Best RV Parks & Resorts near Merced, CA

RV parks in the Merced region include Elks RV Park, Castle Air Museum RV Park in Atwater, and The Lakes RV & Golf Resort in Chowchilla, with most offering full hookups for travelers. Sites at The Lakes RV & Golf Resort accommodate larger rigs with 50-amp service, while the Elks RV Park provides basic electric hookups without sewer connections. "We stayed at site c-1 for 2 nights and found it to be both clean and level," noted one visitor about a nearby campground, though many RV sites throughout the area require careful positioning due to hookups sometimes being placed on the opposite side from picnic tables and amenities. Several parks near Yosemite National Park like Yosemite Lakes RV Resort in Groveland provide seasonal options with 254 full hookup sites.

Most RV destinations within 30 miles of Merced require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when travelers use the area as a base for Yosemite exploration. Navigation to mountain campgrounds may present challenges for larger motorhomes, with several reviews noting steep terrain and tight turns. Dump stations are available at most developed RV parks, though Los Banos Creek Campground has porta-potties rather than permanent facilities. Cell service varies dramatically throughout the region, with better connectivity at parks closer to Highway 99 and Interstate 5. A camper at one park mentioned, "WiFi is no bueno can't even get a connection" despite the campground advertising internet access. Pet policies differ between locations, with most allowing leashed dogs but imposing breed or number restrictions.

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Best RV Sites Near Merced, California (90)

    1. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    23 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 962-7690

    "Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering, hooting owls in the trees, huge unusual pine cones, a nature trail that goes to an old gold mine. Really special place."

    "No Verizon or T-Mobile coverage. Wifi available for purchase."

    2. The Lakes RV & Golf Resort

    4 Reviews
    Madera, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 665-6980

    $42 - $1500 / night

    "Paved spots with full hookups. Patio & grass area kinda small but the pool area is very nice. Surrounded by a pond. Cable & wifi. Decent laundry room. Perfect place if you're a golfer."

    "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."

    3. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    40 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "You come into Yosemite Lakes by a little Thousand Trails convenience store and gas station. It's kind of handy since there's really nothing nearby other than Groveland."

    "This Campground is 5 miles from West gate entrance to "Yosemite National Park". Only 35 miles west of " Lake Don Pedro, take out your boat, go jet skiing or fishing."

    4. McCabe Flat Campground

    11 Reviews
    Midpines, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 966-3192

    $10 / night

    "It is not advisable for trailers over 18 feet in length. We had a great stay. The campgrounds were very clean, and pit toilets were available."

    "The restrooms are cleaned 2 times a day. There is trash cans for each of the 3 campsites that go with this one. there a great little swimming hole just up the path."

    5. Yosemite RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7855

    "WiFi is no bueno can’t even get a connection. We booked a pull through deluxe full hookup site."

    "Large dog run which was amazing. Personal just a bit expensive 100 ish for a rv spot with 30 amp an water."

    6. Elks RV park

    1 Review
    Merced, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "Level gravel lots. In the middle of an orchard. Friendly and courteous hosts. Bathrooms, showers, laundry room, dumpsite. Quiet place. Easy in and out for overnight. Elks members discount."

    7. Castle Air Museum RV Park

    1 Review
    Atwater, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 723-2178

    8. High Sierra RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7662

    $13 - $50 / night

    "We stayed in the premium sites at this camp ground.  Loved the hosts.  They were wonderful to work with and very accommodating.  The premium sites include full hook-ups — water, electric and sewer.  "

    "The campsite was 39 and it was right next to the bathroom. To leave with a 26’ travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park."

    9. Santa Nella RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Los Banos, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 826-3105

    $50 / night

    "Large, level sites. Very good rates for a quick stop."

    10. Railroad Flat Campground

    3 Reviews
    Midpines, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 941-3101

    "The campsites are nice and clean and range from very private to right next to each other."

    "Set along the banks of the Merced River it’s especially beautiful during spring wildflower season, and in the fall. In the summer it can be hot."

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RV Park Reviews near Merced, CA

574 Reviews of 90 Merced Campgrounds


  • Tom D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 3, 2025

    COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

    Quiet and Clean - Codorniz Corps Campground

    We have stayed at this campground many times and recently revisited in September’24. This COE is on a small lake that is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring. Fishing is good. The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43’ Blue Bird. We marked this as “big rig” friendly. Springtime has the grasses green with abundant wild flowers in late Feb through early March. Summer can be hot as the elevation is low in the California Central Valley and the grasses are brown. Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level. Back in and pull through are available. A nice dump stations is available within the COE park. Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen. Codorniz is 21 miles from Chowchilla. One way in and one way out cuts down on traffic.

