George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
Surrounded by the Merced River in the San Joaquin Valley, the George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area is a peaceful 46.5-acre camping park in California. Outdoor enthusiasts are well catered for in this park with opportunities for swimming, floating, fishing, picnicking, and hiking on the cards.
Spend your days relaxing along the banks of the Merced River. Anglers can enjoy fishing for rainbow trout and bass in the spring, and catfish and perch all year round. On a sunny day you can take to the river on a canoe or raft and enjoy bird watching and wildlife watching along the river banks.
The campground itself is rustic with campsites available on a first come, first served basis. The campsites are suitable for RVs up to 30 feet in length and there are family campsites and a large group camp available.
Transportation
Driving
The George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area can be found on County Road J-18 off Interstate 5 in California. The entrance to the park can be found near the San Joaquin River bridge. Once inside the park, campers can get around by hiking or biking or canoeing along the river's edge.
Camping Accomodations
30'
30'
Electrical hookupWater hookupGenerator useFood storageSewer hookup- Dogs & cats
RV Rentals in George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
2023 Coachmen Apex Nano, Bunkhouse, WiFi (where available), outdoor kitchen
2020 Gulf Stream Envision 34ft
2021 Venture Stratus
2023 Thor Four Winds
2023 Forest River Coachmen Aurora
2024 Forest River Timberwolf 16ML - Like nothing you've ever seen!
2006 Eclipse Attitude Toy Hauler
2016 Keystone RV Springdale Artic Edition
Campsites in George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
Reservations Camping
First-Come-First-Served Camping
Main Campground
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area in California is a small and very rustic camping park with limited first come, first served family campsites and a group camp for up to 40 people. There are campsites available for tents and RVs up to 30 feet, but there are no hookups available.
Facilities include a public bathroom, running water, picnic tables and a large fire pit.
Lakes Nearby George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
Seasonal Actvities in George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
In-Season
Fishing
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area is a great spot for a day of fishing, whether you’re here as a day visitor or staying in the campground. The Merced River is filled with rainbow trout and bass in the spring as well as catfish and perch all year round. Please note that you will require a California Fishing License to fish here.
Hiking
Take a scenic stroll around the George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area and admire the fauna and flora that call the park home. The trails lead through the trees and along the river and are a great way to enjoy bird watching and wildlife watching.
Water Activities
While motorized boating is not permitted at George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area, campers can still enjoy swimming, rafting, canoeing and kayaking along the Merced River. Pack your binoculars and enjoy some fantastic bird watching and wildlife opportunities along the river banks.
Off-Season
Bird Watching
The George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area is a great spot for nature lovers. Within the valley oak, box elder and cottonwood trees you may find all sorts of wildlife, such as valley quail, woodpecker, magpies, robins, pheasants, and hawks. Pick up a park brochure at the entrance for more information on the birdlife that can be found in the park.
Berry Picking
There are native elderberries, wild grapes and blackberries scattered throughout the George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy foraging for these wild fruits as you stroll through the park’s scenic trails - a great activity for the whole family!
Picnics
The George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area is a popular spot for picnicking all year round. Day visitors and campers alike can make use of the large fire pit and picnic table available in the campground.
