El Portal, CA

Dry Gulch

ForestRiverside / CreeksideOff the beaten pathPaddling (kayak / canoe / SUP)Whitewater raftingWheelchair-accessibleVault toiletsFire pitPicnic table

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

Overview

Dry Gulch Campground sits on the north side of the Merced River. The small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river, shaded by a grove of pine and oak trees. Dry Gulch's remote location makes for a quiet and peaceful camping experience.

Recreation

During the spring and early summer, the Merced River is a popular location for white water rafting and kayaking. Several private companies offer guided rafting trips.

Facilities

The camping sites at Dry Gulch do meet accessibility standards and offer picnic tables, grills and fire rings. Vault toilets are available.

Natural Features

Dry Gulch Campground is located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. The Lake is a very popular area known for its variety of fish, as well as the bald and golden eagles that make their home here. The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra.

Nearby Attractions

This campground is close to the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite offers a variety of activities that include scenic driving, picnicking, hiking and fishing.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Typical weather

Merced River

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for Merced River, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.42°JJanuary: average water temperature 42°F44°FFebruary: average water temperature 44°F48°MMarch: average water temperature 48°F48°AApril: average water temperature 48°F51°MMay: average water temperature 51°F55°JJune: average water temperature 55°F68°JJuly: average water temperature 68°F73°AAugust: average water temperature 73°F69°SSeptember: average water temperature 69°F54°OOctober: average water temperature 54°F47°NNovember: average water temperature 47°F47°DDecember: average water temperature 47°F

Water: Water Quality Portal — 24 field-sample stations

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