Merced is a medium-sized Central California city known for its lush and green environment with many campgrounds near popular RV adventure destinations like Yosemite National Park. Our team has gathered some of the best spots to create your next vacation memories beyond amazing. Read on to learn about the 10 best places in Merced to park your rental RV and take in this gorgeous city.
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This RV park is located south of Merced in Chowchilla. Unlike most other RV parks in Merced, Lakes RV & Golf Resort has its own golf course. It’s situated on the banks of a small fishing lake.
Lakes RV & Golf Resort is one of the most highly rated campgrounds in Merced, California. The lake provides this park with a serene ambiance, and the facilities are top-notch. To top it off, Lakes RV & Golf Resort is only about five minutes away from downtown Chowchilla.
“This is probably the nicest place I’ve stayed at in 9 months full timing. It’s first class in every way. Beautiful, quiet, nice people, nice staff, every spot has a darling lighthouse for electricity/water and a large hedge between each site for privacy. The landscaping is all mature and includes many flowering trees and bushes, including lavender, jasmine, etc.” – Katrina, Google Review
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Los Banos West / I-5 KOA Journey are situated to the southeast of Merced. It’s within walking distance of O’Neill Forebay, and it’s close to Interstate 5. This RV park features amenities that are commonly found at KOA campgrounds, and bikes are available for rent.
Proximity to large bodies of water makes Los Banos West / I-5 KOA Journey a great pick for families with kids. You can rent a few bikes and spend the day tooling around the countryside. Since this RV park is close to Interstate 5, it’s easy to pop into town for supplies.
“Had a great stay with our Club. Four nights camping in our Motor Home. Clean Club House, decorated nicely. Appliances that worked. New Patio furniture, couldn’t sit outside because of the weather, mostly rain. Quiet and nicely manicured spaces.” – KoppyandDave, Google Review
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Santa Nella RV Park is located in the small town of Santa Nella. Amenities like Starbucks and In-N-Out Burger are within walking distance, and Interstate 5 is nearby. Santa Nella RV Park is immaculately maintained, and it features spacious RV lots.
Santa Nella RV Park is relatively small, which ensures a quiet and peaceful stay. It’s also comforting to know that there are so many amenities located a short walk away. Best of all, Santa Nella RV Park charges surprisingly low monthly rates.
“We like this park. It has the basic amenities and a friendly group of regulars. No cable and little internet in the area but otherwise a nice desert campground.” – Ken, Google Review
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Blackstone North RV Park is located in Fresno, which is south of Merced. This RV park is medium-sized, and it is close to Highway 41. Blackstone North RV Park offers discounts to Good Sam members and members of the armed forces.
If you’ll be in the Merced area for a while, Blackstone North RV Park is a great place to stay. The permanent residents are happy to show newcomers the ropes, and this RV park is close to downtown Fresno. In addition, Yosemite National Park is only 90 minutes away.
“Always feel safe here. We are bowlers so very convenient to have Bowlero next door. Great service. These bathrooms leave something to be desired so best for self conta ones rigs. Close t o shopping and great restaurants. This is a place to stop on the way or live for work.” – Anita, Google Review
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Lake McSwain Recreational Area is located north of Merced in Merced Falls. This RV park is on the Merced River, and it is only 20 minutes away from Yosemite National Park. Lake McSwain Recreational Area is popular with fishing enthusiasts and young families.
If your goal is to leave civilization behind, you’ll love Lake McSwain Recreational Area. This campground is accessible all year round, and every campsite has access to water. Best of all, there are plenty of recreational trails in the area.
“If you like to fish for trout, this long narrow, relatively shallow lake just below Lake McLure is the place to go. Camp grounds, both basic and with full hook ups are available at a very reasonable rate. And the newly built cabins are set to open soon. There is a swimming beach and playground for the kids, and pets are allowed.” – Ferd, Google Review
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Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is located directly north of Merced. This RV park is situated on Turlock Lake, and it is popular with water sports enthusiasts. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area can accommodate RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet.
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is a great place to beat the summer heat. Even in the colder months, it’s still enjoyable to fish or gaze out on the lake. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is also only about 20 minutes away from the sizable town of Modesto.
