$30 - $200 / night

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Facilities

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Nature

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Water

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Established Camping

McConnell State Recreation Area Campground

6 Reviews

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Thank you for your patience as we finalize the 2026 inventory. Please continue to check back. We will be releasing the inventory as soon as it becomes available.

McConnell State Recreation Area Campground, near Ballico, California, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors along the Merced River. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with picnic tables and fire rings that make it easy to settle in and enjoy a meal or a cozy campfire.

The facilities include showers and restrooms, though some visitors have mentioned that maintenance could use a little attention. The river provides a beautiful backdrop, and many sites are shaded, making it a pleasant spot to relax. One camper noted, “Nice location along Merced river...most sites have shade.”

For those who enjoy a bit of nature, the surrounding area is filled with scenic views and opportunities for hiking. While the campground can get lively on weekends, especially with families enjoying their time, it’s a great place to unwind during the quieter weekdays. Just be prepared for some noise if you visit during peak times.

If you're looking for a peaceful escape with the chance to connect with nature, McConnell State Recreation Area Campground has what you need. Plus, it’s conveniently located near Ballico, so you can easily grab supplies or explore local attractions when you’re not out enjoying the fresh air.

Description

California Department of Parks and Recreation

McConnell State Recreation Area

Group Camping Area

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Location

McConnell State Recreation Area Campground is located in California

Directions

The recreation area is five miles southeast of Delhi on Highway 99, south of Turlock.

Address

8800 Mcconnell Road
Ballico, CA 95303

Coordinates

37.415495028 N
120.711483779 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

Presented by T-Mobile Satellite

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

17 min from Merced
24 min from Modesto
53 min from Stockton
1 hr 43 min from San Jose

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Bradley A.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 25, 2025

My getaway spot in the middle of nowhere !

I love this park and specially love the off season. I usually haul in just day hours and stay worry and bother free!

Joel A.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2023

Suggest weekdays...

Nice location along Merced river...was quite surprised. Most sites have shade. The river is very high at the moment, so swimming is currently prohibited.

Unfortunately it was a mess Fri-Sun mid-June 6/23 with loud Norteño music being blasted from multiple campsites and the day/group area in particular. Very loud and non-stop. Lots of large families having fun, but was seldom a peaceful moment, even late into the evening.

Bring earplugs, or maybe try weekdays? if you prefer R&R without the noise pollution - SP employees don't bother to deal with the problem.

Site12

Month of VisitJune

Rich A.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 18, 2023

Good camp ground, needs maintenance.

Good tent camping. The Merced river runs along the east side of thr Park. I think there are beaches but can't confirm it (see pics).21 tent sites ,showers, bathrooms, lost of tables and water for the sights to share. The camp does need to catch up with maintenance in he facility though,lighting and cleaning. No camp host while we were there, that could be why?

Site21

Month of VisitMay

David D.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 6, 2022

Nice grounds

Nice and quiet. Sites are large. Showers are terrible, standing water and hot water is limited. Staff are great though.

Site12

Month of VisitJanuary

Tanya B.

Legend

Reviewed May. 13, 2021

Little bit of green along the river

Probably COVID related but this park is under utilized and under attended. The shower is of if you throw in quarters and close your eyes. It could use some TLC but was a quite place to stop for the night.

Not all spots have shade.

Site14

Month of VisitMay

(10) View All

Melissa H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Beautiful & serene

over night & day sites, hot showers and indoor restrooms surrounded by beautiful nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground?

Camping at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground can cost between $30.00 and $200.00 depending on the site.

What is the max vehicle length at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground?

McConnell State Recreation Area Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

Are fires allowed at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does McConnell State Recreation Area Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, McConnell State Recreation Area Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground?

There are 19 campsites at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

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