Merced River Recreation Management Area
Bureau of Land Management, California.
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
The Merced River Campgrounds are fully OPEN for 2023.
Campgrounds, Trailheads and Day Use Areas:
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.
Campsites are $10/night/site. First come, first served. Bear-proof food storage lockers at all campsites.
- McCabe Flat Campground - 2.3 miles downstream from Briceburg
- Willow Placer Campground - 3.6 miles downstream from Briceburg
- Railroad Flat Campground - 4.5 miles downstream from Briceburg
- North Fork Primitive Camp - 2.5 miles downstream from Railroad Flat Campground
- Cable Rock Day Use Site - 1.4 miles downstream from Briceburg
- Briceburg Day Use/Put-in - Hwy 140 at Merced River, 12 miles east of Mariposa
Overview
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.
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).
Need a Map?
Helpful Links:
- Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
- Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office
- Visit: Briceburg Visitor Center
Nearby Activities
- Accessible Swimming
- Auto Touring
- Biking
- Camping
- Day Use Area
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Information Site
- Paddling
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Visitor Center
- Water Activities
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
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.
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).
NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.
Additional Information
- Merced River RMA Flickr Album
- Merced Wild and Scenic River - National Conservation Lands Special Designation
- Merced River Recreation Area
- Map of the Merced River Recreation Area
- Merced River BLM Campground Site Map
