Lake Yosemite Campground and Recreation Area

Lake Yosemite Campground and Recreation Area in Merced, California, is a vibrant community gathering place offering easy access to outdoor recreation just minutes from the city. While primarily a day-use park, the property features Scout Island, a unique overnight experience designed for youth and scouting groups, along with five reservable facilities that make it a popular destination for events and group outings. Visitors enjoy year-round birdwatching, fishing for bass, trout, and bluegill, and calm waters ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and other small-craft boating, supported by the on-site Lake Yosemite Sailing Association. The park also provides two launch ramps, a designated swim beach, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic tables, BBQs, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and convenient kayak and paddleboard rentals. Located within walking distance of UC Merced and near restaurants, Downtown Merced, Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, and just 30 minutes from Lake McSwain, the area blends outdoor adventure with everyday convenience—plan your visit today and experience Lake Yosemite for yourself.