Willow Placer Campground

Star4.81
22 reviews

Quick Facts

1,109 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet 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
Willow Placer Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fee is $10 per site per night. America the Beautiful Pass holders pay $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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.81

Top-Rated

Based on 22 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanlocation

"User reviews describe Willow Placer Campground as clean, family-friendly, and offering scenic river and mountain views. However, some users mention issues with wasps and biting flies."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Willow Placer Campground

37.6104, -120.0095

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 Merced Wild & Scenic River. Cross the suspension bridge past the Briceburg Visitor Center and head downriver along Briceburg River Road.
Trailers over 18 feet and large RVs are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.
Nearby places
Merced, 40 miles (approximately 50 minutes)
Mariposa, 15 miles (approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Mariposa, 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Willow Placer Campground

The campground transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to this riverside retreat. Spring and early summer showcase the Merced River at its most powerful, with snowmelt creating impressive flows that command respect and caution from swimmers. As summer progresses, the river gentles into inviting swimming holes perfect for cooling off when temperatures soar to 100°F. These late summer months transform the campground into an aquatic playground, where crystal-clear pools beckon visitors to escape the heat in nature's own swimming paradise.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Late summer highlighted as best for swimming when flows are lower and water access is easy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers good weather, scenic views and fewer high-flow hazards than spring.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings high snowmelt flows; scenic but swimming can be dangerous then.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

No winter-sports; colder weather and reduced swimming make it less activity-focused in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Current Alerts: No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is only recommended below 700 CFS river flow rate.

About Willow Placer Campground

Tucked away 3.6 miles downstream from the suspension bridge along the scenic Briceburg River Road, Willow Placer Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking tranquility beside the rushing waters of the Merced River. This hidden gem features 8 secluded walk-in campsites and 1 convenient group drive-in site, each positioned within a stone's throw—just 200 feet—from the river's edge. As one of the smaller, more peaceful facilities in the Merced River Recreation Management Area, Willow Placer provides the perfect balance of riverside accessibility and serene wilderness camping.
Willow Placer Campground offers a mix of camping options, including walk-in and group sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping is allowed only in designated sites—maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Willow Placer Campground offers opportunities for quieter family relaxation, swimming, and enjoying nature. The campground is close to the Merced River and is surrounded by scenic mountain views.
HikingThe Merced River Trail, accessible from the nearby Railroad Flat Campground, provides opportunities for hiking. The trail follows the old Yosemite Valley Railroad grade and offers scenic views and wildflower spotting in the spring.
FishingFishing is allowed in the Merced River, with users mentioning the presence of fish in the water.
SwimmingSwimming is popular in the Merced River, particularly in late summer when the flow is lower. Campers are warned about the dangers of swimming during spring and early summer due to high river flows.
BikingThe Merced River Trail accommodates mountain biking, though terrain may require portaging at certain points.
Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting opportunities include unique sightings of fauna such as blue-tailed skinks and dragonflies, as noted by user reviews.
Beach activitiesThe main beach is smaller compared to nearby campgrounds, but downstream swims are noted to be good quality in late summer.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high river flow during spring and early summer, wasps and biting flies during warmer months, and rocky terrain.
Active AlertsFire Restrictions apply. | Campfires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. | No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is only recommended below 700 CFS river flow rate.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredAll campsites include food storage lockers for secure storage of supplies and to deter wildlife.

Weather at Willow Placer Campground

Reviews

4.8
22 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Willow Placer Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Willow Placer Campground as clean, family-friendly, and offering scenic river and mountain views. However, some users mention issues with wasps and biting flies.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the peaceful environment, proximity to the Merced River for swimming and fishing, and the cleanliness of the facilities. "Great campsite near the Merced river. Awesome location and...
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Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users report issues with wasps and biting flies, particularly around food. One review states, "You will need bug spray for wasps and flies, but the wasps are not aggressive."
Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, bring your own potable water, and prepare for insects with bug spray and food covers. "Better to go early (preferably on a weekday) to get a site," advises one reviewer.
Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late summer is highlighted as the best time for swimming due to lower river flows. Spring is noted as dangerous for swimming due to high water levels.
Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We loved our time here. Beautiful campground, stayed in a walk-in site (#16). Bathroom was clean, all sites had a bit of shade, some more than others." - Jennifer O'Donnell. "Really cool place to...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #16 is described positively for its cleanliness and shade. Site #14 is noted for wasps and biting flies, which marred the experience for one camper.
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. No specific user reviews for pet experiences.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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