State Parks Near Merced, California

11 state park units lie within 50 miles of Merced. The closest is McConnell State Recreation Area, about 15 mi northwest of town. 3 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
McConnell State Recreation Area15 mi northwest
Within 25 miles
3of 11 within 50 mi
With camping
7parks list campsites
Dog-friendly
2pets allowed

State parks near Merced, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Merced; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. McConnell State Recreation Area

    15 miles northwest · Ballico, California · State Recreation Area

    CampingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for McConnell State Recreation Area →

  2. Great Valley Grasslands State Park

    21 miles west · Stevinson, California · State Park

    HikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Great Valley Grasslands State Park →

  3. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

    23 miles north · LaGrange, California · State Recreation Area

    Temporarily closed1 alertCampingSwimmingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Turlock Lake State Recreation Area →

  4. George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area

    27 miles west · Hilmar-Irwin, California · State Recreation Area

    CampingHikingFishingBoating$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area →

  5. California State Mining and Mineral Museum Park Property

    31 miles east · Mariposa, California · Park Property

    $4 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for California State Mining and Mineral Museum Park Property →

  6. San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

    39 miles southwest · Gustine, California · State Recreation Area

    CampingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area →

  7. Wassama Round House State Historic Park

    42 miles east · Ahwahnee, California · State Historic Park

    Hours, fees and rules for Wassama Round House State Historic Park →

  8. Pacheco State Park

    43 miles west · Holllister, California · State Park

    1 alertCampingHiking$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Pacheco State Park →

  9. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

    45 miles north · Jamestown, California · State Historic Park

    Dogs allowedHiking$5 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Railtown 1897 State Historic Park →

  10. Caswell Memorial State Park

    47 miles northwest · Ripon, California · State Park

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Caswell Memorial State Park →

  11. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

    49 miles southeast · Friant, California · State Recreation Area

    CampingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$12 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Millerton Lake State Recreation Area →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Merced

  1. McConnell State Recreation Area 15 mi northwest · Campground listed
  2. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area 23 mi north · Campground listed
  3. George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area 27 mi west · Campground listed
  4. San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area 39 mi southwest · Campground listed
  5. Pacheco State Park 43 mi west · Campground listed

+ 2 more in the list above

Dog-friendly state parks near Merced

  1. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park 45 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
  2. Caswell Memorial State Park 47 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules

Swimming near Merced

  1. McConnell State Recreation Area 15 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area 23 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area 39 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
  4. Caswell Memorial State Park 47 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
  5. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area 49 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Merced

  1. McConnell State Recreation Area 15 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
  2. Great Valley Grasslands State Park 21 mi west · Hiking trails listed
  3. George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area 27 mi west · Hiking trails listed
  4. San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area 39 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
  5. Pacheco State Park 43 mi west · Hiking trails listed

+ 3 more in the list above

Fishing near Merced

  1. McConnell State Recreation Area 15 mi northwest · Fishing listed
  2. Great Valley Grasslands State Park 21 mi west · Fishing listed
  3. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area 23 mi north · Fishing listed
  4. George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area 27 mi west · Fishing listed
  5. San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area 39 mi southwest · Fishing listed

+ 2 more in the list above

Questions about state parks near Merced

What is the closest state park to Merced?

McConnell State Recreation Area is the closest, about 15 miles northwest of Merced in a straight line. Next are Great Valley Grasslands State Park and Turlock Lake State Recreation Area.

How many state parks are near Merced?

11 state park units are within 50 miles, and 3 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Merced have camping?

7 parks list camping, the nearest being McConnell State Recreation Area, Turlock Lake State Recreation Area and George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Merced?

Yes, at 2 parks, including Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and Caswell Memorial State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Merced?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.