McConnell State Recreation Area
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
McConnell State Recreation Area
Like the other Merced River Parks, McConnell has a lot of shade. It’s also a bit more developed than Hatfield and further from the highway.
If I were to pick a Merced River park in the Valley to camp at, this would be it.
Location
8800 McConnell Road, Ballico, CA
Distance from Merced: 22 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 35 miles
Size: 74 acres
Facilities and activities
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountainsCampgrounds/group campground with BBQ grills/fire rings, hot showers
Picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills
Group picnic area
Swimming area
Dogs allowed? Yes
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fishing or boating?
Fishing can be good at McConnell Recreation Area.
Rainbow trout and bass can be caught in the spring; catfish and perch throughout the year.
No boating ramp is provided, but it is possible to swim in the river or to launch a float tube or hand-carried boat.
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=554
and http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/554/files/McConnellHatfield.pdf
Nearby parks
Undeveloped Great Valley Grasslands State Park has a six mile hiking trail.
Adam Blauert, a high school teacher and avid outdoors enthusiast, has dedicated the majority of his life to Merced County. His passions include fishing, backpacking, delving into local history, and exploring the wonders of the western states.