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Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River

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Exterior
Large deck with two dining tables, BBQ, and big views of river and mountains
Enjoy gorgeous mountain and river views while visiting or dining on the deck
Walk, bike, or skate along the historic YV railroad bed next to the Merced River
Craggy peaks rise high above the river view from the deck

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8130.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
El Portal, CA
  • Place, Merced River
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Yosemite Valley
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed

Convertible bed(s)

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River

YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE (to receive an accurate quote, contact owner at 209-379-2458)...a newly re-modeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a spectacular view of the Merced River. From its location close to Highway 140-- the 'All-Year Highway' to Yosemite National Park--you are only 5 miles to the Park boundary, and minutes to the incomparable Yosemite Valley. With a fully-equipped kitchen, 2 gas fireplaces, the ONLY private in-ground swimming pool among Yosemite area vacation rentals, and a large deck overlooking the river, YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE is a year-round vacation destination from which to enjoy the sights, sounds, and recreational activities of the 'crown jewel of national parks'.

With 3 bedrooms and a sleeper sofa, YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE can accommodate up to 8 guests. One bedroom has a queen bed, a gas fireplace surrounded by beautiful local rock, and a sublime river view. A second bedroom also has a queen bed, a pool view, and an adjoining full bathroom. The 3rd bedroom has a bunk bed, with a twin mattress on top and a double on bottom. A second full bathroom has been newly renovated in an Art Deco style. The kitchen has everything you'll need, and you'll love the view from the sink, watching the river roll by. The living room has ample comfortable seating, a stone fireplace with gas insert, a 42' HDTV, and DVD player. Wireless internet is also available.

The El Portal area has a fascinating history. The Yosemite Valley Railroad, which ran on what is now Incline road, operated from 1906 until 1942. Before Highway 140 was completed in 1926, the railroad carried passengers to El Portal, from where they would continue their journey to Yosemite via horse-drawn carriages, and later motor-coaches. On the return trip to Merced, the train carried sugar pine logs back to the sawmill.

YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE is on Incline Road (the former railroad bed), a level, paved lane parallel to the Merced River. Because so few cars travel the road, it is ideal for walking, running, skating, and biking. Guests at YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE can take advantage of a variety of seasonal activities in the area, including:

*river rafting, kayaking, and some of California's premier wildflower walks in the spring.
*swimming in the on-site pool and local swimming holes in the summer.
*downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing at family-friendly Badger Pass in the winter.
*trout and bass fishing in season.
*photography, hiking, bird and wildlife watching, rock hounding, and phenomenal star-gazing all year round.

Staying at YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE is an affordable family vacation, especially when 2 families share the rental and food costs. Upon returning to the house after a day of fun activities, refresh by the pool or relax on the deck and listen to the soothing sounds of the Wild and Scenic Merced River. Cook outside on the gas BBQ, have a delightful meal outdoors, and savor your vacation at our unique location in El Portal, the Gateway to Yosemite.



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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
No charge for children 2 years old and younger
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

El Portal

Located in El Portal, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Valley. El Portal Market and Yosemite Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
El Portal, CA

What's nearby

  • Merced River - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance - 16 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Yosemite Valley - 21 min drive - 18.8 km
  • Yosemite Visitor Center - 47 min drive - 36.2 km
  • The Ahwahnee - 50 min drive - 37.6 km

Getting around

  • Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The River Restaurant and Lounge - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Cedar Lodge Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Parkside Pizza - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Pink Palace - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River?

As of 25 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River on 1 Apr 2026 start from AU$893, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Sierra National Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Yosemite National Park and El Portal Market. Merced River and Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 283 out of 303 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 303 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 303 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 303 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 303 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

stacey s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The kitchen was great - very well-supplied! The whole house was very clean. We loved the location and the pool. Jo Ann was very responsive in answering our questions. We’d stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beverly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well appointed, peaceful place to stay. Thank you JoAnn for your hospitality and kindness.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sandra s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
5 Stars – A Total Gem!This place was an absolute dream! The location? Perfect. We were close to everything, but still felt like we had our own private slice of paradise. The pool was the star of the show—sparkling clean, great for both lazy lounging and fun splashing around. Inside, the house was spotless and fully stocked with everything we could possibly need. You can tell the owners really thought of everything—from comfy beds to a well-equipped kitchen.And the star gazing? Don’t even get me started. We spent our nights floating in the pool or lounging on the patio, staring up at the most magical night skies we’ve ever seen. Pure bliss.Honestly, we didn’t want to leave. If you’re even thinking about booking this place—do it! Can’t say enough good things. Already planning our next
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Iris G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely placedQuiet, and very beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reagan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House with easy access to Yosemite

We loved this quiet secluded house with a beautiful view and our kids really enjoyed the pool! Has easy Access to the arch entrance of Yosemite, which is the entrance closest to the valley. One small suggestion would be to add fans, either ceiling or portable. While the house gets plenty cool even in summer, it was a bit stuffy. This didn’t change our overall opinion of the house though. We really enjoyed our stay here and would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Vee T.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
We checked-in at night, it was a
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved River House!

Our family of 8 loved staying at Joann’s property! We stayed 4 nights and it was great coming back to relax away from the crowds after each day of hiking in Yosemite. We vacationed with our 5 kids and son-in-law and felt like we had adequate space to spread out. One day the guys hiked Half Dome while the rest of us relaxed by the pool and just enjoyed the house. Thanks, Joann, for sharing your home with us! We hope to come back some day!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for Yosemite

Jo Ann's house is perfect for a visit to Yosemite! It is only about 15 min from the entrance to the park. The house is well stocked and squeaky clean. The pool was a wonderful perk and we enjoyed it every afternoon!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous Property!

