Location: County: Merced. Nearest City: Ballico.
Campsites, facilities: There are 21 sites for tents
or RVs up to 24 feet long and two group sites for tents only.
Piped water, fire grills, and picnic tables are provided. Flush
toilets and hot showers are available. Supplies can be obtained
in Delhi, three miles away. Leashed pets are permitted.
Reservations, fees: Phone 1-800-444-PARK/7275 ($7.50
reservation fee) for group fees and reservations; $15 per night
for family sites, $1 pet fee. Open March through September.
Contact: Phone the Four Rivers District Office at 1-209-826-1196.
McConnell SRA
8800 McConnell Road
Ballico CA 95303
Operating hours, seasons: Call park for information;
open all year round.
Directions: From Modesto or Merced, drive on Highway
99 to Delhi and the Shanks Road exit. Turn east on El Capitan
Way and drive five miles to Pepper Street. Turn right and drive
to the park.
Weather, clothing: The weather can be changeable; layered
clothing is recommended.
Trip notes: McConnell State Recreation Area is on the
banks of the Merced River. Fishing is popular for catfish, black
bass and perch. There are over 70 acre picnic, camping and play
areas. The weather gets scorching hot around these parts in the
summer months, and a lot of out-of-towners would pay a bunch
for a little shade and a river to sit next to. That's what this
park provides, with the Merced River flowing past, along with
occasional mermaids on the beach. In high-water years, the Merced
River attracts salmon (in the fall).
© 2001, Miwok Lodge 439, Order of the
Arrow, Santa Clara County Council Inc., BSA
Revision 1.2
