Merced River Recreation Management Area

Enjoy a variety of activities at the Merced River Recreation Management Area which is located between the town of Mariposa and Yosemite National Park. The area includes three first-come first-served campgrounds that can be surprisingly busy during the summer months due to the wealth of activities nearby.

Spring arrives early in the area with spectacular wildflower displays that last from March well into May as well as exciting whitewater rafting opportunities. During the summer and autumn, the flows mellow into fantastic swimming and fishing holes, and gold seekers have been panning for gold on these waters since the 1850s. When winter solitude falls, this is a great place to retreat for some peace and quiet and its lower elevation means that it remains a bit milder than some other mountain streams.

You’ll also find year-round bird-watching, fishing, biking, and hiking.