Merced River

Accommodations

Hotels and B&B's

Highland House B&B:
Mariposa, (559) 696-3341

This country cottage sits on a 10 acre plot surrounded by beautiful forest and hiking trails. It has three full bedrooms and a vacation rental cabin to choose from. The Inn has a full kitchen access offered to guests along with a game room, bicycles to explore the surroundings, TV/DVD, wifi, warm fireplace, and many other luxurious amenities. Full breakfast included. This home is 20 minutes from the AO meet place.

Little Valley Inn:
Mariposa, (209) 742-6204

This bed and breakfast offers six contemporary cabins. Each cabin has a private entrance, private shower/tub, outdoor seating, satellite TV, wifi, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. AAA approved and about 20 minutes from the AO meet place.

Mariposa Lodge:
Mariposa, (209) 966-3607

Conveniently located in the heart of old town Mariposa and less than 10 minutes from the AO meet place, this lodge has 45 modern rooms along with a pool and spa and nicely landscaped garden courtyard.  Rooms include TV, wifi, refrigerator, and coffeemaker.

Meadow Creek Ranch Inn:
Mariposa, (209) 966-3843

Originally an 1850's overnight stagecoach stop, this charming home is conveniently located in old country and 20 minutes from the AO meet place.  On the grounds are two guest cottages, main house, old lumber mill, and ranch.  Guests arise each morning greeted by a fresh and homemade family-style breakfast in the dining room.  Each guest room is elegantly decorated with antiques and has a private bath.  After a long day exploring the nearby sights, guests can dip their toes in the seasonal creek, take a walk in the meadow, or view the scenery and wildlife from the front porch.

Miners Inn Motel:
Mariposa, (209) 742-7777 or (888) 646-2244

This Inn is centrally located in Mariposa and offers 78 rooms complete with modern conveniences.  Amenities include pool and spa, king and queen beds, coffee and continental breakfast, rooms with kitchenettes, and free local airport pickup. On-site dining available at Miner’s Roadhouse. Less than 10 minutes from the AO meet place.

Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort:
Midpines, (209) 966-6666 or (866) 826-7108

This resort is located on a beautiful hillside surrounded black oak groves, about 5 minutes from the AO meet place. It offers renovated private cabins, Yosemite-style wood frame tent cabins, tent campsites, and classic hostel/group dorm beds in cabins. Enjoy non-processed and high quality fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Cafe in the main lodge. This location also offers a health spa, access to laundry, internet, and public phones.  Guests are encouraged to explore Bug property trails and weekly live music.

Autocamp Yosemite:
Midpines, (844) 993-9888

Stay in an airstream camper, luxury tent or cabin in a rustic setting. On-site general store with a mid-century modern clubhouse that offers weekly activities, yoga classes and live music with a s'mores bar. Enjoy community fire pits, complimentary mountain bikes to use on property, spa inspired bathrooms, complimentary wifi, coffee, freshwater pond and seasonal pool, all less than a mile away from the AO meet place.

Yosemite Resorts:
El Portal (209) 379-2681 or (888) 742-4371

A group of separate facilities: Cedar Lodge, Indian Flat Campground, and Yosemite View Lodge. Various amenities include casual and fine dining, pools, spas, wifi, and conference rooms. Furthest is 30 minutes away from our meeting place.

Campgrounds

BLM Merced River Recreation Area: between Briceburg and Bagby, (209) 379-9414

Only about 20 minutes from the AO meet place, this location allows you to enjoy camping along the beautiful Merced River in three campgrounds. Sites are first-come first-serve and each offers fire grills, picnic tables, pit toilets, garbage collection, and access to the Merced River. Campgrounds are accessible only by crossing the narrow bridge at Briceburg and heading down river on the road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad grade). Trailers and RV's over 18 feet are not recommended to cross the bridge.

• McCabe Flat: 11 walk-in campsites, 3 vehicle/RV sites
• Willow Placer: 7 walk-in campsites, 1 large group site
• Railroad Flat: 3 walk-in campsites, 6 vehicle/RV sites 

Bagby Recreation Area on Lake McClure
Info (209) 378-2521, Reservations (855) 800-2267

One of 5 recreation areas located on Lake McClure and Lake McSwain, Bagby is about a 30-minute drive on Hwy 49 to our meet place. This recreation area offers 30 campsites and 10 water/electricity hookups. Visitors have access to beaches and swimming (water level dependant), free hot showers, fish cleaning station, and one boat launching lane (availability depending on water levels).

Yosemite National Park:
(209) 372-0200

The Park contains 13 popular campgrounds with many taking advance reservations. Use the link for current information and to reserve a campsite.

Local Information

Surrounding Attractions

If you plan to spend additional time in Mariposa before or after your trip, you might want to take in some of the Gold Rush era historical sights in the area.  The California State Mining and Mineral Museum  located at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, is an excellent place to begin with a collection that dates back to 1880 with over 13,000 artifacts, rare gold specimens, minerals, and gems!  Then continue on Hwy 49 for a lovely drive through the historic and scenic Gold Country. Contact the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce at (209) 966-2456 for more detailed information.

Yosemite National Park is also a great destination while you're in the area and its entrance is just a short drive from our Merced meet place. Visit the Virtual Visitors Center or call (209) 372-0200 for general park information.  Any reservations for Yosemite accommodations should be made well in advance of your trip.

River Conditions
(Real Time)

Real-time, up to the hour flow information is available for the Merced River on our Updated River Conditions page.

Local Weather

The important thing to remember about the weather in the Sierra Foothills is that it can change on short notice. It is always best to be prepared for any kind of weather situation.

Seasonal patterns do exist. In April and May, days are generally breezy and warm (60-70 degrees). Nights can be in the 50's; generally cooler during the earlier spring trips. The summer months are usually hot and dry (85-100 degrees). Night temperatures can range from the low 60's to the low 70's.

Even though these patterns exist, it is not uncommon to get a 90 degree day in May and a breezy, rainy day in June or July. It is always important to bring sun protection and cold weather gear to the river. You can decide which is most appropriate once you have arrived

For specific questions, contact our Reservations office at (800) 247-2387.