Mccabe Flat Campground

Star4.52
76 reviews

Quick Facts

1,073 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Not specified

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Mother Lode Field Office site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mccabe Flat Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $10 per site, per night. With the America the Beautiful Pass, fees are reduced to $5 per site, per night.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(916) 941-3101 or (209) 379-9414BLM_CA_Web_ML@blm.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 76 reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwaterfriendly

"The campground is praised for its scenic beauty, proximity to the Merced River, and well-maintained facilities. Complaints include wasps, trash accumulation, and campsite disputes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mccabe Flat Campground

37.5966, -120.0035

Driving directionsFrom Merced, located on U.S. Highway 99, travel 40 miles east on State Highway 140 to the town of Mariposa. Then travel another 12 miles along Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Wild & Scenic Merced River. The campground is accessed by crossing the suspension bridge just past the Briceburg Visitor Center and heading down river along the Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite railroad grade).
The Briceburg River Road is an unpaved, dirt and gravel road with numerous potholes. Ordinary passenger vehicles can navigate it at a speed limit of 15 mph. Turn-outs and loop turnarounds are available along the road.
Nearby places
Merced (approximately 40 miles, ~50 minutes), Mariposa (12 miles, ~15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found across the Briceburg Bridge or nearby in Mariposa (~12 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Mccabe Flat Campground

The camping experience at McCabe Flat transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own unique charm. Summer visitors delight in refreshing river swims when flows drop below 700 cubic feet per second, creating perfect conditions for cooling off in the Merced's emerald pools. As California's dry season progresses, seasonal fire restrictions help preserve this precious landscape. Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays and thundering snowmelt, while autumn paints the canyon in golden hues.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer praised for river swims and beaches when flows drop below 700 CFS; popular but crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall has fewer amenities and wasp complaints; scenic but less ideal for swimming.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5

Excellent wildflower viewing on trails and good river scenery; strong spring appeal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open/closed not specified; winter lacks swimming and fewer seasonal activities mentioned.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Not specified
  • Current Alerts: Toxic algae warnings mentioned in reviews.

About Mccabe Flat Campground

Nestled along the pristine Wild & Scenic Merced River, McCabe Flat Campground beckons adventurers to discover one of California's hidden riverside treasures. Just 2.3 miles downstream from the historic Briceburg suspension bridge, this serene retreat within the Merced River Recreation Management Area offers an enchanting blend of sandy beaches, crystal-clear swimming holes, and the soothing soundtrack of rushing water. Here, where the river carves its ancient path through the Sierra foothills, campers find themselves immersed in a natural playground that feels worlds away from civilization.
McCabe Flat Campground provides first-come, first-serve sites suitable for tents, small RVs, and trailers. Dispersed camping is prohibited within the Merced River corridor.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Not specified

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at McCabe Flat Campground include swimming in designated areas, enjoying the sandy beach, and exploring the Merced River. Seasonal fire restrictions apply, and swimming is recommended only below 700 CFS due to river flow variations.
HikingHiking is possible along the Merced River Trail, which offers excellent wildflower viewing in spring and connects to various river crossings. One reviewer detailed, 'This trailhead serves hikers and mountain bikers access to the North Fork Merced and continues downstream.'
FishingFishing is allowed, though specifics regarding fish species or quality of fishing are not mentioned.
SwimmingDesignated swimming areas are available but without lifeguards. 'Great swimming late spring and summer,' one reviewer noted. Toxic algae warnings have been issued seasonally.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible, though they include challenging crossings and are subject to seasonal conditions. A user stated, 'Do not block gate. Hikers and mountain bikers access the North Fork Merced.'
Wildlife viewingSpring wildflower viewing is highlighted as a significant attraction along hiking trails.
Beach activitiesBeach activities include lounging on a sandy beach and swimming. Reviewers described the beach as a 'great little beach for people to lounge on or splash in the river.'
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMerced River flow fluctuates dramatically; toxic algae warnings (as per reviews); poison oak and rattlesnakes are common on North Fork trails.
Active Alertsfire restrictions apply. | Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings. | Toxic algae warnings mentioned in reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers provided at all campsites.

Weather at Mccabe Flat Campground

Reviews

4.5
76 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mccabe Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its scenic beauty, proximity to the Merced River, and well-maintained facilities. Complaints include wasps, trash accumulation, and campsite disputes.
Review Summaries
Based on 76 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight the campground's clean facilities, stunning river views, and family-friendly environment. One reviewer noted, 'The campgrounds are clean, the perfect spot for camping right next to...
Show more
Based on 76 reviews

Common Concerns

Users reported wasps, campsite disputes, and trash issues. One reviewer expressed frustration: 'Camping spot got stolen! We arrived at 7am and reserved a camping spot, paid for 2 days, set up my...
Show more
Based on 76 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite, preferably on Thursday to avoid weekend crowds. Bring potable water and supplies, as there are limited services on-site. Use a life jacket while swimming.
Based on 76 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are generally positive due to swimming and beach activities, though crowding is common. Fall reviews mention wasps and fewer amenities. Toxic algae warnings are noted during certain...
Show more
Based on 76 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Located right outside the entrance of Yosemite!' - Lizzy Nguyen 2. 'Great campsites friendly people crystal clear water you can see the bottom no matter how deep.' - Sonsy Baton 3. 'The bathrooms...
Show more
Based on 76 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are first-come, first-serve with no reservations. One user noted site-specific issues: 'Nice campground with six walk-up campsites.' Another stated, 'Easy access to the river, and a single...
Show more
Based on 76 reviews

Accessibility Features

Specific accessibility reviews are missing, but authoritative content mentions ADA accessibility for 90% of sites in the Merced River Recreation Area.
Based on 76 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are prohibited on McCabe Beach; no further pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 76 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Mccabe Flat Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Campgrounds
Mccabe Flat Campground