Tent campsites near Merced, California range from primitive riverside spots to more developed locations with basic facilities. The region sits at elevations between 500-1,200 feet, creating milder winter camping conditions than higher Sierra locations. Camping areas follow seasonal patterns with most sites open April through September, though some dispersed camping options remain accessible year-round with proper vehicles.
What to do
Fishing access: Cole Ranch offers prime river fishing opportunities with complimentary watercraft. One camper reported "Fishing was a success, what a bonus" while enjoying afternoon relaxation on the water.
Wildlife observation: Railroad Flat Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing along the Merced River. A visitor noted encountering "wildflowers, newts, and river otters" while warning to "watch out for rattlesnakes!"
Hiking to swimming spots: Several camping areas provide riverside trails leading to swimming holes. At Dirt Flat, visitors enjoy the "nice river that flows right next to the campsite which is relaxing to listen to," though highway noise is occasionally noticeable.
Half Dome access: For experienced hikers seeking Yosemite adventures, Little Yosemite Valley Campground serves as a basecamp. One reviewer recommends: "If you are attempting Half Dome you could extend the trip and hike here first, stay a night, wake up early, and be the first on the Dome to watch the sunrise."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Dispersed camping along Hardin Flat Road offers privacy with "really spread out spots. Couldn't even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect." Another camper noted: "Spacious pull-out with a small rock fire pit. I believe fires are allowed as long as you have a permit."
River sounds: Tent campers particularly enjoy riverside locations during lower-traffic periods. At Willow Placer Campground, visitors can experience "peaceful listening to the river all night" with minimal noise disturbance.
Proximity to Yosemite: Multiple camping areas provide convenient access to Yosemite National Park. As one camper at Hardin Flat Road noted, it's "just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Yosemite" with plenty of "good shade" at many sites.
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many tent sites maintain clean facilities. A camper at Little Yosemite Valley Campground appreciated the "regularly cleaned pit toilets (4 stalls)" and noted it was a "great, clean campsite to use as your launching point to the Yosemite backcountry."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Railroad Flat and Willow Placer only open "April 30 to September 5" according to campground information.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by location and season. One reviewer at Railroad Flat noted complete fire bans, while others mentioned permits required for fires at Hardin Flat Road.
Insect presence: Mosquitoes can be problematic in riverside areas. At George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area, a camper warned of "mosquitoes everywhere" and noted "I have never camped somewhere, where there were so many mosquitoes!"
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires careful navigation. At Willow Placer, a camper noted "there is a really clean privy at the site and a water spiket at the bottom of the road after the bridge. We're towing a 10-ft trailer and barely made the turn for the suspension bridge."
Tick awareness: When camping in forested areas, take precautions against ticks. A Hardin Flat Road visitor warned "Lots of ticks! be prepared."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Cole Ranch provides excellent family-friendly water recreation with "complimentary watercraft for the river" and a camp host who ensures families have everything needed. One family noted their dog lost a toy and "they took time out of their day to buy him a new one so he can continue to play in the river!"
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with river beach areas for children. Some sites have natural sand areas while others have compacted dirt shorelines.
Avoiding crowds: For quieter family camping, avoid peak summer weekends. A visitor noted Willow Placer was ideal in off-season as they "had the whole campground to ourselves."
Kitchen facilities: Some campgrounds offer communal cooking areas. At Cole Ranch, they "provide pots, pans, knives and other cooking utensils you may need" which simplifies family meal preparation.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent-focused campgrounds have limited access for larger RVs. A Railroad Flat camper noted their "16' Airstream fit perfectly" but "would not recommend anything larger" due to road constraints.
Turning radius challenges: Access roads to some campgrounds have tight turns. At Willow Placer, the suspension bridge requires "almost a 90 degree turn on a narrow bridge" which can be challenging for trailers.
Seasonal access: Winter camping requires appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Hardin Flat Road in April mentioned "There was a good amount of ice but with 4x4 not problem" while noting ice was melting as spring progressed.
Campsite selection: For RV camping at Bass Lake Recreation Area, despite sites being on a "fairly steep hill," they remain "level sites despite the steep hill" with "a smallish amount of privacy between the sites."
