Stevinson Strip Airport (CA45) — Stevinson, California

Stevinson Strip Airport, identified by the FAA designation CA45, is a private-use general aviation airstrip situated in the small unincorporated community of Stevinson, Merced County, California. Nestled deep in the heart of California's Central Valley, this rural airstrip sits at approximately 85 feet above sea level near the agricultural flatlands west of the San Joaquin Valley corridor. Its GPS coordinates place it at 37°19'38"N, 120°51'42"W, accessible from 3rd Avenue in the Stevinson area, ZIP code 95374.

The airstrip serves as a private facility, primarily supporting the light aircraft operations typical of California's Central Valley farming communities. With a population of just 275 residents as of the 2020 census, Stevinson is one of Merced County's smallest communities — and Stevinson Strip Airport reflects that intimate, working-community character. The airport is not open to the general public without prior permission from the operator, making it a classic example of California's many privately operated rural airstrips that support agricultural logistics, personal aviation, and local transport needs across the region's expansive farmland.

Located roughly 21 miles west of Merced and within the broader Central Valley aviation network, CA45 occupies a strategic rural position between several larger public-use airports. Pilots operating in this region frequently use Stevinson Strip as a private waypoint, particularly those involved in agricultural aviation — a sector that remains vital to Merced County's economy, which is anchored by dairy, almonds, tomatoes, and other row crops grown across thousands of acres surrounding the Stevinson area.

Aviation Context and Nearby Airports

The Central Valley aviation landscape around Stevinson is defined by a network of both public and private strips serving agricultural, charter, personal, and commercial purposes. The nearest commercial service airport to Stevinson Strip is Merced Regional Airport (MCE), located approximately 22 miles to the southeast. MCE is a public-use airport in Merced that provides regional connectivity for Merced County residents and businesses, and serves as the primary commercial aviation hub for the area surrounding CA45.

Farther afield, pilots from Stevinson Strip often file VFR or IFR flight plans routing toward Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK), roughly 49 miles to the north. SCK supports cargo, charter, and general aviation operations and features longer runways capable of accommodating larger aircraft. For those requiring full airline service, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) lies approximately 82 miles to the southeast, offering major airline connections throughout the western United States.

To the west, Oakland International Airport (OAK) — which operates as Clean Energy Oakland International Airport under its sustainability branding — is located about 96 miles away via Interstate 580 through the Altamont Pass. Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK), a public general aviation airport with instrument approaches and a control tower, sits approximately 80 miles to the northwest in the Tri-Valley region of Alameda County. Livermore Municipal is a popular destination for Central Valley pilots crossing the coast range into the Bay Area. Meanwhile, Meadowlark Airport, a private airstrip in Fremont, serves as another Bay Area general aviation point of reference for pilots familiar with the CA45 area.

For travelers departing from or arriving near Stevinson who require commercial airline service, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is located approximately 100 miles to the northwest, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 115 miles away. Ground transportation services such as Direct Airport Shuttle help connect Stevinson-area residents to these larger regional airports, bridging the gap between this rural community and the Bay Area's major aviation hubs.

Stevinson and Merced County: The Setting

Stevinson, California is a census-designated place (CDP) in western Merced County, situated in the broad, flat agricultural expanse between the San Joaquin River delta to the north and the city of Merced to the southeast. The community sits at approximately 85 feet elevation and has long been defined by its agricultural roots — irrigation-fed farms producing almonds, tomatoes, dairy products, and row crops dominate the landscape in every direction from Stevinson Strip Airport.

Merced County as a whole is one of California's most agriculturally productive regions, and private airstrips like CA45 play a role in supporting the logistics, aerial survey, and crop-monitoring operations that modern farming operations require. Whether supporting a local rancher's personal aircraft, facilitating quick point-to-point travel for agricultural business owners, or hosting flight training in the area's typically VFR-friendly weather, Stevinson Strip Airport exemplifies the practical, working nature of California's rural general aviation infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions — Stevinson Strip Airport (CA45)