Couldn’t have a more beautiful spot next to a river and surrounded by mountains. My three girls loved the pool and we enjoyed sitting on the deck in the early morning and evening. House was clean and close to the park entrance. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was clean. The location was perfect. The host was responsive. This is the PERFECT place to stay if visiting Yosemite.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our Stay in El Portal

Wonderful house, great hosts, a fine and enjoyable experience. Thanks. We loved staying at the Incline Drive house.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Quentin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy home

Great location, 30 minutes to Yosemite. House is well equipped with all the basics and very clean. Two gas fireplaces one in the living room and one in the bedroom. Great location near the river. One bedroom was very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

Great home with ideal location for exploring Yosemite! Accurate online description of the space, great instructions on how to arrive to property given from the host. Property has all the basics you might need, so nice! I agree with other reviews not to count on the sofa bed- the mattress and frame are too uncomfortable to sleep on at this point. That said, I would definitely return to this property in the future- host was helpful and the location is incredible!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Ruben & Bonnie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quite Home close to Yosemite

Very quaint home on a private road, sitting peacefully quiet overlooking the Merced river and away from the Hwy. Sitting just south of Yosemite View Lodge, it is an ideal location for a family visiting Yosemite while enjoying a full home. We visit during the summer but can see this as a wonderful summer stay too. The fireplace in the living room was broken but there was a second fireplace to enjoy in one of the bigger bedrooms. The kitchen was well stocked with appliances and the Grill was well maintained. Can see visiting here again when weather is better for pool fun or being by the nearby riverside sands.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time

Had a great time - the house is perfect. Would love to come again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, clean and amenity-full

Our family of five enjoyed the property and the close location to Yosemite.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Merced River house

We really enjoyed our stay! Very convenient to Yosemite and a great place to take a break from crowds in the park.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation with friends near Yosemite

Wonderful location. Quiet, great views, enjoyed the sound of the rushing water in the river. Very convenient to the park.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great retreat convenient to Yosemite Valley gate

Very clean! Great location! One of very few properties with a pool. Unfortunately it was too cold when we stayed to use it. Nice amenities. Lots of towels! I would just suggest to owner to move the queen bed to the smallest room and move the bunk beds to that room and add a full or queen bed. There were 5 adultts so one of us ended up sleeping on the couch instead the top bunk, which was squeaky. Over all excellent!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

Everything about the house was amazing. Extremely well stocked in every way. So peaceful on the deck overlooking the Merced river. Swimming pool was wonderful. Gas fireplace a real treat. Very close to Yosemite National Park. Had a glorious time and hope to be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carla P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful home base just outside Yosemite

We were 2 adults & 2 teenage boys on a 5-day hiking trip to Yosemite before school starts. Our camping reservations were cancelled on us so we scrambled to find new lodging. What luck that we found Jo Ann's River House! The house was just wonderful to come home to after many hours on the trails - lots of space to spread out, we all had our own bedroom, pool to splash around and unwind, air conditioning to beat the summer heat, full sized kitchen where we cooked all our dinners, deck to lounge on after dinner when the temperature cooled down, TV and internet if you wanted to stay plugged in, washer & dryer so we left with no dirty clothes. All this while being just 15 mins from the entrance to Yosemite. It was a lot more than our tent cabin reservations, lol, but boy was it worth it!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yosemite - Early August

We had a wonderful stay at the home (3 Adults / 5 kids). Plenty of space, air conditioned, and all the amenities - kitchen was well appointed, pool was fantastic, quiet setting next to the Merced! Would stay here again!! Hosts were attentive and great communication.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking views!

This secluded one of a kind property was perfect for our Yosemite trip with family. Loved the river view, mountain view and visiting wildlife. Even saw some baby quails.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Property

Great location- easy access to park. Clean house, well stocked, nice pool and grounds. Not a lot of choices for restaurants or grocery though (El Portal is VERY small and the grocery store extremely limited, especially for meat and veg. Not really any restaurants either unless you drive to Mariposa or into the park). Highly advise bringing a cooler of food with you and cooking at the house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay while visiting Yosemite! In fact, I've stayed in a fair number of rentals and this place ranks at the top for me. The property is beautiful, serene and very comfortable. Our usually-hard-to-please teenagers loved it the moment they stepped foot in the house -- enough said! :) Only a ten minute drive to the park entrance and close to YARTS bus stops if someone wants to use that. We had a wonderful time playing in the pool at the end of a day. There is a stash of games for family game night. My stepson loves to fish and he was able to walk to the river for that. We wish we could've stayed longer! I really can't think of a negative. I recommend visitors stock up on whatever groceries they need before getting there. There is a small store nearby but the nearest well-stocked grocery store is a 45-min drive away.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Harvey Holland and Jo Ann Belforte

Host profile image
We have lived in the area for almost 40 years. Harvey is a local real estate agent and woodworker, and Jo Ann is a physical therapist. We have 2 children, 5 grandchildren, a 1 great-grandson. Our knowledge of the area can help our guests have a memorable Yosemite experience.

Why they chose this property

Located on one of the few parcels of private property in the Yosemite area, this house has many benefits that have made it a successful vacation rental. The location is very close to Yosemite, the Merced River flows right by the house, and the private in-ground pool are just a few of the features that our guests have loved.

What makes this property unique

The waterfalls of Yosemite flow into the Merced River, which guests can view from the deck of our home. In the summer, our pool provides a welcome relief after hiking in the Park. In the spring, the hills are alive with an array of dazzling wildflowers. The house is a 45 minute drive from Badger Pass, a family-friendly ski area.

Languages:

English

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