mcconnell state recreaion area park brochure

8/9/2019 McConnell State Recreaion Area Park Brochure

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S pring, summer and falloffer fishing, camping,

picnicking, river wading,sunbathing, hiking and

nature study.

California State Parks does not discriminateagainst individuals with disabilities. Prior toarrival, visitors with disabilities who needassistance should contact the park at the phonenumber below. To receive this publication in analternate format, write to the CommunicationsOffice at the following address.

Our MissionThe mission of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for thehealth, inspiration and education of thepeople of California by helping to preservethe state’s extraordinary biological diversity,protecting its most valued natural and

cultural resources, and creating opportunitiesfor high-quality outdoor recreation.

GRAY DAVISGovernor

MARY D. NICHOLSSecretary for Resources

RUTH COLEMAN Acting Director, California State Parks

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

P.O. Box 942896Sacramento, CA

94296-0001

© 2002 California State Parks

McConnell State Recreation Area8800 McConnell Road

Ballico, CA 95303(209)394-7755

www.parks.ca.gov

For information call:(800)777-0369(916)653-6995,outside the U.S.(888)877-5378,TTY(888)877-5379,without TTY

McConnellGeorge J. HatfieldState Recreation Areas

Printed on Recycled Paper



NATURE PRESERVED

The bottomland along the river consistsof a rich sandy soil. Before the arrival of European settlers, this soil supported aluxurious growth of trees, shrubs, vinesand wildflowers that provided abundantfood and a place of refuge for the Native Americans and the wildlife that inhabited

the valley. Today rich farmlands surround-ing the parks nourish field, row andnut crops. Poultry and cattle ranchingflourish in the area.

Valley oak, box elder and cottonwoodare the primary native trees. Sycamores,fruitless mulberries, elms and Modestoash trees have been introduced. Thereare dense areas of native elderberries,

wild grapes and blackberries.

The careful observer may see raccoons,opossums, weasels, muskrats, skunks,ground squirrels, cottontail rabbits,jackrabbits and even an occasionalbeaver or black-tailed deer.

Common birds include valley quail, woodpeckers, robins, crows, yellow-billedmagpies, scrub jays, ring-neckedpheasants and several kinds of hawks, as well as ducks, geese and band-tailedpigeons during their annual migrations.

McCONNELL STATE RECREATION AREA

The earliest residents of what is nowMcConnell State Recreation Area werethe Northern Valley Yokuts, who livedin small groups in an extensive areabetween the Coast Range and the SierraNevada. The Yokuts, known for their artistry in creating both coiled andtwined basketry, depended on huntingand gathering for their needs. Salmonfishing, acorn harvesting and deer huntingprovided a rich, stable food supply. WhenEuropeans arrived, they discovered anative people willing to defend their lands and their way of life. About four miles upstream of the park, a Yokut

village site provides evidenceof their presence.

he Merced River,after coursing its waythrough the YosemiteValley, becomes calmand inviting as it flowsthrough McConnell StateRecreation Area. Tower-ing cottonwoods andsycamores offer relief from the dry heat of thecentral San JoaquinValley. Where the Mercedpasses through George J.Hatfield State Recreation

Area, visitors are inspiredto take advantage of a riparian habitat thatoffers fishing, swimming, rafting and other water-related activities. The two parks areabout 20 miles from each other, and becauseof their proximity, they share essentiallythe same ecology.

The native streamside habitat may beobserved while rafting or canoeing down

the river. The river flows slowly during thesummer months, and there are limitedaccess points. Allow plenty of time to relaxand enjoy the scenery.

The typical Central Valley climate canreach from 90 to as much as 105 degreesin the summer, with mild spring and falltemperatures. In winter the weather candrop to below freezing. The average

annual rainfall is 12 inches.

T

Magpie

Accessible picnic area and bench on the Merced River at McConnell SRA



Louisa Jane Cox, grandmother of Mrs.Hatfield, is placed in a group of oak trees. As a girl in 1849, Louisa traveled with her family over the Santa Fe Trail to California.

