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Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River
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Reviews
10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81400 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

El Portal, CA
- Place, Merced River15 min walk
- Place, Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance16 min drive
- Place, Yosemite Valley21 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.
Keywords: House
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.
Keywords: House
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (49 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:30 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
No charge for children 2 years old and younger
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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.

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
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
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
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
1 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
stacey s.
10 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
stacey s.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
6/10 Okay
Vee T.
9 Jul 2025
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
Vee T.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Iris G.
20 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy


Iris G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Michael G.
12 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Michael G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Shelley N.
24 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for Yosemite
Shelley N.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Zac M.
27 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location for exploring Yosemite Valley
Zac M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Matthew Y.
1 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, clean and amenity-full
Matthew Y.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Erin V.
17 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous Property!
Erin V.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lissa M.
30 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our Stay in El Portal
Lissa M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kevin T.
28 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Merced River house
Kevin T.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alicia V.
17 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great time
Alicia V.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rishi S.
5 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location near Yosemite!
Rishi S.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Deborah K.
9 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
TERRIFIC!
Deborah K.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kurt D.
5 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved River House!
Kurt D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kevin L.
9 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Home and Great Location
Kevin L.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Thomas V.
19 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay and setting
Thomas V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Ken W.
6 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yosemite valley
Ken W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Steven H.
24 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation with friends near Yosemite
Steven H.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Chantelle E.
25 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Chantelle E.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Reagan B.
19 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great House with easy access to Yosemite
Reagan B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrea S.
14 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Home for Yosemite Visit
Andrea S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Scott G.
4 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing & Beautiful Location
Scott G.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
kelly s.
24 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location to Yosemite!
kelly s.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Debbie B.
30 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house, great location
Debbie B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
About the host
Hosted by Harvey Holland and Jo Ann Belforte
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
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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