Railroad Flat Campground
4.5312 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRailroad 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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Provider(916) 941-3101BLM_CA_Web_ML@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.53
Top-Rated
Based on 12 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."
Fees & Passes at Railroad Flat Campground
$5 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Cancellation: Camping is first-come, first-served. No refunds for self-pay system payments.
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official BLM Mother Lode Field Office website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceLong before gold seekers arrived with their pans and dreams, Native American communities gathered here among the riverside oaks, using smooth granite boulders as mortars to grind acorns into meal. These ancient grinding holes, still visible today, serve as enduring reminders of the thousands of years of human connection to this special place along the Merced.
Weather and SeasonsSpring 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.
Natural Features and SceneryThe untamed Merced River carves its way through this dramatic landscape, creating a series of emerald pools and gentle rapids that define the campground's character. Spring wildflowers carpet the surrounding slopes in waves of lupine, poppies, and Indian paintbrush, while ancient oaks provide welcome shade. This ecological tapestry supports diverse wildlife and offers photographers endless opportunities to capture the raw beauty of California's gold country.
Geological RegionNestled within the BLM's carefully preserved Merced River Recreation Area, Railroad Flat showcases the power of an undammed river system. Steep canyon walls rise dramatically from the water's edge, revealing millions of years of geological history in their stratified faces. This rugged terrain creates the perfect backdrop for wildflower walks along ancient river terraces, world-class fishing in deep pools carved by centuries of flowing water, and refreshing swims in nature's own aquatic playground.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAt least 90% of all campsites are ADA accessible.
Sites Size"good amount of space between campsites." - User Review by Rumple Stiltskin
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer a mixture of seclusion and proximity, with some sites requiring a short walk while others are drive-in, all near the river.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSpring is recommended for wildflower viewing and optimal swimming conditions. Sites are close to the river offering opportunities for fishing and relaxation.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 9 sites, some walk-in and others drive-in, all close to the river.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served with yellow envelopes provided for payment. Sites are rented only once paid in full.
Cancellation PolicyCamping is first-come, first-served. No refunds for self-pay system payments.
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.
Hiking
The 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 StiltskinSwimming
"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.Biking
The trail supports mountain biking but includes rough patches and creek crossings that may require carrying bikes.Wildlife viewing
The area is excellent for wildflower viewing in spring and for observing the natural beauty of the Merced River.Winter Activities
The trail condition deteriorates in winter, with high water levels making creek crossings difficult.Water Sports
Swimming is a popular activity during late spring and summer when water levels are suitable.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Seasonal restrictions apply. Fires are allowed only in metal fire rings. No fires on the beach.
- Quiet hours are After 10 PM (No loud music, generators, etc.).
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include undammed river flows with dramatic changes, poison oak, rattlesnakes, and swimming advisories when river flow is above 700 CFS.
Weather at Railroad Flat Campground
60
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingDumpsters and recycling cans are available on-site for waste management.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the Merced River, offering swimming holes and fishing spots.
Common complaintsSome user reviews cite dust caused by speeding vehicles and lack of cell service.
HostUser reviews mention friendly rangers maintaining the site.
Campground Map
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.Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
12 reviews
Railroad Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 12 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...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsPro 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 12 reviewsSeasonal 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 12 reviewsCamper 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 12 reviewsSite-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 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground is ADA accessible, with at least 90% of campsites meeting accessibility standards.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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