George Hatfield Group Campground sits along the Merced River in California's San Joaquin Valley, offering 50 sites for tent, RV, and group camping. Designed primarily for gatherings of up to 50 people, the campground features electric and water hookups, vault toilets, and access to river activities. Fees range from $20 to $150 per night. While the riverside setting attracts families for fishing and swimming, reviews frequently mention mosquito problems, noise from other campers, and maintenance issues.
The campground primarily caters to group camping but also allows primitive and RV camping. Tent camping and ADA-compliant sites are available.
The campground honors George J. Hatfield, California's former Lieutenant Governor and State Senator, who donated the land for public use. The Yokut people established villages along the Merced River before European settlement, though no specific structures or dates from that period are documented in available records. Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most comfortable camping window. September through November sees daytime highs between 55 and 85°F, with September still warm and October settling into the 65-80°F range. Summer pushes temperatures to 90-105°F, suitable for river swimming but intense for other activities. Winter brings freezing temperatures and frost. The area receives about 12 inches of annual rainfall, concentrated in winter and spring. Mosquitoes are a persistent problem during warmer months.
ElevationNestled in the heart of the valley floor, this campground offers easy accessibility and gentle terrain perfect for all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies riparian habitat along the Merced River at 23 feet elevation, where valley oaks, box elders, and cottonwoods provide shade. The sandy bottomland supports wild elderberries, blackberries, and grape vines. Wildlife includes raccoons, weasels, otters, opossums, and muskrats, with seasonal migratory birds adding to the diversity. The river runs clearer and lower in fall than during spring runoff. Surrounding agricultural operations sometimes produce strong odors that drift into the campground.
Geological RegionDiscover the natural abundance of the San Joaquin Valley, where millennia of river deposits have created extraordinarily fertile sandy soils. This riparian wonderland along the Merced River represents one of California's most precious ecosystems - a ribbon of life where water, earth, and sky converge to create an oasis of biodiversity in the heart of the great Central Valley.
Scenic ViewsTree-shaded campsites with views of the Merced River and surrounding riparian habitat.
Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground.
Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs was provided.