George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area

Current Advisories and Notices

Closed Areas

Park Hours

8:00 am to Sunset

Contact Information

(209) 596-9032

Are dogs Allowed?

Yes: Dogs allowed only in campground.

Reservation Availability

About George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area

Bordered by the Merced River, this San Joaquin Valley park with more than a mile of river frontage offers recreation opportunities including fishing, camping, picnicking, river wading, sunbathing, hiking, kayaking and nature study.

From Interstate 5, take the Newman exit into Newman and continue east on County Road J-18 for five miles; the park entrance is just past the San Joaquin River bridge.
Address:
4394 Kelley Rd, Hilmar, CA 95324

EV Information

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  EV Charger Locations

Overnight Facilities

  • Tent Camping
  • Group Campsites
  • Remote Camping
  • RV Access
Other Facilities

  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Drinking Water Available
Boating

  • Boating
Day-Use Activities & Facilities

  • Picnic Areas
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
Trail Use

  • Hiking Trails

Find guided walks and other park events Find Park Events Here Click the link and search for George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area.

Bordered by the Merced River, the 46.5-acre park has more than a mile of river frontage and is home to various wildlife. Picnicking and birdwatching are popular activities and areas are available on a first, come first serve basis. Visitors may also swim and fish in the river.  However, swimmers should be aware there is no lifeguard service available, and the riverbanks are narrow and steep. Park activities include fishing, camping, picnicking, river wading, sunbathing, hiking, kayaking, and nature study. The park is named after George J. Hatfield, a former California Lieutenant Governor and State Senator, who donated this land to the State to establish the recreation area, which was dedicated September 20, 1953.

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CAMPING

Capacity— First come, first served camping. Campsites are for tents only and require a short walk from the parking area. The park is equipped with tables, drinking water and two restrooms.

Quiet Hours—Campground quiet hours 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. Be courteous; allow everyone to enjoy their visit.

Generators—Permitted 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Check in is at 2:00 p.m. and check out is at 12:00 p.m.

Group Site—The group campground can serve up to 25 people. It has a large barbecue pit, sinks, water, serving areas, picnic tables, and benches.

Fires—Gathering wood is prohibited. Campfires are permitted in fire rings provided in the campsites only. Stoves and barbecues are permitted.

 Reservations—Reserve your group site by visiting ReserveCalifornia.com or calling 1-800-444-7275.

BOATING AND SWIMMING

Please remember when boating or rafting on the Merced River: 

  • Tell family or friends where and when your river trip is to take place, including start and finish points 
  • Currents in low flow periods are very slow. An hour of padding may result in only 1 to 3 miles of travel, depending upon the water’s depth 
  • Always wear a life jacket
  • Beware of dangerous current

NO LIFEGUARD SERVICE is available. Visitors may swim and fish in the river, but should be aware of deep holes beneath the surface and steep and arrow banks along river. 

PLEASE REMEMBER

Dogs—No dogs on trails or beaches. All dogs must be on leash 6 feet or less in length and under control of owner.

Bicycling—NOT ALLOWED on trails but are permitted on paved roads and fire roads. Bicyclists under 18 years of age must wear approved helmets.

Weather—Winter temperatures range from 45-50°F while summer temperatures range from 85-100°F. It is not unusual to have 100-plus temperatures for consecutive days.

Collecting—The park’s natural and cultural resources are protected by state law and may not be removed or disturbed

Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing—The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended

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