  • G
    Aug. 27, 2020

    Mother Lode Fairgrounds

    Very nice management and quiet

    Full hook-up. 50 amp 30 amp. Fresh water at each site. Free WiFi. Large grassy area with picnic table. Lots of trees and shade. Sewage at each site. Management is very helpful and works hard maintaining grounds. They are in their own RV at the back of the campground.

  • Derek & Alex W.
    Oct. 26, 2021

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    Great place near Yosemite

    You come into Yosemite Lakes by a little Thousand Trails convenience store and gas station. It's kind of handy since there's really nothing nearby other than Groveland. Make sure to come in at this entrance though. When coming from the west GPS likes to take you through Hardin Flat Road... don't go that way with an RV. Check-in was quick and easy. Don't forget it's first come first serve like most Thousand Trails campgrounds. Staff were all very friendly. There's complimentary wifi at the main office if you need it. There's NO phone signal of any kind for miles. There is Jabba Communications wifi throughout that campground that you can pay for but it's pricey and very shoddy and unpredictable here. Unless you're staying for a long time it's not worth it.

    Every spot pretty much has full hookups but only a few with 50 amp. The rest have 30 amp. Again, as I've said with other Thousand Trails, that just seems like laziness to me. These campgrounds have been around long enough to see the need for upgrades.

    We parked at the far east end past the cabins in a pull-through group spot. They are the biggest spots and didn't seem like people really use that area much. It was pretty quiet for the two weeks we were there. It's off season as well though. Power went out to the entire campground two days in a row. Not the campground's fault as high winds knocked out power to the entire area. They were nice and let us use our generator even though they are not allowed any other time.

    There's a little river that runs along the campground that looks like it would be beautiful in the spring and summer when there's more water. It still had quite a bit flowing through over by the main office. Yosemite National Forest is just a short distance away. Some great hikes and sights to see!

    I'd say with a few more updates this one could easily be a 5-star!

  • Sarah M.
    Feb. 7, 2021

    Kit Fox RV Park

    Nice camp between stops

    I stayed here for one night in a 22’ RV at one of the back-in sites for the shorter term stays on a drive from Death Valley back towards the San Francisco Bay area. I believe the office is currently closed due to Covid, but they have a box of maps and envelopes plus a drop box for payment right outside the office.

    It looks like most of the spots here are for pretty long term stays. There was plenty for space for short term, overnight campers. Spot comes with WiFi code, but there’s plenty of cell service too. You’re close to the I5 and can hear the soft lull of some traffic, but it’s still fairly quiet.

  • B
    Mar. 18, 2023

    Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    Large Sites & Great Staff

    We stayed at Yosemite Pines while my husband worked a job from Jan - Mar in Groveland. Was amazing to have this HUGE campground all to ourselves! The sites are really big. Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering, hooting owls in the trees, huge unusual pine cones, a nature trail that goes to an old gold mine. Really special place. We had to relocate to a hotel every 28 days due to the max 28 day rules in CA (if campgeound is not zoned for long term campers, visitors can only stay 28 days at a time). There are laundry facilities on site. My only complaint is the rotting picinic tables. I also wish there was a rec room or something where we could all hang out during heavy rain or snow storms.

  • Whiffaroni M.
    Jun. 26, 2021

    High Sierra RV Park

    It would be our last resort if nothing else was available

    I’ll start with the positive. If you need anything stores are close and entrance to Yosemite is 15 min up the road. Now for the negative. We have 29 foot travel trailer and we reserved a premium pull through spot. Although we could pull through the spaces were very tight and we just happen to get lucky that nobody was across from us as there is only in one way in and one way out. We were able to use other empty spot across from us to turn around. Had it been full we would have had a heck of a time getting out. One family came in last night and their spot was at the very end and they had to back all the way out of the park so they could back their trailer all the way back in. It is ridiculous. Our spot was also very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would’ve liked. The bathrooms aren’t very clean and the “beach” is over grown and i wouldn’t really even let my dog in the stagnant water. Bottom line this place is not good for your larger travel trailers our size or bigger. Especially if you are in a spot like we had which was spot 34 or a spot towards the end. Maybe better spot near the entrance. Class c generally would have no problem.

  • Heather D.
    Jul. 1, 2020

    Yosemite Ridge

    Nice main loop, but...

