Dirt Flat sits right on the Merced River with walk-in tent sites that put you close to the water. This small, remote spot stays quiet, making it a solid choice for campers who want river access without the crowds of busier Sierra campgrounds.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Primitive
- 💵Fee per Night
- $41
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 📍GPS
- 37.66843, -119.83905
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 559-642-3212
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The sites here are walk-in only, which keeps RVs out and maintains the riverside setting. Each site comes with the basics: picnic table, grill, and fire ring. The campground meets accessibility standards despite the walk-in format. Vault toilets handle the facilities side of things.
Being positioned on the north side of the Merced River means you're camping in the sound of moving water. The remote location translates to fewer neighbors and less road noise than you'd find at more accessible campgrounds.
What to Know
Spring and early summer bring the Merced River to life for whitewater enthusiasts. Several outfitters run guided rafting trips during high water, so expect some river traffic during peak runoff season if you're here then.
Reservations are required, and once your stay begins, changes aren't possible through either the contact center or on-site management.
Nearby
Yosemite's west entrance is close enough to make this a reasonable base camp for park visits. The usual Yosemite activities — scenic drives, hiking, fishing, picnicking — are all within reach without dealing with in-park campground competition.
The location puts you in Sierra National Forest terrain that spans from oak-covered foothills through heavily forested middle elevations up to the alpine zones of the High Sierra, though from camp you're in the lower elevation zone near the river.