The North Fork Merced River joins the main stem Merced River 7 miles downstream from Briceburg. This is a lovely stream that is perfect for swimming in the early summer when the main Merced is too high. Springtime comes early around here (late February – April) and the wildflowers on the slopes of the North Fork Merced can be spectacular. There is a beautiful cascade about 3/4 of a mile upstream from the confluence that makes a great destination for a cool dip on a hot day. Although most people explore the North Fork as a day outing, it makes a great short or introductory backpacking adventure. The North Fork Merced is approximately a one-hour (2.5 mile) walk from the Railroad Flat campground along the old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade (also known as the Merced River Trail). Access is by trail or river only. Bring plenty of water or, better yet, pack a water filter. Permits, Fees and Limitations: Campfire permits are required for all fires. Fire restrictions that prohibit all fires go into effect each summer (extract dates unknown). No overnight permit required. Please follow Leave No Trace practices. Pack it in, pack it out. No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. PLEASE NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles 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. Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area Visit: Briceburg Visitor Center ADA Access: The North Fork Merced River is not ADA accessible. Access only by rough trail or class IV whitewater boat.

North Fork Primitive Camp

Remember your [ OUTDOOR ETHICS](https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics) when enjoying your public lands. Please[ RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.](https://www.recreateresponsibly.org) ### Overview At the end of Briceburg River Road and 4.5 miles from the suspension bridge within the BLM, Merced River Recreation Area is the **Railroad Flat Campground**. Popular with gold prospectors and hikers alike, there is always interesting campfire talk in this campground. It also serves as the trailhead for the BLM, Merced River Trail. The Merced River Trail is a spectacular wildflower walk in spring, has great scenery, fine fishing, and amazing swimming during other times of the year. ### Facilities in Railroad Flat Campground (9 sites total): * 3 Walk-in camp sites * 6 drive-up camp site * 1 vault toilet * 2 Port-o-let toilet _(seasonal near site 21-23)_ * Trash collection cans * Recycling collection cans * Main parking lot * Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system * There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites. * All campsites are within 200 feet of the river ### Permits, Fees, and Limitations: * Camp fee is **$10 per site per night.** America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night. * Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites. * Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. * Camping is **first come, first served. No reservations available.** * A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). * **Self-pay system.** Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board. * Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site. * **No dispersed camping** within the Merced River corridor. * No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1)) * Fires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. **NO FIRES ON BEACH.** (Fire Restriction may apply). * No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i) * Dogs must be on a leash at all times. * NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH. * NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time. * **QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm** (no speakers, generators etc.) * No Discharge of Firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a) * No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g) * All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e) * Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663. ### WARNING: No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. **Potable water is not available at the campground sites.** ### PLEASE NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles 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. ### Helpful Links: * River flow is posted on-line at: [www.dreamflows.com](http://www.dreamflows.com/graphs/day.225.php) * Return To: [Merced River Recreation Management Area](https://www.blm.gov/visit/merced-river). * Visit: [BLM, Mother Lode Field Office](https://www.blm.gov/office/mother-lode-field-office) * Recreation Passes: [America the Beautiful -- National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass](https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/passes)

Railroad Flat Campground

Willow Placer Campground

Remember your [ OUTDOOR ETHICS](https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics) when enjoying your public lands. Please[ RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.](https://www.recreateresponsibly.org) No water in campground. Drinking water available at the Briceburg Bridge. ### Overview The first of three BLM campgrounds within the Merced River Recreation Management Area is McCabe Flat. The campground is located 2.3 miles west (downstream) from the Briceburg suspension bridge along the Wild & Scenic Merced River. The Briceburg River Road runs along the historic Yosemite Valley Railroad grade that follows the Merced River. It is an unpaved, dirt & gravel rough road with many potholes, but can easily be navigated with ordinary passenger vehicles traveling within the 15 miles per hour speed limit. Turn-outs are located all along the road. Loop turnarounds are provided in each of the three campgrounds. McCabe Flat Campground hosts one of the biggest sandy beaches in the area. There is a designated swimming area and no dogs are allowed on the beach. All other areas of the Merced River Recreation Area allow dogs on leash. ### Facilities in McCabe Flat Campground (11 sites total): * 8 Walk-in camp sites * 3 drive-up camp sites * 2 vault toilets * 1 Port-o-let toilet _(seasonal near site 10 and 11)_ * Trash collection cans * Recycling collection cans * Main parking lot * Overflow parking lot * Drive-thru turn-around * Designated swimming beach * Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system * There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites. * All campsites are within 200 feet of the river ### Permits, Fees, and Limitations: * Camp fee is **$10.00 per site per night.** America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night. * Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites. * Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. * Camping is **first come, first served. No reservations available.** * A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). * **Self-pay system.** Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board. * Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site. * **No dispersed camping** within the Merced River corridor. * No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1)) * Fires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. **NO FIRES ON BEACH.** (Fire Restriction may apply). * No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i) * **Dogs must be on a leash at all times.** * NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH. * NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time. * **QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm** (no speakers, generators etc.) * No discharge of firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a) * No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g) * All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e) * Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663. ### WARNING: No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. **Potable water is not available at the campground sites.** ### PLEASE NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles 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. ### Helpful Links: * River flow is posted on-line at: [www.dreamflows.com](http://www.dreamflows.com/graphs/day.225.php) * Return To: [Merced River Recreation Management Area](https://www.blm.gov/visit/merced-river). * Visit: [BLM, Mother Lode Field Office](https://www.blm.gov/office/mother-lode-field-office) * Recreation Passes: [America the Beautiful -- National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass](https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/passes)

McCabe Flat Campground

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

Bagby Camping and Recreation

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and only one mile from downtown Coulterville, CA, Point Skyfall is a destination you will want to visit again and again. Our property boasts over 100 acres of meadow, mountains, creeks, trails and hiking experiences unlike any other while surrounded by close proximity to Moccasin point, Bagsby recreation, Horseshoe Bend and above all Yosemite National Park.

Come visit for a one of kind experience and see the true beaty of this adequately named wonder Point Skyfall at night during your stay as the stars feel within your reach.



Point Skyfall

This campground is the closest KOA to Yosemite Valley, and it is perfect to use as your base camp while visiting Yosemite National Park. Ride the YARTS public transit bus from the campground for an easy and convenient way to visit Yosemite. After returning from this jewel of a national park, take advantage of the campground's fresh hot pizza, even enjoying it poolside. Or take a dip in the sparkling clean pool. If you prefer sweets, the homemade fudge and ice cream parlor awaits. Before moving on to your next vacation destination, stop by the campground gift store to purchase some Yosemite memories to take with you. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 50 feet. Your hosts: the Bailey family.

North Fork Primitive Camp

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Railroad Flat Campground

Willow Placer Campground

McCabe Flat Campground

Bagby Camping and Recreation

Point Skyfall

Yosemite West / Mariposa KOA (Midpines, CA)

Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park

Indian Flat RV Park

Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area

McClure Point Recreation Area