George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
California
- Home
- State Parks
- California
- George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
For camping fun in the northern end of the San Joaquin Valley, head to George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area. This 46.5-acre park, which is located about halfway between Modesto and Merced, is a favorite place to hold birthday parties and family get-togethers. One of the George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area's most notable landmarks is a bridge that was built in 1910. Today, it is a popular place to take senior pictures and engagement photos. You can also go camping and fishing at this park, which is about 100 miles east of San Jose.
Spring 51-77 F
Summer 62-90 F
Fall 60-84 F
Winter 40-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
You'll find plenty of cool camping sites in and around the George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area. In fact, camping is probably the best way to build memories with friends and family while exploring the region. Consider renting an RV on RVshare if you do not have one of your own.
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area Campground
Available campsites at George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area Campground are large enough to hold a 30-foot motorhome. Primitive sites are also available at this state-operated campground, with rates starting at $30 per night.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes, on a leash and always attended
• Other amenities: Table, fire ring, grate and food storage locker
McConnell State Recreation Area Campground
Swim in the river or play on the shaded open fields at McConnell State Recreation Area Campground, where rates start at $30 per night. This was the first state recreation area opened in the San Joaquin Valley, and it is a neighbor to Hatfield State Recreation Area.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes, on a leash and always attended
• Other amenities: Table, fire ring, grate and food storage locker
Merced River Resort
Family-friendly Merced River Resort offers a swimming pool, outdoor games and a recreation room. You can enjoy fishing in the river when you stay at this campground. Rates start at $50 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes, on a leash and always attended
• Other amenities: Pool, recreation room
San Luis Creek RV Campgrounds
Boating, board sailing, fishing and picnicking are popular at San Luis Creek RV Campgrounds, located near Gustine, California. Rates start at $40 a night at all five campgrounds located within this state recreation area.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes, on a leash and always attended
• Other amenities: Table, fire ring, grate and food storage locker
What to Do at
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
Inside George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
If you are looking for a serene environment to relax in, then George J. Hatfield Recreation Area may be a perfect choice. Bring along the fishing gear to catch trout in the river. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the meadows and wear old clothes or your swimsuit so that you can wade in the river. You'll also find many places to go sunbathing within this nature preserve. If you're in the mood to relax, you can always just sit and enjoy the beautiful views.
How to Get to
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
If you are coming to the park from Interstate 5, get off at the Newman exit. Go east on County Road J-18 for 5 miles. The park entrance is right after you cross the river bridge.
If you are coming to the park from Hilmar, then get on Williams Avenue. Turn left on Mitchell Road, which will become Turner Avenue. Continue until you come to Kelly Avenue, where you will turn left. The park will be on your left in 1.2 miles.
If you are coming from Merced, take Highway 99 northeast until you come to exit 198. Take this exit and get on West Bellevue Road. Turn left on Westside Boulevard. Then, turn right onto CA 165 South. Turn right on River Road and stay on that road, which changes names several times until you reach the park.
By Car
Entering George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area Per vehicle : $10.0
Camping fees additional
Since its dedication on September 1, 1953, many memories have been made at George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area. If you've visited this area, then you probably have some great photos. Share those memories on your social media feeds and tag RVshare in the comments. We would also love it if you would send your trip photos to us at [email protected]. When you share, it helps everyone become better acquainted with this area of the beautiful state of California.
Frequently Asked Questions About George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
Summer is the perfect time to visit George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area. The warm weather will give you a chance to enjoy the park’s numerous swimming and picnicking areas.
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area is a great place to visit if you love bird-watching. Quail, robins, crows, and several types of hawks all call this park home. Besides birds, you can also find skunks, beavers, black-tailed deer, weasels, and the ever-present ground squirrel.
The limited parking lot has 20 spaces designated for RVs. Tables and grills are available at the sites, which are limited to RVs 30 feet long and under.
Pets are allowed at George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and must remain in a tent or vehicle at night.
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area has some accessible areas for people with disabilities. It has two paved campsites and a paved trail to the river. It also has handicap-accessible restroom facilities with coin-operated showers.
Related
Millbury, Ohio RV Rental Deals Hopedale, Illinois RV Rentals Lebanon, Maine RV Rentals McCarr, Kentucky RV Rental Deals Bourbon, Missouri RV Rental Deals Nellis AFB, Nevada RV Rental Deals Quechee, Vermont RV Rentals Rosebud, Missouri RV Rental Deals Lake Lucerne, Florida RV Rentals Abbotsford, Wisconsin RV Rental Deals