Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81400 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Explore the area
El Portal, CA
Merced River
Place, Merced River
15 min walk
Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance
Place, Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance
16 min drive
Yosemite Valley
Place, Yosemite Valley
21 min drive
Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite)
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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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
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. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating.
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
The Pink Palace - 11 min drive
Parkside Pizza - 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 17 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River on 2 May, 2026 start from S$794, 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.
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A quiet and tranquil place for vacation. The kitchen is fully equipped. Heater works well. An ideal place to stay if you are going to Yosemite National Park.
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.
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!
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!!
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!
Great property with an incredible location near Yosemite! I highly recommend this property for anybody looking for a home with convenient access to the national park.
The house was great...clean, comfortable and relaxing. Great location to explore Yosemite and great to be able to cool off in the pool.
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