Go if
You want foothills river access with swimming and fishing during warm-weather months.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$20 - $40/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Not specified
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$20 - $40/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Not specified
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Mccabe Flat Campground
37.5966, -120.0035
You want foothills river access with swimming and fishing during warm-weather months.
You need developed amenities beyond vault toilets or prefer campgrounds with fewer insects.
Context for the broader area surrounding Mccabe Flat Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
<p>Remember your <a href="https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics" rel="nofollow"> OUTDOOR ETHICS</a> when enjoying your public lands. Please<a href="https://www.recreateresponsibly.org" rel="nofollow"> RECREATE RESPONSIBLY</a>.</p> <h3>The Merced River Campgrounds are fully OPEN for 2023.</h3> <hr/> <h3>Campgrounds, Trailheads and Day Use Areas:</h3> <p>There are three (3) developed BLM campgrounds along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby. The campgrounds are accessed by crossing the suspension bridge just past the Briceburg Visitor Center and heading down river along the unpaved Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade). It is NOT recommended for trailers over 18 feet or large RV's to cross over the suspension bridge.</p> <p><strong>Campsites are $10/night/site. </strong> <strong>First come, first served. Bear-proof food storage lockers at all campsites.</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/mccabe-flat-campground" rel="nofollow">McCabe Flat Campground</a> - 2.3 miles downstream from Briceburg</li> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/willow-placer-campground" rel="nofollow">Willow Placer Campground</a> - 3.6 miles downstream from Briceburg</li> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/railroad-flat-campground" rel="nofollow">Railroad Flat Campground</a> - 4.5 miles downstream from Briceburg</li> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/north-fork-primitive-camp" rel="nofollow">North Fork Primitive Camp</a> - 2.5 miles downstream from Railroad Flat Campground</li> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/cable-rock-day-use-site" rel="nofollow">Cable Rock Day Use Site</a> - 1.4 miles downstream from Briceburg</li> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/274292/1" rel="nofollow">Briceburg Day Use/Put-in </a> - Hwy 140 at Merced River, 12 miles east of Mariposa</li> </ul> <h3>Overview</h3> <p>The Merced River Recreation Management Area is a very special place just downstream from Yosemite. It is well known for excellent whitewater boating, wildflower viewing, camping, swimming, and recreational gold panning/prospecting. Bird watching is good throughout the area most of the year. Fishing is popular for trout and bass along the entire river. Biking along the gravel roads and trails is popular with families and experienced mountain bikers alike. Hiking is great anytime of the year. Easy access, un-damned flows, and excellent whitewater boating attract rafters and kayakers during the spring runoff (April through July). Commercial rafting trips are available from BLM permitted outfitters.</p> <p>The Merced River Trail continues on downstream from the end of the Briceburg River Road and brings hikers or bikers to the North Fork of the Merced River and beyond. The Burma Grade road is another popular route to explore on foot, bike, or high-clearance automobile. This scenic backroad climbs steeply out of the Merced River Canyon and eventually leads to Greely Hill or Buck Meadows (Highway 120).</p> <h3>Need a Map?</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-06/MercedRiverRecArea8x14_map_508c.pdf" rel="nofollow">Merced River Recreation Area Map</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/Merced_Campground.pdf" rel="nofollow">Merced Campground Site Map</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/media-center-public-room-california-merced-river-recreation-map.pdf" rel="nofollow">Merced River Existing Mining Claims Map</a></li> </ul> <h3>Helpful Links:</h3> <ul> <li>Recreation Passes: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/passes" rel="nofollow">America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass</a></li> <li>Return To: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/office/mother-lode-field-office" rel="nofollow">BLM, Mother Lode Field Office</a></li> <li>Visit: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/briceburg-visitor-center" rel="nofollow">Briceburg Visitor Center</a></li> </ul>
<p>From the city of Merced, located on U.S. Highway 99, travel 40 miles east on State Highway 140 to the town of Mariposa. Then travel another 15 miles along Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Merced Wild & Scenic River.</p> <p>There are three developed BLM campgrounds along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby. The campgrounds are accessed by crossing the suspension bridge just past the Briceburg Visitor Center and heading down river along the unpaved Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade).</p> <p>NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.</p>
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Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest chance to enjoy McCabe Flat's signature features: warm, sunny days for swimming emerald river pools and lounging on sandy beaches when flows typically drop below ~700 cfs. Expect daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s°F (sometimes pushing into the mid-90s on heat waves) and cool nights in the 50s–60s°F, making evenings pleasant for campfires and stargazing. This is peak season for river swimming, casual fishing in slower runs, and beachside relaxation, though weekends Peak months: July, August, June, May
Excellent wildflower displays and good late-spring swimming when river flows permit.
No potable water available at Campgrounds. OK to use river water for washing.
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