California / Mariposa County / Sierra National Forest

Dry Gulch

Closed — Closed indefinitely. The campground was included in maintenance closures through November 2025 and remains closed with no announced reopening date.

About

Dry Gulch Campground sits on the north side of the Merced River in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. The small campground features walk-in tent sites on the river, shaded by a grove of pine and oak trees. Most sites are on the river or have direct river access. The remote location makes for a quiet and peaceful camping experience. During the spring and early summer, the Merced River is a popular location for white water rafting and kayaking, with several private companies offering guided rafting trips. The campground is located close to the west entrance of Yosemite National Park, which offers scenic driving, picnicking, hiking, and fishing opportunities. The Sierra National Forest terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes, and the alpine landscape of the High Sierra. The Bass Lake area is known for its variety of fish and the bald and golden eagles that make their home here.

Directions

From Highway 140, turn onto Foresta Road (landmarks include Red Bud Picnic Area and a National Park Service warehouse). After the bridge, turn left onto the spur road, then immediately left onto Incline Road. Continue 1.3 miles to the campground.

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