Bordered on three sides by the MercedRiver, the 46.5-acre park has more than a

mile of river frontage. Visitors may swim andfish in the river, but swimmers should beaware of deep holes. No lifeguard serviceis available, and the riverbanks are narrow

and steep. This recreation area, a lessfrequently visited unit of the State ParkSystem, provides significant outdoor activities for families and fishermen. Spring,summer and fall offer fishing, camping,picnicking, river wading, sunbathing, hikingand nature study.

McConnell State Recreation Area is ashady oasis, a small island of peace andquiet. Named after Thomas McConnell,a sheep rancher and pioneer whohomesteaded the site in 1871, it offersyear-round recreation. As the first state

park in the San Joaquin Valley, this 74-acrerecreation area opened in 1950. Severalgrassy fields offer youngsters ample room toplay. While the low, easy summer flow of the Merced River is great for swimming,swimmers should watch out for deepholes. No lifeguard service is available. Anglers can fish for catfish, black bass andperch. A valid California sport-fishing

license is required.The park’s tree-shaded camping and

picnic areas have rock fireplaces, tablesand piped drinking water. Familycampsites are provided with food lockersand hibachi-like grills mounted onconvenient, waist-high supports. A 50-capacity group camping area has two rockfireplaces, a horseshoe pit and a largebarbecue with an adjustable grill. There is

also a 20-person groupcampground. Two modern

restroom facilitiesinclude individual coin-operated shower enclosures. The picnicarea, overlooking wide,sandy beaches, featuresshade trees, picnictables and hibachis.

When park personnel are not on duty,campers will find convenient self-registrationenvelopes for paying camping fees.Firewood is available at the park office,

and a pay telephone is located atthe front entrance. Groups mustregister in advance. To reach thepark, take the Shanks Road exit off

Highway 99 south between Turlockand Livingston, and follow the signs.Northbound, take the Collier Roadexit, turn right, and follow the signs.

GEORGE J. HATFIELD STATERECREATION AREA

George J. Hatfield, former CaliforniaLieutenant Governor and State Senator,donated this land to the State to establish therecreation area, which was dedicated Sept-ember 20, 1953. A bronze plaque honoring

Catfish

Group campsite at George J. Hatfield SRA

Campground at McConnell SRA



Several small campsites are equipped with tables and grills, and drinking water andtwo restrooms are nearby. Campers must

use the self-registration envelopes. Feesare posted at the park entrance. Thoughthe parking lot is limited to 20 spaces, thegroup campground can serve groups up to50 people. It has a large barbecue pit, sinks, water, work and serving areas, picnic tablesand benches. Groups must register inadvance for camping. Most of the picnic siteshave tables and grills, and are under the

shade of a grove of box elders and valleyoaks. A public telephone is located at themain entrance to the park.

The park is located five miles east of Newman. From I-5, take the Newman exitbetween Crows Landing and Santa Nella, anddrive east for about nine miles to the parkentrance on Kelley Road. The park currentlyhas no developed accessible facilities. For

more information, call the park at (209) 632-2852, or the district office at (209) 826-1197.

ACCESSIBLE FEATURES• At McConnell SRA—two pavedcampsites and two picnic tables;restroom facilities with coin-operatedshowers; picnic tables on level terrain atthe edge of the river; a campfire center;

and a paved trail to the river. Call for specific details.

NEARBY STATE PARKS• Great Valley Grasslands State Park,

5 miles east of Gustine (209) 826-1196• San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area,

12 miles west of Los Banos (209) 826-1196•

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area,22 miles east of Modesto (209) 874-2056

PLEASE REMEMBER ( Applies to both parks)• Family campsites are limited to eight

persons and two licensed vehicles. Call(800) 444-7275 for camping reservations.

• All vehicles must be confined todesignated roadways and parking areas.

