Skip to main content
Entire home

Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River

Riverside holiday home with private pool and kitchen

Photo gallery for Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River

Outdoor pool
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Dining
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Located in the heart of El Portal, YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE offers a serene retreat near Yosemite National Park. Unwind by the private in-ground swimming pool or on the large deck overlooking the Merced River. With a fully-equipped kitchen, 2 gas fireplaces, and comfortable seating areas this home is perfect for up to 8 guests.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms1400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River

Riverside holiday home with private pool and kitchen
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free holiday home has laundry facilities and a garden. Other amenities include barbecues. The holiday home has 3 bedrooms and offers a DVD player and a patio. A kitchen comes with a fridge and an oven, and guests will also find upscale touches, such as a private pool and a fireplace.
Air-conditioned accommodation at this holiday home offers private pools and fireplaces. Rooms open to patios. Kitchens offer fridges, stovetops, microwaves and separate dining areas.

Bathrooms include baths or showers and hairdryers. Televisions come with DVD players. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and an iron/ironing board.

Recreational amenities at the holiday home include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster
  • Water dispenser

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 1,400 square feet
  • Water dispenser
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Similar properties

Storybook Chalet inside Yosemite National Park
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 368 reviews
Storybook Chalet inside Yosemite National Park

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: no charge for children 2 years old and younger

Events

No events allowed

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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River Property
Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River El Portal

About the area

Map
El Portal, CA

What's nearby

  • Merced River - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Yosemite National Park - 7 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance - 10 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Yosemite Valley - 13 min drive - 19.2 km
  • The Ahwahnee - 33 min drive - 38.0 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.

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).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Closest Home to Yosemite Valley on the Merced River Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 282 out of 302 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 302 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 302 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 302 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 302 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Iris G.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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