“Had a great time with my family, loved this place, went camping and swimming here, super nice staff very helpful and they where good to my kids they even gave my youngest son glow sticks he was so happy” – Ty, Google Review
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Indian Flat Campground is located in the town of El Portal, which is only minutes away from Yosemite National Park. This RV park is situated on the Merced River, and each RV pad at Indian Flat Campground is surrounded by large shade trees. Indian Flat Campground is one of the smallest RV parks in the area, and the management at this campground have made a deal with the lodge next-door that allows guests to use their swimming pool.
The best thing about Indian Flat Campground is how close it is to Yosemite National Park. The incredible granite cliff faces and waterfalls of this national treasure are only a few minutes away from the gates of this RV park. Plus, there’s a small gift shop on-site where you can pick up something to bring home with you.
“Nice campground. There were clean bathrooms and showers with hot water. Had not trouble getting a reservation within a week of arrival. A nice little spot on the Merced river and a quick drive into Yosemite!” – Victoria, Google Review
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When recommending RV parks near Madera, you can’t skip over this quaint campground near the gates to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite RV Resort is about 45 minutes from Madera, and its easy navigability with large campsites make it an excellent choice for big rigs. Everyone is welcome here, and you will find great places for pets and children to play in.
If your main reason for visiting the area is to see Yosemite National Park, this is the Madera, California campground for you. It is well-appointed and only minutes from the park entrance. Laid-back campers and high-powered adventurers alike will find Yosemite RV Resort an excellent base camp for enjoying the surrounding park.
“Very nice and clean! So happy to be here. The office staff was friendly and accommodating when we asked to move to a shadier location. It’s quiet and pleasant. Lovely pool area. I would highly recommend to anyone.” – Mary, Google Review
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Merced River Resort is southeast of Modesto near the town of Livingston. This RV park features access to the Merced River, and it’s about ten minutes away from McConnell State Recreation Area. Merced River Resort is located directly off Highway 99, which makes this RV park a convenient overnight stop.
If you like floating in an inner tube, Merced River Resort is the place to go. This remote RV park has everything you need to stay comfortable, and river access makes Merced River Resort a popular summer destination. Best of all, amenities like Starbucks are within walking distance.
“There is a nice pool large playground for the kids and a very large dog park and of course the Merced River. You won’t find this in a hotel. The WiFi was good, of course, it is not for streaming, and for the cable, we did not use. The staff was very polite and we really enjoyed our time here.” – Bruce, Google Review
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Just 20 minutes from Madera, you will find Arena RV Park. Whether you are looking for a long-term place to stay or just a stopover for a few nights, you will enjoy your stay here. This park is big rig- and pet-friendly.
This is one of the budget-friendly parks on the list, and you will find it has the best Madera RV park rates. It can accommodate big rigs and smaller rigs and is a friendly, peaceful place to be. Families will love the comfortable atmosphere. Be sure to ask about monthly rates for longer stays.
“I have seen this park transform over the last year. The staff has always been accommodating and friendly. The manager has always made herself available and willing to help with anything. The staff and tenants are easy to get along with. The park is always very neat, clean, and the updates they are doing is making the park look amazing. This is a family and pet-friendly park.” – Debora, Google Review
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A short drive from Madera, California you will find this campground in the town of Chowchilla. It is big rig- and golf-friendly and perfect for those who want to spend more than a few days in the area. The Lakes RV and Golf Resort has the most luxurious accommodations on this list.
Of all the Madera camping sites, those found at The Lakes RV and Golf Resort are the best-appointed. The well-kept grounds, which include a nine-hole golf course, are sure to please. They provide a lush, relaxing space to spend time when you aren’t out exploring all the area attractions.
“What a surprise to find in sleepy little Chowchilla! This is a really awesome first-class RV resort in the Central Valley of California. Lots of pull-through sites, but the real treat are the lakefront back-in sites. Nice folks staying there, too! First-class bathrooms and shower facilities, matched by equally nice laundry facilities. If you are planning just an overnight stay, do yourself a favor and book yourself for a few days and enjoy this incredible resort!” – Mike, Google Review
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Hodgdon Meadow Campground provides a convenient retreat along the Big Oak Flat Road at the entrance of Big Oak Flat. Situated at an elevation of 4,900 feet (1,219 m), this campground rests on the western periphery of the park, offering a strategic location 25 miles away and approximately 45 minutes from the heart of Yosemite Valley. For additional convenience, a gas station and basic convenience items can be found nearby at Crane Flat. Hodgdon Meadow Campground boasts a total of 105 sites accommodating tents, RVs up to 35 feet, and trailers up to 27 feet, catering to a diverse range of camping preferences.
