categories, and there is always evidence of ump-teen projects unfolding at once. The most difficult condition during much of the summer are nuisance flies, which are always gone at night. We have almost no mosquitoes or ticks. Depending on the exact situation and time of year, guests may have the opportunities to snuggle with baby animals and run our herd to or from pasture, and maybe even get their hands dirty picking veggies in the garden.

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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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Squirrel Rock RV Campground

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Columbia, CA

Private gated RV campground in the Gold Country. Located in the historic townsite of Columbia known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines". There is 1 site so you'll have the campground to yourselves. There are 2 electrical panels so you can bring your family or friends if you like. If there are 2 RV's you can reserve the campground as a double site. WE ONLY ACCEPT FULLY SELF CONTAINED RV'S ONLY. NO TENTS Campsite has 2 electric pedestals 50/30/110. Water hookups at each site. NO SEWER. NO DUMP NO RESTROOMS AVAILABLE. Includes picnic table, camp fire ring, Weber BBQ, doggie station, horseshoe pit, corn hole, walking trails, and garbage/recycle bins. Winter camping dates subject to weather conditions. Located 0.6 mile to Columbia State Historic Park, parking and entrance is free and open year around. It is about a 15 minute walk. Close to Murphys, New Melones lake and Tuttletown recreation area, Moaning Caverns, Downtown Sonora, Mother Lode Escape Rooms, Columbia Airport, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Black Oak Casino, Chicken Ranch Casino, Indigeny Reserve, Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp with other wineries and breweries nearby. About a 50 minute drive to Big Trees State Park and Pinecrest Lake. Yosemite National Park is about 1-1/2 hour drive to the Yosemite valley floor. Check for YARTS for transportation from downtown Sonora to Yosemite valley. There are several rafting outfitters in the area. Restaurants in the immediate vicinity include Mandy's Breakfast-Lunch, Columbia Frosty, El Jardin, St. Charles Saloon Pizza. Gas, diesel mini mart, market store nearby.

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Red Dragonfly Ranch

18 sites · Tents38 acres · Groveland, CA

Searching for the ultimate chill camping spot outside Yosemite? Red Dragonfly Ranch is your go to retreat a hidden gem tucked away in a scenic valley along the tranquil seasonal Cobb Creek . Just ten minutes from the vibrant town of Groveland, CA and a Easy 29 mile drive from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance , it's the ideal base camp for your next adventure . Immerse yourself in a perfect mix of stunning nature, peaceful vibes, and a laid-back atmosphere . Book your stay at Red Dragonfly Ranch today and discover why it's the top choice for a relaxed, unforgettable camping experience near Yosemite !! If heading to Yosemite National Park, we recommend checking out the park website for updates on park reservation information. Follow us on Instagram @red_dragonfly_ranch Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have!!

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Rocksteady Adventures

7 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Copperopolis, CA

Off-grid campground adjacent to 1000 acre private reservoir perfect for fishing, kayaking & paddle boarding. 70 acres in Sierra Nevada Foothills with Valley Oaks, Gray Pines & Manzanita. Best birding in Calaveras County with over 188 species including Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Osprey & waterfowl. Reservoir is a no-wake waterbody created for irrigation of the surrounding private rangeland. Jet Skiing and WaterSkiing is not allowed. Boats of all sizes are welcome for the purposes of fishing. Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing with all of those available for rent on site. Please note we host events throughout the year. Upcoming we have: June 22-23 - APBA Boat Racing - no boats or swimming on water July 4-6th - Rocksteady Campout for Celebrate Americana so expect full campground with a laser show on the 4th and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Sept 20-21 - Rocksteady Campout with Goonies & Pirates so expect full campground with live music on Friday and Saturday night Oct 4-5 - Rocksteady Campout TBD so expect full campground with live music on Friday and Saturday night.

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The Painted Lake

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Copperopolis, CA

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Prospect 772 Winery & Event Center

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Angels Camp, CA

Nestled in the picturesque Sierra foothills, this stunning 25-acre property features 5 acres of flourishing vineyards. Enjoy ample space for tent or RV camping, along with two charming glamping cabins equipped with air conditioning and heating. The site also includes three restrooms, one of which is ADA accessible, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.

