Dry Gulch offers walk-in tent sites right on the Merced River, tucked under pine and oak groves on the river's north bank. The remote location in Bass Lake Ranger District keeps things quiet, making it a solid pick for campers who want river access without crowds.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Primitive
- 💵Fee per Night
- $30
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 1,600 ft
- 📍GPS
- 37.67109, -119.83620
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 559-642-3212
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The walk-in tent sites sit directly on the Merced River, shaded by a mix of pine and oak trees. At 3,400 feet elevation, the setting stays cooler than the Central Valley floor while remaining accessible year-round. Each site comes with a picnic table, grill, and fire ring, plus vault toilets serve the campground.
The walk-in setup means you'll carry your gear from the parking area to your site, but the payoff is camping right on the water with better separation between sites than typical car camping.
What to Know
Reservations are required for the $30 nightly fee. During spring and early summer, the Merced runs high and fast, drawing rafters and kayakers. Several outfitters run guided trips through this stretch, so expect some river traffic during peak flow season.
The campground stays open all four seasons, though spring offers the most dramatic river conditions while fall brings quieter water and fewer visitors.
Nearby
Dry Gulch sits close to Yosemite's west entrance, making it a base camp option for park visits without dealing with Yosemite's campground lottery system. The park offers the standard menu of scenic driving, hiking, and fishing opportunities.
Bass Lake area is known for its fishing variety and resident bald and golden eagles. The broader Sierra National Forest context means you're positioned between the oak-covered foothills and the higher elevation forest zones of the western Sierra slope.