Willow Placer Campground
Merced River Recreation Management Area — lakeside, hiking
El Dorado Hills, CA3.7 (3)
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Merced River Recreation Management Area Overview The Merced River Recreation Area is a special place just downstream from Yosemite. It is well known for excellent whitewater boating, wildflower viewing, camping, swimming, and recreational gold panning/prospecting. Visitors will have plenty to do in the Merced River Recreation Area during every season.
Things to do nearby
Merced River Recreation Management AreaMerced RiverArea Overview The Merced River
Best For
HikersBoatersWildlife watchersFamiliesBackpackers
Site Types
TentRV
Amenities
Fire Rings
Picnic Tables
Vault Toilets
Bear Boxes
Boat Launch
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Season
May through October
Max/site
6 people
Known Issues
Federal campground — book early. No hookups at most sites. Seasonal operations.
Cancellation Policy
Recreation.gov: full refund if cancelled 7+ days before arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Willow Placer Campground cost per night?+
Willow Placer Campground costs $20–$40 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.
What season is Willow Placer Campground open?+
Willow Placer Campground is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
Does Willow Placer Campground have hookups?+
No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.
What is the maximum RV length at Willow Placer Campground?+
Willow Placer Campground can accommodate RVs up to 20 feet long.
How do I make reservations at Willow Placer Campground?+
Willow Placer Campground is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.
How far is Willow Placer Campground from the nearest town?+
Willow Placer Campground is located in El Dorado Hills, CA. Check the map above for distance to nearby services.
Own a campground nearby?
List free on CamperWatch — we take 5% only on bookings we send. No monthly fee.