Railroad Flat Campground

Railroad Flat is the last of three campgrounds along this dirt road that was once the railroad route to Yosemite. Set along the banks of the Merced River it’s especially beautiful during spring wildflower season, and in the fall. In the summer it can be hot. There is a nice walk just beyond the campground that continues to follow the old rail road (a gate keeps cars from continuing). Approx 2.5 miles is the confluence with the N Fork Merced River.
Lots of wildlife: wildflowers, newts, and river otters. Watch out for rattlesnakes!

I visited in November, on the first days of rain after a long dry season. I arrived after dark and was unfamiliar with the layout, so I stayed at a pull-out near the McCabe Flat campground. The next morning I checked out Willow Placer campground and continued to the end of the road to claim the last spot at Railroad Flat campground.

All three camps are along the river. There are no reservations. The first two are mostly walk-in tent sites. They are all clean and well maintained. There was a helpful ranger on patrol through the weekend.

I came with my 16’ Airstream in tow, and it fit perfectly. I would not recommend anything larger. It was late in the season, so there were only a few campers at each location. The narrow road winds along the steep canyon wall with occasional pull-outs to allow oncoming cars to pass. I was glad not to meet any vehicles on my way.

The scenery was stunning! It rained on-and-off with sunshine in between, so I rode my bike along and went fishing (didn't catch anything) while the sky was blue, then hid under a blanket with a cup of tea and watched the stormy skies. I had initially planned to go to Yosemite but was content to stay here.

Great day use spot, used by lots of locals for swimming. Dogs are supposed to be leashed but I have seen them off leash many times here so be prepared, most are friendly. It gets very busy on the weekends and hot days, so you will have daytime noise from swimming/river activities. During the earlier summer months there are rafters during the day. The campsites are nice and clean and range from very private to right next to each other. All are extremely close to the river so prepare for mosquitoes at night but the sounds of the river are amazing! Most sites have bear boxes and a firepit, check fire restrictions. Nice spot not far outside Yosemite. The road in is dirt there are walking/hiking trails along the road and river. As long as you don't mind neighbors or crowds during the day its a great spot! Tons of pull outs to park for dayuse/swimming, we always find a nice beach/spot all to ourselves to swim even when busy.