Merced River Recreation Area

---

General Information

Information on the Ferguson Slide: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/conditions/ferguson.shtml

Location:
The site is located 15 miles north of Mariposa, California.

Description:
Beginning in the high country of Yosemite National Park, the Merced River makes a headlong rush through glacially-carved canyons, rugged mountains and foothills to the San Joaquin Valley. Multiple access points allow skilled whitewater enthusiasts to challenge the rapids at your own pace. Enjoy a day of fishing before gathering around the campfire to cook up the day's catch at McCabe Flat, Willow Placer or Railroad Flat campgrounds.

Mailing Address:
Bureau of Land Management
Folsom Field Office
63 Natoma Street
Folsom, CA 95630

Phone: (916) 985-4474  
Fax: (916) 985-3259

Directions:
Take Hwy 99 to Merced. From Merced travel 37 miles east on State Highway 140 to Mariposa. Then travel another 12 miles on Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center.

Visitor Activities:
Whitewater rafting (Class III-V), hiking, camping, picnicking, nature study, hobby gold prospecting, wildflower viewing, birding, and swimming.

Visitor Center Hours:
Season: Third weekend in April, thru Labor Day Weekend.
Friday: 1 PM - 6 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM - 6 PM

Permits, Fees, Limitations:
There is a camping fee of $10.00 per site per night with a maximum of 8 people per sight.

Accessibility:
Campgrounds are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Camping and Lodging Facilities:
There are three BLM campgrounds along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby. They are the McCabe Flat Campground, Willow Placer Campground and the Railroad Flat Campground. The campgrounds are accessible only by crossing the bridge at Briceburg and heading down river on the road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad grade).

Please note: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended to cross bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicle up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground.

Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa.

Campgrounds:

McCabe Flat - 2.5 mile west of Briceburg
11 Walk-in campsites
3 Vehicle/RV campsites

Willow Placer - 3.8 miles west of Briceburg
9 Walk-in campsites
1 Large group site

Railroad Flat - 4.8 miles west of Briceburg
3 Walk- in campsites
6 Vehicle/RV campsites

Facilities at all campgrounds:
Pit toilets, and composting toilets
Picnic tables
Fire grills
Garbage collection

Food and Supplies:
Food and supplies are available in Mariposa. Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities.  Look for the sign. Bring your own water for camping purposes.   Potable water is not available at the campgrounds.

First Aid:
BLM recreation crew are on duty on weekends during the camping season, which is generally from April through September. For emergencies dial 911. The Mariposa County Sheriff can be reached at (209) 966-3614, and the Mariposa County Fire Department can be reached at (209) 966-3621.

Additional Information:
The Merced River Recreation Area is near the entrance to Yosemite National Park, and provides overflow or alternative camping for park visitors, as well as a beautiful setting for river enthusiasts. The best times to visit are spring and summer. Many commercial raft outfitters, licensed and supervised by BLM, offer trips on the Merced River. Contact the BLM Folsom Field Office for a list of approved commercial raft operators and their schedules.

Please Note: River conditions vary, during spring runoff. (April thru June) Some swimming areas maybe unsafe and not suitable for swimming. Please use caution.