138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds in the Merced region provide a mix of recreational options within California's Central Valley. Lake McSwain Recreation Area offers developed sites for tent camping, RVs, and cabins along with boat-in access. McConnell State Recreation Area Campground features tent and RV sites along the Merced River with picnic tables, showers, and toilets. Castle Air Museum RV Park in nearby Atwater caters primarily to RV travelers with electric hookups and water connections. Most established sites in the area are situated near water features, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most campgrounds, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. Many campgrounds maintain year-round operations due to the moderate Central Valley climate, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Facilities vary considerably, with some locations like The Lakes RV & Golf Resort providing full hookups, showers, and recreational amenities, while others offer more basic services. Road access is generally good throughout the region with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. According to one visitor at McConnell State Recreation Area, "Sites are large. Showers are terrible, standing water and hot water is limited. Staff are great though."
Several campgrounds in the region receive positive reviews for their waterfront locations and natural settings. The Merced River runs along numerous camping areas, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. Tent campers often prefer McConnell State Recreation Area for its shaded sites and river access, though some report maintenance issues with facilities. RV travelers typically gravitate toward more developed options like Elks RV Park or The Lakes RV & Golf Resort, which one visitor described as having "Paved spots with full hookups. Patio & grass area kinda small but the pool area is very nice." Train noise affects several campgrounds in the region, particularly those closer to the city of Merced. When searching for campgrounds near Merced, visitors should consider their preferred camping style and amenities, as options range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at many locations, with riverside campgrounds offering the best chances to observe local fauna.
"My family and I stayed at Lake McSwain Campgrounds for a weekend during a mountain bike race at Exchequer."
"Full hookups, close to the lake"
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability"over night & day sites, hot showers and indoor restrooms surrounded by beautiful nature."
from $30 - $150 / night
Check Availability"There is a high fence surrounding the property and it is secured by electronic hand held devices that you receive when you check in. The lake and swimming pool are beautiful and restful."
"Surrounded by a pond. Cable & wifi. Decent laundry room. Perfect place if you're a golfer. We stayed here multiple nights. My kids loved the pool."
from $42 - $1500 / night
Check Availability"McSwain (near the ranger station entrance) has dump station, some sites w sewer, part keeping model cabins, store, cafe and boat rentals."
"It takes 20 minutes to drive from the entrance to the site. The nearest store is half an hour away by car, so you need to be well prepared before entering."
"Close to hwy but far enough that road noise isn't onerous. Train passes through once at night time, bring earplugs. Clean, tidy, well kept campground."
"It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two."
"Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Adequate parking and tent area."
from $36 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe stayed here to get to Yosemite. The entrance is super close but you are about 45-60 minutes to get to Yosemite valley, but the drive is beautiful. There are plenty of sites we have a travel trailer about 26’ but I saw campers from tents to a 5th wheel out here. There are some dumpsters nearby for use. The dirt here is red and loose so you do have to worry about getting dusty.
GuideWe stayed for two nights and it was amazing. If you keep going you will get to a spot with 360° views. Make sure you drive slowly on the way in past the houses because of all the dust. The only downside is that someone decided to smash glass all over the campfire, so my dog had to have his boots on the whole time.
GuideAt first it was a little confusing to see where the sites are and where the driving path is, as I was there on a weekday and most of the sites were empty, however it’s not so difficult that you can’t find a site. I think if you were there on a weekend it would be easier to distinguish sites since more people would be around to fill them. My dog had so much fun exploring the forest behind our site, and I was able to get level within 2 minutes.
GuideBeautiful area and so close to Yosemite. A lot of different site options, however the cool ones do fill up fast. I got there around 10PM on a Saturday in June and was able to find a site parallel to the road, but there are bigger ones that are more private as well if you plan better than I did!
GuideOnly a bit of mosquitoes but nothing too major
ScoutGreat way to do Yosemite without reservations. Did an impromptu visit for 3 days and just van camped in this forest road. Works great if you can deal with driving in and out. Good camping spots here and there, tons of overnight parking areas.
ScoutWow what a beautiful park with large sites that have space a privacy…. Not your typical RV parking lot. You do have to be an Escapees member but easy to sign up if you aren’t… you can also add it to tour existing Harvest Host membership as they merged with Escapees… Very friendly people with nice pickelball court, dog park, clubhouse and events…
ScoutNo hookups but amazing view on Eastman Lake. Great spot for camping!
GuideWe arrived with no reservations and had many spots to choose from. The spots aren’t super private but you usually have your own space. There’s a market and lots of hikes super close by. The showers were coin operated, with coins you had to buy from the ranger station (1 coin = 2 mins). The showers and bathrooms were not clean at all. For as many rangers and workers we saw, we were severely disappointed by how gross the bathrooms were. Stars would probably be higher if it wasn’t for that.
Camping spots near Merced, California occupy the Central Valley, positioned at elevations around 200 feet above sea level with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. The area's campgrounds cluster around water features including the Merced River, Lake McSwain, and Lake McClure, creating cooler microclimates during hot seasons. These destinations serve as key recreation points for both local residents and travelers along Highway 99.