• The campground speed limit is 15 MPH.• All features of the parks are protected

and must not be disturbed or removed.• Dogs must be on a leash at all times and

in a tent or vehicle at night. PLEASECLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET.

• Loud noise and music are prohibitedat all times. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m.to 6:00 a.m.

• Generators may only be operatedbetween the hours of 10:00 a.m. and8:00 p.m.

• Weapons, including firearms and bowsand arrows, are not permitted.

• Please do not gather dead wood, twigsor other plant material for fires. Decayedvegetation helps the growth of treesand other plants.

• Bicyclists under 18 must wear approved helmets. At night bicyclistsmust be equipped with headlamps andreflectors in compliance with vehiclecode regulations.

• Campsites are vulnerable to theft atany time. Secure your valuables andequipment, and report any suspiciousactivity.

• Check out time is 12:00 noon. Check intime is 2:00 p.m.

California sycamore

Tree shaded campground at George J. Hatfield SRA



165

99

J17

TURLOCK

Hilmar

S T A N I S L A U S C O U N T

Y

M E R C E D C O U N T Y

Williams Ave

Blos s A ve

August Rd

Bradbury Rd

West Main St East Ave

G o l d e n S t a t e B l v d Lander Ave

MitchellRd

to Modesto

State Recreat ion AreaGeorge J. Hatfield



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Major Road

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Legend

Trail

Campground

Group Campground

Picnic Area

Campfire Center

Telephone

P

Restrooms

Shower

Accessible Feature

Parking

Unpaved Road

MMMHaHaHaMHa

P

Stevinson S T

A N I S

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Turner Ave

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Turner Ave

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aton Rd

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GEORGE J.HATFIELDSTATE

RECREATIONAREA

G R E A T VA L L E Y

G R A S S L A N D S

P A R K

to Los Banos5to

to Newman



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Ballico Ave

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Walnut Ave

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Shanks RdExit

Collier RdExit

McCONNELLSTATE

RECREATIONAREA

Merced RiverPark

S a n

R i v e r

R

Don PedroR eservoir

T u o lo m n e R i v e r

J o a q u i n

M e r c e d

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La GrangeTra cy

Manteca

Newman

Patterson

Westley

Gustine

Atw ater

Merce dLivingston

Los Bano s

SantaNella

Henry WCoe SP

McConnellSRA

San Luis ResSRA

Great ValleyGrasslands SP

Turlock Lake SRA

George J.Hatfield SRA

to SanFrancisco

to Sacramento

to Los Angeles

to Fresno

This park is supported in partthrough a nonprofit organization.For more information contact:Four Rivers Natural History Association31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA95322-9737 • (209)826-1197



seede ta il ma p

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© 2002 California State ParksMap by Eureka Cartography, Berkeley, CA

McConnell SRA toMerced River ParkMerced River Park toHagaman County ParkHagaman County Park toHatfield SRAMcConnell SRA to

Hatfield SRA

2.53.56.5

10.49.0

14.418.0

28.3

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miles

km

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S T A N

I S L A U S

C O U

N T Y

M E R

C E D C O

U N T Y

R i v e r R

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H i l l s F

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River Rd

K

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to Atwater,Merced

toMerced

Sta te Recrea t ion Area

McConnell

Floating DistancesBetween Points

PLEASE NOTE When boating or rafting on the MercedRiver:

• Tell family or friends where and when yourriver trip is to take place, including startand finish points.

• Currents in low flow periods are very slow .An hour of paddling may result in only 1 to3 miles of travel, depending upon thewater’s depth and the extent of waterhyacinth.

• Wear life jackets at all times.

PLEASE NOTEWhen boating or rafting on the MercedRiver:

• Tell family or friends where and whenyour river trip is to take place, includingstart and finish points.

• Currents in low flow periods are veryslow. An hour of padding may result inonly 1 to 3 miles of travel, dependingupon the water’s depth and the extent ofwater hyacinth.

• Wear life jackets at all times.

mcconnell state recreaion area park brochure

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