Merced River

CA

Big spring whitewater just outside Yosemite.

37.670°N 119.900°W1,398 ft
CampingFishingPaddling
Today78°FSlight Chance Light Rain · low 49°F
Wind5 mphSSW · NWS

Photo: Ken Lund · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Rentals, stays & trips for Merced RiverPartner links · same price for you
Guided trip on Merced RiverRafting, kayak and fishing trips with a guideViator Stay near Merced RiverLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Folding kayaksPacks into a car trunk, sets up in minutesOru Kayak Riverside campsitePrivate sites near the waterHipcamp

Heads up: Cooler months are quiet on the river. Check flows before you go.

Guided trip on Merced RiverViator · partner link→
Guides for Merced RiverRiver trips →Camping →
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · USGS 3DHP

Quick facts

Type
River
State
California
Elevation
1,398 ft
Boat ramps
None listed
Campgrounds
None listed
Fish species
None recorded

Get on the water

Ramps & rentals

Boat ramps and marinasNone listed yet in Recreation.gov or OpenStreetMap for this water.
River trips

Float Merced River with a guide

Guided rafting, kayak and fishing trips. Or bring your own boat and gear.

Affiliate links

Where to stay

Camp near the water

CampgroundsNone listed yet in Recreation.gov or OpenStreetMap for this water.
Public sites full?

Private sites nearby

Ranch, desert and waterfront sites hosted by landowners.

Affiliate link
Rather sleep indoors?

Cabins and hotels near Merced River

Lake houses, cabins and hotels close to the water, with free cancellation on many stays.

Affiliate link
No rig? No problem

RV delivered to camp

Some owners will drop a trailer at the campground and pick it up when you leave.

Affiliate links

Off the water

Nearby trails

TrailheadsNone listed yet in Recreation.gov or OpenStreetMap for this water.

Trailheads from OpenStreetMap and hand-checked notes. Open the trailhead in your hiking app for full route details.

Before you launch

Gas, bait & supplies nearby

Gas and fuel docks

  • Chevron 10921 Central Yosemite Highway (CA-140), El Portal
    6.5 mi

Bait and tackle

  • Mountain Shop & Mountaineering School Mo-Su 08:00-20:00
    18.6 mi
  • Sierra Nevada Trading Company 41969 Highway 41, Oakhurst
    25.6 miCall

Groceries and ice

  • El Portal Market 10913 Central Yosemite Highway (CA-140), El Portal
    6.5 mi

RV dump and fresh water

  • Water source (river)Fresh water
    7.4 mi
  • RV dump stationDump station
    16.3 mi

Ranger stations

  • Merced Grove Ranger Station
    6.4 mi
  • Groveland Ranger District Office 24545 Highway 120, Groveland
    15.1 miCall
  • Groveland Ranger Station
    15.1 miCall
  • Mather Ranger Station
    15.7 mi

Hospitals and urgent care

  • John C Fremont Healthcare DistrictEmergency 5189 Hospital Road, Mariposa · 24/7
    12.5 miCall
  • Yosemite Medical Clinic 9000 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park · Mo,Th,Fr 09:00-17:00; Tu,We 12:00-17:00
    18.2 miCall
  • Kaiser Permanente 40595 Westlake Drive, Oakhurst
    26.2 mi
  • VA Health Care System 40597 Westlake Drive, Oakhurst · Mo-Fr 08:00-16:30
    26.2 mi

Distances are straight-line from the water. Listings © OpenStreetMap contributors; hours change, so call ahead. In an emergency, call 911.

Trip planner

Build your weekend

Saturday75°FSunnyWind 0 to 5 mph WNW
Sunday77°FSunnyWind 0 to 5 mph WNW

National Weather Service forecast. Afternoon wind builds on big lakes; plan crossings for the morning.

How many days
Who's coming
Main thing

Packing list

Don't forget

Photos

Merced River in pictures

Merced River, Near Yosemite National Park, California (21386045989).jpg
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Merced River (8597240205).jpg
Kylir Horton from Eagle Mountain, Utah, United States · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Merced River Recreation Area (25774901913).jpg
blmcalifornia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Good to know

Merced River FAQ

Is there gas near Merced River?

The closest listed fuel is Chevron, about 6.5 miles from the water.

Where can I buy bait near Merced River?

Bait and tackle nearby: Mountain Shop & Mountaineering School (18.6 mi), Sierra Nevada Trading Company (25.6 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Keep exploring

Nearby water

New Melones Lake41 mi · 63% fullSouth Fork American95 miFolsom Lake98 mi · 40% fullLake Tahoe98 mi

Sources: USGS 3DHP, Recreation.gov RIDB, OpenStreetMap contributors, CDFW and AZGFD, GBIF, NWS. Photo credits are listed on the photo credits page. All outbound links are affiliate links.