McConnell State Recreation Area is located east of Highway 99 about midway between Turlock and Merced. The recreation area is along the Merced River, a popular area for floating downstream in canoes or rafts when water levels are safe (life vests are available for children at the entrance gate). Sycamores and cottonwoods provide nice shade against the valley heat. Fishing is good for black bass and catfish.
McConnell State Recreation Area Campground offers 20 campsites in a single loop a short distance back from the river. A trail leads from the campground to a beach along the river, popular for swimming when water levels are safe. However, no lifeguard is on duty. Among the 20 campsites, 4 are designated for tents only. The remainder can accommodate tents or small RVs or trailers. Two Group Campsites are also available.
| McConnell State Recreation Area Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| McConnell State Recreation Area Campground Location: | McConnell Road. From the South Ave. exit off Hwy 99, go east to Pepper St, turn right. Continue south to 2nd Avenue, turn left. Proceed to McConnell Rd and the park entrance. |
| Elevation: | 100 feet |
| Mileage from gateway city: | Turlock - 10 miles
Merced - 22 miles Fresno - 77 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 20 |
| Open - Closed: | Open year-round |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1 vehicle (fee for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | on leash, always attended |
| Operated by | California State Parks |
| Information: | (209) 394-7755 |
| McConnell State Recreation Area Campground Reservations | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available | Reservations are available whenever campground is open. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival. |
| Maximum RV/trailer Length: | Trailers 24 feet RVs 30 feet |
| Wheelchair accessible Sites: | #5 and 6 |
| Fees: | Standard site - $30 per night
Plus $8 reservation fee |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | McConnell SRA Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in at 2:00 PM, check-out at Noon |
| McConnell State Recreation Area Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill, food lockers; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | Yes |
| Dump station: | No |
| Attractions near McConnell State Recreation Area Campground: |
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
McConnell SRA Group Campground
McConnell State Recreation Area Campground includes 2 group campsites near the main campground loop. One group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people and 12 vehicles. The other group site can accommodate up to 24 people and 6 vehicles. Both sites include 20 amp electric hook-ups.
Fees: $200 or $150 per night
McConnell State Recreation Area Campground
California's Central Valley abounds with recreation opportunities. Campers at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground will find many wonderful things to do in the area.
Check with McConnell State Recreation Area for any campground updates.
