Railroad Flat Campground

Star4.45
47 reviews

Quick Facts

1,030 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Mother Lode Field Office site

Official Website
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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
Railroad Flat Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping Fee: $10.00 per site, per night; Recreation Pass: $5.00 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

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Provider
(916) 941-3101BLM_CA_Web_ML@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 47 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

Some mention

cell service

"Overall, users praise Railroad Flat Campground for its scenic beauty, affordability, and well-maintained facilities. However, lack of cell service and potable water at campsites are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Railroad Flat Campground

37.6182, -120.0197

Driving directionsFrom 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 Wild & Scenic Merced River. Campgrounds are accessed by crossing the suspension bridge past the Briceburg Visitor Center, heading downriver along Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade).
Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge due to road access limitations.

Best Time to Camp at Railroad Flat Campground

Spring transforms Railroad Flat into a botanical wonderland, with cascading wildflowers painting the hillsides in brilliant hues while snowmelt fills the swimming holes to perfection. As summer's heat intensifies, these natural pools may recede, revealing sun-warmed rocks and creating intimate wading spots perfect for cooling tired feet after a day of prospecting or hiking.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summers may see dried-up swimming holes and heat; seasonal appeal drops.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant and quieter but not highlighted for peak features like spring wildflowers.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is highlighted as best time: abundant wildflowers, flowing waterfalls and full swimming holes.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open in winter; cooler, quieter conditions but fewer wildflowers and lower activity notes.

Planning Tips

    About Railroad Flat Campground

    Journey to the end of Briceburg River Road, where Railroad Flat Campground awaits 4.5 miles beyond the suspension bridge in the stunning BLM Merced River Recreation Area. This hidden gem draws modern-day gold prospectors seeking fortune in the river's glittering sands, while hikers launch their adventures from the nearby Merced River Trail. Crystal-clear swimming holes beckon on warm days, anglers cast lines into productive waters, and the rhythmic sounds of the river create nature's perfect soundtrack for your camping experience.
    Railroad Flat Campground features primitive camping, suitable for both tent and small RV camping. Group camping and more luxurious accommodations are not available.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Food storage lockers
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    The campground provides ample recreational opportunities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and general relaxation by the scenic Merced River. It's particularly known for its spring wildflower displays.
    HikingThe Merced River Trail starts at the campground and stretches 28 miles, offering excellent wildflower views in spring. The trail is described as primitive and challenging, with sections that require carrying bikes due to rough terrain.
    Fishing"Fishing is minimal mostly small black bass with the possibility of a rainbow trout." - User Review by Rumple Stiltskin
    Swimming"There are 3 swimming holes with waterfalls... Waters cold but bareable." - User Review by Mia Fowler. Swimming is recommended when river flow is below 700 CFS.
    BikingThe trail supports mountain biking but includes rough patches and creek crossings that may require carrying bikes.
    Wildlife viewingThe area is excellent for wildflower viewing in spring and for observing the natural beauty of the Merced River.
    Winter Activities
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include undammed river flows with dramatic changes, poison oak, rattlesnakes, and swimming advisories when river flow is above 700 CFS.
    Active Alertsfire restrictions apply.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
    Food Storage RequiredAll sites are equipped with food storage lockers for safety and convenience.

    Weather at Railroad Flat Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    47 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Railroad Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Overall, users praise Railroad Flat Campground for its scenic beauty, affordability, and well-maintained facilities. However, lack of cell service and potable water at campsites are common complaints.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 47 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Users appreciate the proximity to the river, quiet atmosphere, and cleanliness, with one review mentioning: "It was so clean and very well maintained." - Sara Rodriguez. Another user highlighted the...
    Show more
    Based on 47 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Common concerns include speeding vehicles causing dust and lack of cell service. Seasonal limitations such as dried-up swimming holes in summer were also noted.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Visitors recommend bringing personal hygiene supplies, including soap and toilet paper, due to limited amenities. Planning visits during spring for wildflower viewing and swimming was also advised.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Spring is highlighted as the best time to visit due to wildflowers and flowing waterfalls. Summers may see dried-up swimming holes.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Simple, beautiful campground with sites on the river." - CampsiteShare. "Nice quiet campground with plenty of openings and great walking access to the beautiful Merced River." - Alison Morgan.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Several reviews note that sites are close to the river and well-spaced, with options for both walk-in and drive-in camping.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    The campground is ADA accessible, with at least 90% of campsites meeting accessibility standards.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.
    Based on 47 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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