Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bagby Camping and Recreation sits along the Merced River in Mariposa County, where the Sierra Nevada foothills meet the Central Valley. The campground operates year-round and accommodates RVs up to 40 feet with electric and water hookups, though Trevor M. notes "the driveway into the site from the road is narrow, but manageable."
River access defines the camping experience here. Multiple reviewers highlight direct water access, with sites positioned close enough to hear fish jumping at night. The campground includes a boat dock and launch ramp at the main entrance, plus a fish cleaning station for anglers. Hot showers and restrooms serve both hookup and non-hookup sites. An on-site host provides local hiking recommendations, including trails accessible directly from camp.
Cell service remains spotty throughout the area. Campers report hearing cattle from across the river in the morning hours. The campground tends to stay quiet during weekdays, with one reviewer finding only one other occupied site on a Tuesday in late April. Standard sites cost around $30, while hookup sites run $38.
For those seeking primitive options, North Fork Primitive Camp offers a more basic experience less than four miles east.
Description
The Bagby Camping & Recreation area is located just below the Wild & Scenic Merced River at the inlet of Lake McClure. Offering visitors a unique outdoor experience in a more remote setting, Bagby is all about soaking in all the opportunities a day at the lake can bring.
Camp/RV Facilities • 31+ Camping & RV sites • 10 Primitive campsites along the river • 10 Water-Electric hookup sites • Free hot showers
Camp/Picnic Facilities • Fish cleaning station • Restroom facilities • Day use picnic areas – Picnic tables & barbecue grills • Boat launch ramps & parking (Bagby boat ramp is currently closed due to low water levels) • Pets welcome
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBagby Camping and Recreation is located in California near Midpines
Directions
From jct Hwy-132 & Hwy-49: Go 10 mi S on Hwy-49. 9090 Lake McClure Road Snelling, CA 95369
Address
8499 California 49
Mariposa, CA 95338
Coordinates
37.61073130763298 N
120.12870459352278 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/22/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/22/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 50 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 18 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 37 min from Stockton, CA