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Heart valley ranch

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents360 acres · Groveland, CA

Heart Valley ranch hosts 300+ acres of rolling pasture nestled along the beautiful Jackass Creek. Access to Yosemite via 120 takes 1 hour , Groveland 10 minutes, and Coulterville 5 minutes. You’ll find cows, goats, chickens, llamas and our two beloved livestock dogs on the property. Many pools to cool off in and sweeping sunset views from the highest point on the property. There is lots of nature to enjoy including bird watching, seasonal wildflowers, and other wild animals. We welcome all ❤️🌈 We highly recommend not bringing any animals, including service animals. We have two livestock guardian dogs that free roam the property and they are not friendly with other animals.

The best camping near McConnell State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Let us paint you a picture: It's 90 degrees and you're sweating. You desperately need to cool off but you're too far away from the beach. Where can you go to escape the sweltering dry heat of the Central Valley? Well folks, sweat not! This park is the answer.

A shaded campground with a wooded hiking trail right alongside the Merced River, McConnell will shield you from the sun and let you chill out in a friendly, flowing river. There are lots of firm surfaces for great camping, plus there are restrooms and showers. Campsite 'B' provides electricity and water and is wheelchair accessible.

Make sure to bring a canoe or floating tube, and bring your fishing poles to hook some catfish, black bass, and perch. After stocking your cooler full of tasty treats, you can cook 'em up on the provided hibachi grills. McConnell is the perfect oasis for river hang out time. So head out there, cool off, and chill out.

Notable campgrounds

Family Campsites: Spacious sites nestled among towering trees, ideal for creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Group Campsites: Perfect for larger gatherings, these campsites offer ample space for friends and family to connect in the great outdoors.
RV Access: Well-equipped sites with easy access for RVs, ensuring a convenient and cozy stay amid nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early: Reserve your spot up to six months in advance to secure your ideal dates.
Be flexible: Consider visiting during the week for better availability and a quieter experience.
Check for cancellations: Last-minute openings can occur, so keep an eye on the reservation system.
Explore nearby camping options: If McConnell is full, nearby parks might have availability for your adventure.

When to go

The best time to visit McConnell State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for swimming, while winter might be less ideal due to cooler temperatures and limited activities.

Know before you go

Check park hours: The park is open from 8am to sunset, so plan your visit accordingly.
Stay safe: Familiarize yourself with safety tips, especially if you plan to engage in water activities.
Accessibility: The park offers wheelchair accessible features, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of McConnell.
Dog policy: Dogs are welcome in the campground, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, and drinking water are available to make your stay comfortable.

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2 ratings · 6 reviews

Recommends

· June 2020

It's pefect for families, if you Don't mind swimming in a river. The water is warm, clean and flowing..never standing still. Nice small campground to ride bikes around. Nice group area. More of a Parking area has been added. Very nice n shady. Bathrooms could use more cleaning. But people should be cleaner too. Me and my grandkids love it here. We also brought our Junior aged kids from our church here for an outing. It was great. Just keep an eye out for them in the river as some areas get deeper and not safe for non- swimmers. Have fun..stay safe❤

Patricia A.

4 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

In the summer it can be as hot as 105 degrees, but throughout the year, weather can be kind of erratic. Layered clothing is usually good to have.

Hipcamper

9 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Bring lots of food if you’re planning to stay for a while; there aren’t any super close stores.

Hipcamper L.

10 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

If you go swimming, you might come across some deep holes in the river. So be cautious and don’t, you know, try to run along the bottom of the river or anything like that (in case that was your plan).

Hipcamper

9 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Bringing a floaty or tube? Check out the floating distance between certain points at the end of this brochure so you don’t accidentally find yourself too far down river.

Hipcamper

9 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Reserve a campsite, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend in spring or summer, or try to get there early.

Hipcamper

9 years on Hipcamp