Merced Irrigation District, Parks and Recreation

Policies & Rules for all Campground and Recreation Areas on Lake Yosemite

Definitions:

For purposes of these Policies, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

“District” means Merced Irrigation District, a California irrigation district, including its officers, employees, agents, and authorized representatives.

“Park” means any campground or recreation area located at Lake Yosemite and operated by or on behalf of the District.

Cancellation and Refund Policies:

Facility Reservations: Reservations cancelled/changed at least five (5) days (120 hours) prior to check-in will incur no cancellation/change fee. The $100 facilities use fee is non-refundable, regardless of when the reservation is canceled. Reservations cancelled/changed less than five (5) days (120 hours) prior to check-in receive no refund. No shows and early departures receive no refund.

General:

Use of all project and recreational facilities is at your own risk, and pursuant to your agreement to indemnify and hold the District harmless from any negligent use.
The gates at Lake Yosemite open at 7:30AM.
October 1 thru March 31 of each year: The gates at Lake Yosemite close one (1) hour after sunset.
April 1 thru September 30 of each year: The gates at Lake Yosemite close at 11:30PM, but may close any time after 9:30PM when no reservations or special permit events are scheduled.
Guests with facility reservations that end after gate closing will be escorted to the exit at the event's end time.
Failure to observe and follow the recreation area rules will result in a $50 non-compliance fee charged to the card on file for each violation.
A $50 cleaning fee will be charged to the card on file for any facility left with trash or excessive mess.
A $50 cleaning or maintenance fee will be charged to the card on file for any facility left in a condition that causes damage to amenities or necessitates additional cleaning or maintenance.
Guests are responsible for any damages or injuries caused by themselves and/or their children.
The District is not responsible for personal injuries or damages, loss or theft of any personal property or vehicle.
The District reserves the right to evict any person(s) who does not comply with Park rules and policies.
Maintenance on and/or washing of vehicles on property is not allowed.
All spaces are to be kept neat and clean for the duration of your stay.
Boats / boating trailer fees may be paid online or upon arrival. Boats may be parked in designated parking areas, as space allows.
All visitors should park in designated parking areas.
Facility rentals do not include day use / parking fees.

Safety:

All Merced County Ordinances are required to be followed at all times. Full ordinances regulating the public use of Lake Yosemite can be found here.
The possession and/or use of Firearms of any kind is PROHIBITED.
The use of archery, paintball, slingshots or air guns is PROHIBITED.
Fireworks, firecrackers, rockets, or other explosives of any kind are PROHIBITED.
Use of illegal drugs is PROHIBITED.
Obnoxious behavior of ANY kind is PROHIBITED.
Unauthorize fires are PROHIBITED.
Burning of trash is PROHIBITED.
Observe and follow all speed limits within the recreation areas.
Vehicles may park in designated areas only. No vehicles can block any portion of roadway or maintenance accesses.
Only persons with a valid driver’s license may operate a motor vehicle in the Park.
Vandalism of any kind by anyone in your group (regardless of age) may result in eviction from the Park.

Security:

The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles. Keep your valuables locked up.
Report any problems with your site to District Staff immediately.
We adhere to and maintain all state, county, and local laws on property.

Amplified Sound:

Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Please be courteous to other guests around you.
Loud or amplified music or objectionable noise is not allowed at any time.
Inconsiderate guests may be evicted from the park.
Profanity or violence towards other guests or District Staff, Concessionaires, or Partners may result in immediate eviction from the park.
Guests violating rules that result in eviction notice will not receive any refunds for their stay and will be charged, at minimum, a $50 non-compliance fee.

Pet Policy:

No person shall ride, drive, bring, possess, or permit any animal/pet within the Lake Yosemite Recreation Area except seeing-eye dogs or animals used for demonstration, educational purposes, or special events and approved by the Director of Parks.

Booking Policy:

The full reservation total is required at the time of booking for all stays, regardless of the length of stay. All major credit cards are accepted.

Reservations of facilities at the Lake Yosemite may be ten (10) days (240 hours) in advance of arrival, and may be made up to one year in advance of arrival on any day of the week.

Facilities Use Requirements:

Lake Yosemite offers several facilities that may be reserved online. Use of all reservable facilities at Lake Yosemite require an approved Facilities Use Agreement, proof of insurance, and a $100 Facilities Use Fee, in addition to any applicable reservation or rental fees. Please note that facility rentals do not include day use / parking fees.

It is the responsibility of the person making the reservation to secure an approved Facilities Use Agreement and insurance. Reserving a facility online does not automatically authorize use. Events that require a Facilities Use Agreement but are booked without one may be denied access, canceled, or required to cease operations.

Uses That Require a Facilities Use Agreement and Facilities Use Fee

A Facilities Use Agreement is required for any activity or event at that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Any activity that is not considered a standard recreational use (e.g., beyond a casual family picnic or small gathering)
Organized or special events, including but not limited to:
- Any exhibition, show, performance, concert, or special event
- Company events, retreats, or employee gatherings
- Weddings, receptions, reunions, or ceremonies
- Fundraisers, organized group events, or ticketed activities
Any event involving amplified sound, including DJs, live music, PA systems, or amplified announcements

Any event where alcohol is served, sold, or distributed

Any event involving third-party vendors, caterers, food trucks, concessions, rentals, or service providers

Any event with inflatable attractions or equipment, such as bounce houses, water slides, mechanical devices, or similar structures

Any event involving paid staff, contractors, security, or volunteers, including situations where employees are paid to operate equipment or manage activities

Any commercial, promotional, instructional, or revenue-generating activity

Any event that increases risk, impacts normal park operations, or requires additional oversight by Parks & Recreation staff

Insurance and Approval

Events requiring a Facilities Use Agreement must also meet insurance requirements as outlined in the agreement. The Facilities Use Agreement and Insurance must be submitted, reviewed, and approved prior to the event date. Approval is not guaranteed.

If you are unsure whether your planned use requires a Facilities Use Agreement, contact the District before making a reservation. Failure to obtain required approvals may result in cancellation without refund.

Lake Yosemite Recreation Area