Best National Parks Near Merced, CA
Yosemite National Park, located about 80 miles east of Merced, is a world-renowned destination for nature lovers. Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point are just some of the park's most famous landmarks. The park covers an area of 1169 square miles and offers several campgrounds with varying amenities, including full hookups.Kings Canyon National Park, established in 1940 and covering an area of over 461901 acres, is about a three-hour drive from Merced. The park features stunning landscapes such as General Grant Grove and Zumwalt Meadows. Several campgrounds scattered throughout the park offer RV-friendly sites with varying levels of electric and sewer hookups.Pinnacles National Park is a relatively new national park established in 2013. It's located about an hour and a half south of Merced and is known for its unique rock formations and hiking trails like the Bear Gulch Cave Trail, High Peaks Trail, and Balconies Cave Trail. The campground at Pinnacles offers several RV-friendly sites with water and electric hookups but no sewer.Whether you're looking to explore Yosemite's iconic landmarks or venture off the beaten path to Kings Canyon or Pinnacles National Park, there are plenty of options for RV travelers visiting Merced. Plan ahead by checking availability at different campgrounds within each park, as they tend to fill up quickly during peak travel seasons.
Popular State Parks Near Merced, CA
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area is a beautiful destination for RVers. The park offers 15 campsites, each with electric and water hookups. There are also picnic tables and fire pits available for use. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in the park.McConnell State Recreation Area is located just outside of Merced County and offers a serene environment for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park has 20 RV-friendly campsites with electric hookups and other amenities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic tables.Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is another great option for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features two campgrounds that offer over 75 campsites with electric and water hookups. Guests can take advantage of various water activities like fishing, boating, and swimming or enjoy hiking on nearby trails.All three parks require reservations for their campsites; hence visitors should plan ahead accordingly. Pets are allowed in all parks but must be kept on a leash at all times.Whether you're a nature lover or simply seeking a break from the city's noise and crowds, these state parks are great destinations to put on your travel itinerary when visiting Merced or its surrounding areas in an RV rental!
National Forests Near Merced, CA
Sierra, Eldorado, and Stanislaus National Forests are all located within a few hours' drive of Merced, California. Sierra National Forest is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains and offers numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. Established in 1893, it spans over 1.3 million acres of land with scenic beauty throughout the forest.Eldorado National Forest is another national forest in California that covers 596724 acres of land established in July 1910. It offers visitors a vast range of activities, such as stargazing, biking, and exploring Kirkwood Mountain Resort or Emerald Bay State Park or skiing at Sierra at Tahoe Resort.Stanislaus National Forest is spread across an area of 898099 acres, established in February 1897. Located near the Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort and Skyline Bear Valley Resort, it offers bird-watching or geocaching opportunities while exploring Calaveras Big Trees State Park.Whether you want to go on a peaceful hike or seek adventure through various activities, these national forests will surely not disappoint you during your RV trip near Merced.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Merced, CA
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial in Contra Costa County is a solemn landmark that pays tribute to the victims of the deadliest home-front disaster during World War II. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, located close by, offers a fun-filled day with its thrilling rides and animal attractions, while Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord is perfect for an aquatic adventure.The John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, Contra Costa County, is a must-visit for history buffs. The site boasts of John Muir's historic home, which was built in 1883 and is now managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can enjoy a hike up Mount Wanda or explore Briones Regional Park nearby. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord offers more water-based thrills while biking, hiking, picnicking, and guided tours are available to visitors.Caswell Memorial State Park lies south of San Joaquin County and provides an escape from the hustle of city life into Riparian Oak Woodland in California's Central Valley. It spans 258 acres and was established in 1952 before opening to the public in 1958. Named after Thomas Caswell, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature at its best through various recreational activities like picnicking and hiking trails through oak woodland habitats leading to riparian forests along the Stanislaus River.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Several RV parks, campgrounds, and resorts near Merced, California, offer different amenities and experiences.The Merced River Resort is a great option for those who want to enjoy river access, pool/hot tub, showers, and strong cell reception.If you're looking for a place with a pool/hot tub, showers, and pets allowed, you may consider staying at Lake McSwain Recreational Area.Arena RV Park offers full hookups (30/50 Amp), pool/hot tub, showers, pets allowed, and Wi-Fi. Please get in touch with them directly for pricing.You can often find discounts online for these locations. Keep in mind there is an entrance fee for some of the parks.
RV Dump Stations Near Merced, CA
Merced River RV Park offers a convenient dump station for your black and grey water, as well as freshwater fill and a hose for flushing tanks. They also have a trash bin for waste disposal.Modesto Reservoir Regional Park has a dump station available with potable water and a separate area for rinsing your tanks. They also offer trash disposal.Madruga Alves Car Wash provides an RV dump station with potable water and an on-site convenience store. Chevron Service Station Foodmart offers an RV dump station with potable water but no other amenities.