    Summary as of late June 2020:

    -Super nice, helpful manager -Great location for Yosemite/Hetch Hetchy -Large, clean restrooms -Inconsistent electricity -Bear Lot is right next to Hwy 120 -Coyote Lot is literally a new gravel parking lot, 4x4 required -No wi-fi in Bear Lot or Coyote Lot

    First of all, I have to say that the manager (owner? I never caught his name) was very kind and tried his best to accommodate everyone there. The location is great for trips to Yosemite, and if you’re lucky enough to reserve a spot in the ‘main loop’ (I don’t see this ability online), you’ll probably love it. The bathrooms are large and clean and there is laundry, a small playground, a small pool (closed during our stay), and a privately run store on-site.

    We brought our 28’ toy hauler here at the end of June 2020. We had reserved a spot in Coyote Lot, which we were told over the phone would be no problem. Upon arrival, the manager had his doubts but told us to “put the truck in 4x4 and give it a go!” Coyote Lot looks like a newly, semi-leveled gravel parking lot with full hook-ups… no trees or shade. There were some longer spots, but there was no way our trailer would fit in the one we reserved. The lot also exits through a run-down residential grouping of trailers, some occupied and some abandoned.

    The manager put us in Bear Lot, no question, after it was determined Coyote Lot would not work. This lot is a little more established than Coyote, but still a gravel parking lot with electricity (inconsistently for many) and water hook-ups. The lot is pretty level and separated from Hwy 120 by a wooden fence. There are some picnic tables and fire pits, but not enough for each spot. We didn’t end up having to use our generator like others did. There were tent campers and rv/trailers in this lot.

    Side note: the Rainbow Pools swimming hole that is recommended on the website was WAY overcrowded and I do not suggest going unless maybe you go in the early morning. There were tons of people, tons of litter, and no respect for nature… very sad to see.

    Photo are of Bear Lot

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2023

    Tuttletown Recreation Area

    Nice Area When Empty

    Sites are packed in tight. Def geared for tent camping although I was lucky enough to be here when it was dead empty and picked a good site for my 27’ toy hauler. Fire pits and picnic tables at every site. No idea where the water is at but didn’t really look. There is a nice dump station ($8 fee recommended.. pay station is at park entrance). Lots of deer and raccoons. Gas station with firewood not too far away (Lakeridge Inn Gas), and they have diesel. Boat launch and day use area only a short drive away. Just would not want to be here if it was busy.

  • B
    Oct. 3, 2021

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    "Child/Pet Friendly!

    This Campground is 5 miles from West gate entrance to "Yosemite National Park". Only 35 miles west of " Lake Don Pedro, take out your boat, go jet skiing or fishing. Don't forget to go to " Moaning Cavern!" Tuolumne River runs through campground. There are 254 Full Hookups, 130 Tent sites, Hostel, Cabin & Yurts. They have WiFi, Satellite TV,Clubhouse, Billiard's, Game room, Shuffleboard, Store, Hiking Trails,Nature, Playground, Mini Golf, Tennis, Picnic/BBQ,Volleyball, Basketball & in the Summer-Bus runs to Yosemite, for an additional fee. Summer Swimming,Seasonal Fishing,Wheelchair Accessible, Restroom/Shower Facilities & Laundry. Yosemite Lakes Resort 31191 Hardin Flat Rd. Groveland,CA 95321 Reservations Member- 1-800-368-7788 Non-Member 1-888-481-6348 Welcome Center (209)962-0103 Rental Check In- 4PM Rental Check Out - 11AM Front Desk- Sun-Sat 8AM-8PM


Guide to Merced

Merced, California, offers a variety of RV camping options that cater to different preferences and budgets, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Big rigs should check out Merced River Resort

  • The Merced River Resort is big rig friendly and features full hookups, making it convenient for larger RVs.
  • With amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and a sanitary dump, this campground provides essential services for a comfortable stay.
  • Guests can enjoy the outdoors with picnic tables and firewood available for a cozy evening by the fire.

RVers like these nearby activities

  • The Lakes RV & Golf Resort offers fishing and golfing opportunities, perfect for those looking to enjoy some leisure activities during their stay.
  • At Tuolumne River Ranch, visitors can take short hikes and enjoy serene views along the river, ideal for nature lovers.
  • For a unique experience, the Castle Air Museum RV Park allows guests to explore an old Air Force base museum, adding an interesting twist to their camping adventure.

Some prices for RV Parks range from $45 to $95

  • Rates at the Santa Nella RV Park start around $45, offering large, level sites for a quick stop.
  • The Madera District Fair RV Campgrounds provides a well-maintained environment with prices that reflect its convenient location.
  • For a more rustic experience, the Arena RV Park offers affordable rates, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular RV campsite near Merced, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Merced, CA is Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging with a 3.9-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find RV camping near Merced, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 90 RV camping locations near Merced, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.