Entire home

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

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
El Portal, CA
  • El Portal Market
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Yosemite Valley
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite)
    ‪47 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

Property manager

Harvey Holland and Jo Ann Belforte

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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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

  • El Portal Market - 9 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance - 15 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Yosemite Valley - 18 min drive - 15.5 km
  • Tunnel View - 29 min drive - 25.2 km
  • El Capitan - 42 min drive - 35.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The River Restaurant & Lounge - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Parkside Pizza - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Canyon Bar & Grill - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Cedar House Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Little Bear Pizza - ‬8 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.

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

No, pets are not allowed at this 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. 273 out of 291 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 291 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 291 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 291 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 291 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Zac M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location for exploring Yosemite Valley
Enjoyed our stay and the pool
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ken W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yosemite valley
Wonderful property with everything we needed for our stay. Plenty of space and the pool was amazing after a long day of hiking.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Home for Yosemite Visit
What a beautiful and well appointed home WITH THE BONUS OF A POOL outside of Yosemite NP.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Home and Great Location
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in El Portal. Easy drive into Yosemite and beautiful home and surroundings. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
TERRIFIC!
Fantastic place to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Rishi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location near Yosemite!
It is really nice place on Merced River and Jo Ann is wonderful host!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing & Beautiful Location
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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

William E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yosemite Perfect
Great location to next to the park. Quiet and next to the river. Would definitely stay again. The house had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Chantelle E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
We celebrated my baby girls 2nd birthday in Yosemite and loved our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay and setting
We loved the property; the location, setting and pool were amazing! What a chance to see Yosemite from a super property!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Denis k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Secluded river house
Stayed here two nights to visit Yosemite valley. Very close to park gate. Loved the sound of the river as we fell asleep. The stars were exceptional due to almost no lights around from neighbors. Kitchen was very well supplied with good cookware. Really enjoyed our brief visit.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

kelly s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location to Yosemite!
Good time!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alice P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house & location
Loved the river view and the pool. Would definitely go back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

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