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Top Campgrounds and RV Parks in Merced, California

Merced is a medium-sized city in Central California. This town is the county seat of Merced County, and many of the RV campgrounds in Merced, California are near popular RV adventure destinations like Yosemite National Park. The options available for parking your RV in the Merced area range from rustic campgrounds to all-inclusive resorts, but all Merced campgrounds feature the lush greenery and mountain views that make this part of California so spectacular.

This area can get quite hot in the summer, but it cools down during the winter months. Read on to learn about the ten best places in Merced to park your rental RV.

Lakes RV & Golf Resort

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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.

Why You’ll Love Lakes RV & Golf Resort

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.

What People Are Saying About Lakes RV & Golf Resort

“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

“This was a good overnight stop. Stayed in a pull-through and didn’t need to disconnect my towed car. The concrete pad was adequate but a little narrow for longer stays. It was raining but overall the park seemed clean and neat.” – John, Google Review

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Los Banos West / I-5 KOA Journey KOA Logo

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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.

Why You’ll Love Los Banos West / I-5 KOA Journey

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.

What People Are Saying About Los Banos West / I-5 KOA Journey

“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

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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.

Why You’ll Love Santa Nella RV Park

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.

What People Are Saying About Santa Nella RV Park

“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

“Park has been updated and is very nice. Great stopping stop going north or south. Restrooms somewhat dated but clean. Has WiFi (didn’t use) and cable TV.” – Art, Google Review

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Blackstone North RV Park

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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.

Why You’ll Love Blackstone North RV Park

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.

What People Are Saying About Blackstone North RV Park

“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

“Great little park for my dad to park his fifth wheel at these past few years, when he comes to visit. Laundry facilities, bathrooms, and RV park grounds are all well maintained. The staff are pleasant. The Wi-Fi works decent.” – Scott, Google Review

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Lake McSwain Recreational Area

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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.

Why You’ll Love Lake McSwain Recreational Area

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.

What People Are Saying About Lake McSwain Recreational 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

“Awesome place for RV full hook up camping.great lake boat acess. Awesome playgrounds. Becareful of rattle snakes in summer. If you stay on the black top/ side walk you will be fine. We place thick rope on ground around the camp spot, snakes won’t cross over it.” – Tami, Google Review

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Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

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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.

Why You’ll Love Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

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.

What People Are Saying About Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

“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

“Great place to explore the waterfeutres of Central Valley. Surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, Turlock Lake is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day.” – Forestbound, Google Review

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Indian Flat Campground

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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.

Why You’ll Love Indian Flat Campground

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.

What People Are Saying About Indian Flat Campground

“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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Yosemite RV Resort

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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.

Why You’ll Love Yosemite RV Resort

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.

What People Are Saying About Yosemite RV Resort

“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

“Great location, clean and well cared for. Friendly staff. The even escort you to your site!” – Sean, Google Review

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Merced River Resort ARVC Logo

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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.

Why You’ll Love Merced River Resort

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.

What People Are Saying About Merced River Resort

“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

“Absolutely love this RV Park. Always accommodating and able to meet our needs. Very clean showers and laundromat. Nice size play area for kids and large dog park. Pool and clubhouse may be a bit of a walk for elders or the disabled. But, worth the view and facilities when you get there” – Terri, Google Review

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Arena RV Park

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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.

Why You’ll Love Arena RV Park

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.

What People Are Saying About Arena RV Park

“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

“Our stay here has been very good. The people are very nice and helpful. The management and staff are very nice and have wonderful customer service. We will stop again in the future.” – Michael, Google Review

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Golf Resort

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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.

Why You’ll Love Golf Resort

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 People Are Saying About Golf Resort

“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

“We always enjoy staying here. So beautiful. We always take advantage of the golf. Great to walk the 18 holes, no cart necessary.” – ncy, Google Review

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Hodgdon Meadow Campground

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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.

Why You’ll Love Hodgdon Meadow Campground

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

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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.

Why You’ll Love Hidden View Campground

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.

What People Are Saying About Hidden View Campground

“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 ,

“Good camping site with hookups. We enjoyed our stay and went swimming in the lake.” – Brian, Google Review

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Woodward Reservoir Regional Park

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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.

Why You’ll Love Woodward Reservoir Regional 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.

What People Are Saying About Woodward Reservoir Regional Park

“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

“I borrowed a boat and loved it here. We didn’t have no problems. Get there early and you won’t have a problem with parking, the water was perfect best lake reservoir we have been to hands down!!!!” – Joel, Google Review

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Kit Fox RV Park Passport America Logo

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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.

Why You’ll Love Kit Fox RV Park

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.

What People Are Saying About Kit Fox RV Park

“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

“Good park if you are passing through or need to be in the area. I would not call it a destition resort. Clean, well maintained with grass and level sites. What more can you ask of a convenient location? The guy who runs the place is really nice.” – C Webb, Google Review

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Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Equity Lifestyle Logo

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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 Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

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.

What People Are Saying About Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

“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

“We had a great time at the resort. We rented a yurt which was great fun and a good compromise between a cabin and a tent. The natural beauty is amazing. You can campfire, hike and there are amazing viewpoints.” – Vishakha, Google Review

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Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

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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

Why You’ll Love Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

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.

What People Are Saying About Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

“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

“Tucked away in the hills. Beautiful place to take the family for the day.” – Rachael, Google Review

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In Summary

Now that you’re familiar with the best options for RV camping in Merced, it’s time to make a decision. With so many excellent RV parks in the Merced, California, area, it might be hard to choose the right one.

If your main purpose in visiting is exploring Yosemite National Park, you might like staying at Yosemite RV Resort as a one of the top Merced campgrounds. 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 the rural appeal and mountain views of this California city.

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Explore other Campgrounds & RV Parks near Merced

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp in Merced, California?

The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.

How much does it cost to RV park in Merced, California?

Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.

How long can you stay at an RV Park in Merced, California?

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.

Are there pet friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds in Merced, California?

Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.