Exploring the awe-inspiring natural wonders, trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are just a short drive away from the campground, providing visitors with easy access to these majestic groves.
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Hidden View Campground is part of the Hensley Lake State Recreation Area, which is about 18 miles from Madera. It is perfect for smaller RVs and those on a budget. Visitors looking to enjoy water sports or a large area for their family to spread out and explore will find Hidden View Campground to their liking.
You will quickly see why this is one of the best-rated Good Sam RV Parks near Madera, California. Hensley Lake really is a hidden gem in the Central Valley and will provide hours of lakefront relaxation and entertainment. Hidden Campground is the best choice on this list for getting away from it all.
“Rolled into camp well after dark, and it was still fairly easy to find a campsite on top of the hill. Woke up in the morning to an absolutely stunning view of the lake! What a great way to wake up!” – Truman, Google Review ,
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Woodward Reservoir Regional Park is located north of Modesto near the town of Eugene. This beautiful lake is popular with boating enthusiasts, and the campsites at Woodward Reservoir Regional Park are quite large. Woodward Reservoir Regional Park is about 45 minutes away from Yosemite National Park.
Unlike many other remote campgrounds in the Modesto area, Woodward Reservoir Regional Park offers full hookups. Even so, nightly rates at this campground are surprisingly low. Woodward Reservoir is flush with nooks and crannies that you can explore in a canoe or kayak.
“The camping spaces are huge so you got plenty of room so your neighbors R not right next to you and the water is great for boating and you can leave your boat in the water until you’re ready to take it out. & you can water ski pull floats behind your boat and there’s no speed limit for your boat.” – MacGyver, Google Review
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Kit Fox RV Park is located southwest of Modesto in the town of Patterson. Unlike RV parks in Modesto proper, Kit Fox RV Park is situated directly off Interstate 5. This RV park is relatively large, and it contains quite a few amenities.
While the main appeal of Kit Fox RV Park is its utility as a pit stop when traveling down I-5, it’s also a great place for an extended stay. This RV park charges relatively low rates, and it has everything you need on-site. Best of all, Modesto is only about 20 minutes away.
“Easy freeway access. Helpful staff. Park is well designed to allow large rigs sufficient maneuvering room. Individual sites are paved, gravel, or hard dirt. No grass nor picnic tables at individual sites. Small, but adequate fenced dog park with single gate (no Sally port).” – Robert, Google Review
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Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is located about 40 miles to the east of Modesto. It’s within Yosemite National Park, and the entire campground is surrounded by tall trees. The Big Oak Flat park entrance is about ten minutes away from Yosemite Lakes RV Resort.
Why You’ll Love Yosemite Lakes RV Resort Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is one of the most remote RV parks near Modesto. However, the sheer size of this campground makes it feel like a small town unto itself. Close proximity to the sights and landmarks of Yosemite National Park is this RV park’s best feature.
“This a well set out out campsite and RV park. The yurt villages are spacious so you have a feeling of privacy and being out in the woods. The staff is helpful and friendly. The WiFi connection is about as good as can be done considering where you are as well. It’s about a 20-minute drive into the park from the campsite.” – JP, Google Review
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Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is one of the more secluded RV parks in Madera, California area. Trailers and motorhomes under 36 feet of total length will find clean, comfortable campsites here. It is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Madera but feels far removed from the bustle of city life. Best Features
If you want to enjoy lakeside solitude, Millerton Lake SRA provides some of the best RV camping in Madera, California. The sites are clean and comfortable, and the views are beautiful. You will feel like you’ve found your oasis in the golden hills of California. This is an excellent choice for those in smaller rigs traveling with family or pets.
“Madera side of the lake is so much prettier than the Fresno side. The campgrounds and picnic areas are very nice and cleaner as well. There is also shade trees and much sandier at the shorelines.” – Teresa, Google Review
With so many outstanding RV parks in the Merced, California, area, you might like staying at Yosemite RV Resort and seeing what makes this one of the top Merced campgrounds, or if you’re more interested in checking out this region’s intriguing flatlands, you might enjoy a stay at Lake McSwain Recreational Area. No matter where you end up deciding to park your RV near Merced, you’re guaranteed to be charmed by one of the campgrounds we have put together for you. Just make sure to book sooner rather than later so you don't miss out.
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.