George Hatfield Group Campground

3.05

19 reviews

4394 North Kelly Road Hilmar, CA 95324

Quick Facts

23 ft

Price

$20 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

23 ft

Price

$20 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

George Hatfield Group Campground

$20.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group camping rates are $150 per area with restrooms, water, and electrical outlets. One-day camping permits are $20. ADA-compliant camping sites...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$150.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(209) 632-2852

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What Campers Say

3.05

Mixed Reviews

Based on 19 reviews

164 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects of camping at George Hatfield Group Campground. While many appreciate the natural setting and group camping facilities, concerns about mosquitoes, noise disturbances, and maintenance issues are common."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4394 North Kelly Road Hilmar, CA 95324

George Hatfield Group Campground

4394 North Kelly Road Hilmar, CA 95324

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5, take the Newman exit into Newman and continue east on County Road J-18 for five miles; the park entrance is just past the San Joaquin River bridge.

Accessible via paved roads; no information on seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Hilmar: 5 miles, Newman: 5 miles, Turlock: 22 miles, Modesto: 22 miles

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies likely available in nearby Hilmar or Newman

exact details are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at George Hatfield Group Campground

Experience the full drama of California's seasons in this dynamic landscape. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river swimming, with temperatures climbing between 90 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall paint the campground in gentle temperatures and stunning colors, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter transforms the area into a crisp wonderland where temperatures dip below freezing, creating frost-kissed mornings and cozy campfire evenings. With just 12 inches of annual rainfall, you'll enjoy mostly clear skies throughout your stay.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Hot summers (90–105°F) make swimming appealing but mosquitoes and heat reduce comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is milder with fewer mosquitoes; reviews note fall as a favorable season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers milder temps and fewer mosquitoes; reviews favor spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but winters can dip below freezing; limited winter activities noted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park is open year-round, but seasonal weather conditions may impact usability.
Current Alerts: Recent reviews mention closure of some bathrooms and lack of upkeep after flooding.

About George Hatfield Group Campground

Escape the crowds and discover a hidden riverside sanctuary where the gentle Merced River winds through ancient groves of oak and box elder trees. This tranquil campground invites adventurers to cast a line into crystal-clear waters, pitch their tent beneath a cathedral of branches, or simply float away an afternoon in the river's cooling embrace. Whether you're hiking secret trails, studying the diverse wildlife, or gathering for a riverside picnic, this peaceful retreat offers authentic outdoor experiences far from the beaten path.

The campground primarily caters to group camping but also allows primitive and RV camping. Tent camping and ADA-compliant sites are available.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history at this remarkable site, generously gifted to the public by George J. Hatfield, California's distinguished former Lieutenant Governor and State Senator. Long before Hatfield's generous donation transformed this land into a public treasure, the Yokut people thrived along these riverbanks, establishing villages that connected them to the life-giving waters of the Merced. Today, visitors can sense the deep cultural heritage that permeates this special place, where centuries of human connection to the land continue to inspire.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of California's seasons in this dynamic landscape. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river swimming, with temperatures climbing between 90 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall paint the campground in gentle temperatures and stunning colors, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter transforms the area into a crisp wonderland where temperatures dip below freezing, creating frost-kissed mornings and cozy campfire evenings. With just 12 inches of annual rainfall, you'll enjoy mostly clear skies throughout your stay.

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 SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of California's native ecosystem, where towering valley oaks create natural amphitheaters and box elders whisper ancient stories. The rich, sandy bottomland nurtures a paradise of wild edibles - from sun-warmed elderberries to tangled blackberry thickets and grape vines that drape like nature's own decorations. Cottonwoods provide dappled shade along meandering paths where curious raccoons, elusive weasels, and playful otters make their homes. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the seasonal parade of migratory species, while evening brings the gentle rustling of opossums and the occasional glimpse of a muskrat gliding through the water.

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.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Family campsites are limited to 8 persons and 2 licensed vehicles.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 50 people. Facilities include a large barbecue pit, sinks, water, serving areas, picnic tables, and benches.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutIncludes family campsites and group camping areas with benches and large barbecue pits.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by contacting the park directly or via (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability mentioned; details on number of sites or patterns not provided.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy provided.

AccessibilityThe park has a couple of ADA-compliant camping spots, which require a disabled placard or license plate.

Site SizeGroup campsites can accommodate up to 50 people.

PrivacyGroup sites are designed for gatherings and may lack privacy due to their open space layout.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesShade and proximity to the Merced River are common positive features.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at George Hatfield Group Campground include fishing, swimming, picnicking, and nature study. The Merced River provides opportunities for water-related activities such as rafting and canoeing. Wildlife viewing is also popular due to the park's diverse bird population.

HikingHiking trails are mentioned in authoritative sources but lack specific details regarding difficulty or length.

FishingFishing opportunities include species such as catfish, black bass, and perch. A valid California sport-fishing license is required.

SwimmingSwimming in the Merced River is noted as a popular activity, particularly in shallow areas suitable for children. However, deep holes in the river can pose safety risks, especially given the lack of lifeguard services.

BoatingThe Merced River allows for rafting and canoeing, but currents are slow during low-flow periods, which may limit travel distances.

Wildlife viewingBird species commonly seen include valley quail, woodpeckers, robins, hawks, and migratory ducks and geese.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are a recurring problem as mentioned in multiple reviews. The Merced River has deep holes that are hazardous for swimmers. Coyotes and feral cats have been reported in the campground.

Active AlertsRecent reviews mention closure of some bathrooms and lack of upkeep after flooding.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be confined to designated areas. Gathering dead wood or plant material is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services in nearby cities like Hilmar and Newman; specific facilities not mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling efforts were not highlighted in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Water FeaturesCampground is bordered on three sides by the Merced River with over a mile of river frontage.

Camp HostNo details provided about campground hosts.

Weather at George Hatfield Group Campground

Reviews

3.1

19 reviews

Mixed Reviews

George Hatfield Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects of camping at George Hatfield Group Campground. While many appreciate the natural setting and group camping facilities, concerns about mosquitoes, noise disturbances, and maintenance issues are common.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes the campground's suitability for family gatherings, spacious group sites, and activities like fishing and swimming. The ADA-compliant spots are appreciated by disabled...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include dirty bathrooms, noise disturbances from other campers, and issues with mosquitoes. Some reviewers noted lack of enforcement of noise rules and maintenance concerns after flooding.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing earplugs to counter loud campers, ensuring adequate mosquito protection, and checking ADA compliance for discounted access.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that spring and fall are more favorable for camping due to milder temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. Summer can be uncomfortably hot, and winter temperatures may drop below freezing.

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Nice local place to go for the day with your family, have a birthday party, and take your dog on an adventure." - Виктория Реа. 2. "The large open space camping area works great for extended...

Based on 19 reviews