Splash-N-Dash Aqua Park: Thrillin’ & Chillin’

Yosemite Mariposa County is all about peak experiences when it comes to outdoor fun. From rock climbing, hiking, and biking to water sports, the action-packed choices are literally all over the map providing adventure-seeking visitors with any number of epic venues to get their thrill on. And as the summer mercury begins to rise, there’s no better place for families to cool down than Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park.

Located on Lake McSwain in the rolling foothills of northwestern Mariposa County, Splash-n-Dash has the playful distinction of being the largest floating, inflatable water park in North America and is where giggles, grunts, and peals of delight can be heard all day long amid the floating trampolines, swings and dozens of other attractions. With two of the tallest inflatable water slides in the country — not to mention movie nights on Fridays and Saturdays, paddle boarding, kayaking, and lake view cabanas for rent — this brightly colored mecca of merriment is the perfect counterpoint to the tranquil trails of your Yosemite Mariposa County vacation.

The Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park Experience

Everything is more fun in the water, and Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park aims to thrill with a family-friendly experience providing all day activities. Newly expanded from 49,000 to 125,000 square feet, Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park is the largest inflatable water park in North America, creating an inflatable water park experience big enough for an armada of thrill-seekers.

Colossal Splash and Big Splash

The Colossal Splash features a 17’ tall “All-in-One” tower, which has 2 large water slides, and 2 platforms to jump off, as well as a Blob, where you can launch your friends and family, and a trampoline. The Big Splash has over 30 new attractions, including a 27’ tall Action Tower with multiple slides and a Blob, and 2 Relay Dash Trax, where you can race against your friends and family.

NOTE: Guest must be 7 years old, at least 45” tall, and a good swimmer to use the Colossal and Big Splash. AQUA SHOES ARE REQUIRED while in the water and are available for purchase at the park.

Lil’ Splash

Always looking out for the little ones, Splash-n-Dash has established the Lil’ Splash for kids under 7 years of age and 45” tall. Recently expanded, this 5,000 square foot mini-obstacle course features the Figure 8 slide, Frog Jump, Tunnel, and more for hours of outsized fun. There are also beach toys & sand buckets, not to mention a shaded area with chairs for the adults to sip a cool beverage and relax.

NOTE: Parental supervision is required in the Lil’ Splash Zone AT ALL TIMES.

Watercraft Rentals

The water beckons on Lake McSwain, and there are many ways to explore it with Splash-n-Dash Aqua park watercraft rentals. Feel that esprit de core while standing tall on a Paddle Board, slice through the ripples in a Kayak (1-person, 2-person, or child size), or leisurely tour the aqua-scape via Pedal Boat. 60-minute/4-hour/All day rentals are available at The Reel Deal Market & Cafe beginning at 9:00 am daily. All are first-come/first-served.

Cabana Rentals

Everybody likes to have their own designated fun space, and Splash-n-Dash obliges with cabanas for rent where families and groups of friends can set up a base camp for all the action. Options include the Water View Cabana Rental — a 10’ x 20’ gazebo with views of the lake that seats 8+ people on cushioned couches, chairs & ottomans — and the regular Cabana Rental which features the same comforts sans the view. Both options also provide a cooler with 16 lbs. of ice, a table and personalized service from a Splash-n-Dash team member who will check to make sure the party has officially started! For those who want to leave the cooking to someone else, food & beverage service is provided for an additional fee. If something more intimate is desired, Splash-n-Dash also offers Premier Seating — two cushioned loungers and table situated cozily beneath a shade canopy.

NOTE: Splash-n-Dash offers complete birthday party packages that fit all ages that include food and fun goodies for all to be enjoyed in your own picnic area. Click here to learn more about Birthday Party Packages and larger Group Gatherings.

The Reel Deel Market & Cafe

Serving fisher-people and Splashers alike, the Reel Deel Market & Cafe is a one-stop-shop offering bait, ice, and camping supplies, not to mention a tasty menu that includes beach-worthy delicacies such as the “Triple B” Breakfast Burrito, jalapeño popper dogs, western bbq bacon burgers and garlic parmesan fries. What’s better than a grill with a side of thrills?

Stay & Play (aka Splash & Crash)

Nobody wants to make the long drive home after an action-packed day on the water, especially when you’re at the footstep of America’s most majestic outdoor playground — Yosemite National Park. Visitors can take it easy by setting up a base camp surrounded by stunning outdoor recreation, whether that’s a tent or a comfy hotel in one of the charming Gold Rush towns nearby. Hiking, history, water sports….when it comes to a balanced diet of vacation fun, Yosemite Mariposa County has it all.

Lake McClure & Lake McSwain

Camping on-site at Lake McSwain (and its big brother, Lake McClure) is as close as you can get to the action at Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park. With five different campgrounds (two with cabins for rent), the roll-out-of-bed and get-into-the-water opportunities abound with everything from fishing, water skiing, self-powered watercraft and, of course, sun-worshipping. For a tent-level view check out the virtual tour of Lake McSwain Campground via the link above.

Mariposa

If sleeping indoors is more your thing, the funky & fun town of Mariposa has everything to offer from deep Gold Rush roots to amazing food and a range of accommodations. Located 25 miles from Splash-n-Dash and 25 miles from Yosemite’s western Arch Rock Entrance, Mariposa places guests smack dab in the middle of the action whether that’s a tasting tour or a museum hop. If you’re looking for a base camp that’s the hub of the wagon wheel, Mariposa is your place to stay!

Coulterville

Another ultra-historic Gold Rush town worth staying & playing is Coulterville. Located along famous Highway 49 just 25 miles from Splash-n-Dash, the entire town feels like an old west movie set yet has lots to offer the modern traveler including the Northern Mariposa County History Center, the foodie Coulter Cafe & General Store, and annual family-friendly events like CoyoteFest. Heading east another 25 miles brings Splashers to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance, making an overnight Coulterville stay yet another hub on that sturdy ol’ wagon wheel.

Safe Splashin’

Safety comes first at Splash-n-Dash – literally. Before even getting in the water all guests undergo a safety orientation and review park rules. Then once guests are in the water they’re required to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets which are supplied free of charge. Aqua shoes are required to prevent any accidental slips off slides and equipment, visitors can bring their own or purchase aqua shoes on site.

Splash-n-Dash employees are trained to always take care of and respect guests’ every need. In total, there are 37 employees at Splash-n-Dash and every staff member that tends an inflatable object is a certified lifeguard. Splash-n-Dash always exceeds the standard ratio of lifeguards to swimmers.

Splash Tips & Side Trips

Yosemite Mariposa County is the ultimate outdoor playground. Here are some pro tips for Splashers as well as other nearby activities to create a multi-day trip that is guaranteed to make your Sierra cup runneth over…

• Get splash-happy with our guide to swimming Yosemite Mariposa County.
• Aqua Shoes are required for Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park so come prepared.
• Pedal & paddle both with a visit to Exchequer Mountain Bike Park.
• Bring a hat and plenty of eco-friendly sunscreen for your day on the lake.
• Overnighters, be sure to look toward the heavens with our guide to Yosemite Mariposa County stargazing.
• Remember to pick up an adult fishing license online or at the Reel Deal Market if you want to drop a line with kiddos.

To explore lodging options, things to do and places to eat, visit Yosemite.com, the #1 trip planning site for vacations to Yosemite National Park and historic Mariposa County. To stay up to date, follow @YosemiteNation on social media and subscribe to our newsletter, “The Wanderer”. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for great videos on the people and places of Yosemite Mariposa County.