Fishing opportunities: Lake McSwain Recreation Area offers excellent year-round fishing with consistent water levels. "We love McSwain. It is our go to camp ground in the area. It's close, clean and friendly. It's our thanksgiving weekend every year," notes Richard W. Trout fishing remains popular regardless of season.
Wildlife viewing: McClure Point Recreation Area provides excellent opportunities to observe local fauna. "We did see a couple tarantulas (one across the road and one on the way down from the entrance). They're harmless and kinda fun to watch. We also saw a couple deer and select of birds: turkey vultures, bluebirds, acorn woodpeckers, finches, Canadian geese and various ducks," writes Michael C.
Water recreation: COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground offers swimming and boating options when water levels permit. According to Haley M., "We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road. There is also a day-use area across the lake with some good swimming sites." Water levels fluctuate seasonally due to irrigation demands.
Quiet off-season camping: McConnell State Recreation Area Campground attracts visitors seeking peaceful riverside sites during shoulder seasons. Bradley A. explains, "I love this park and specially love the off season. I usually haul in just day hours and stay worry and bother free!"
Shaded sites: Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground receives praise for its tree cover. As one camper notes, "The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Best feature are the sites the run along the river. We hung out in the river all day located about 60ft from our campsite."
Security features: The Lakes RV & Golf Resort offers enhanced security that appeals to many visitors. "There is a high fence surrounding the property and it is secured by electronic hand held devices that you receive when you check in," reports Bill B., highlighting the resort's focus on safety.
Shower conditions: McConnell State Recreation Area Campground has mixed reviews regarding shower facilities. A recent visitor reported, "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."
Noise considerations: Merced River Resort experiences significant noise issues according to some visitors. Eric G. warns, "Loud with highway noise, factory next door and train goes through many times a night. Most camper are there full time and are very sketchy."
Limited services: COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground requires advance planning due to remote location. "You are at least 30 minutes from any stores. The lake is beautiful but the campsites with power and water do not give a view of the lake at all with the exception of 42," notes Candy H.
Playground access: Arena RV Park provides basic amenities with convenient highway access. "Nice campground for a night. A bit outdated, but clean shower and toilets. There is also a laundryroom. Good spaces and shade," reports Chantal K., making it suitable for overnight family stays.
Swimming options: Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Campground combines river access with camping convenience. One visitor shared, "My favorite time is during the late hours of the evening when things quiet down and falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and the river flowing by."
Kid-friendly activities: COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground offers designated play areas. "The campground was very clean and had rangers and a sheriff patrolling regularly (but not bothersome). There is a nice playground for the kids too," according to Haley M.
Site selection: McClure Point Recreation Area requires attention to spot choice and setup. Robin P. advises, "One interesting thing about the camp is that most of the spots you'd want to place your trailer in are on the 'other' side of the electric/water connections. This was fine, but make sure your hoses/cords are long enough to get around to the other side of your rig."
Hookup quality: Lake McSwain Recreation Area provides good utility connections for RVs. Ron R. confirms with a simple review: "Full hookups, close to the lake," making it a practical choice for RVers seeking convenience.
Campsite layout: McConnell State Recreation Area Campground offers spacious sites but with some maintenance concerns. Rich A. observed, "Good tent camping. The Merced river runs along the east side of the Park. 21 tent sites, showers, bathrooms, lost of tables and water for the sights to share."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping sites in Merced with lake access?
The Merced area offers several excellent camping options with water access. McCabe Flat Campground provides beautiful sites right next to the Merced River, perfect for cooling off during hot weather with clean facilities and occasional ranger presence. For a lake experience, Lake McSwain Recreation Area offers developed camping with convenient water access. While not directly in Merced, these nearby options provide the refreshing lake and river experiences campers seek. The campgrounds along the Merced River are especially beautiful during spring wildflower season and fall, though summer temperatures can get quite hot.
What fishing opportunities are available at Merced campgrounds?
Fishing enthusiasts will find excellent opportunities in the Merced area. Wawona Campground offers prime fishing spots along the Merced River within Yosemite National Park. The river is known for trout fishing, especially when the water warms up in late spring and summer. McConnell State Recreation Area Campground also provides access to the Merced River for fishing opportunities. For those willing to venture slightly further, McClure Point Recreation Area near Snelling offers additional fishing options. Remember that California fishing regulations apply, and you'll need a valid fishing license unless fishing within Yosemite National Park on June's free fishing days.
Is tent camping available year-round in Merced?
Tent camping availability in the Merced area varies seasonally. Railroad Flat Campground along the Merced River is particularly beautiful during spring wildflower season and fall, but summer can be extremely hot. Most campgrounds in the immediate Merced area operate seasonally, with peak availability from spring through fall. High Sierra RV Park offers year-round accommodations, though primarily for RVs. Winter camping options are limited due to colder temperatures and occasional rainy conditions. For year-round tent camping, consider the lower elevation sites or look for campgrounds with weather-appropriate facilities. Always check current seasonal closures before planning a winter camping trip, as conditions can change.
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