Merced River is a major feature of Yosemite National Park, with its Wild and Scenic River status. But the lower reaches of this beloved river will take you to Lake McClure and Lake McSwain. Lake McClure sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Mariposa County, California. It came to be after the New Exchequer Dam was made on the Merced River in 1967 and is an excellent place to camp.
Lake McClure offers a wide variety of camping with 588 sites ranging from basic to premium RVs with picnic tables and barbeque grills. The park also has 4, 6, and 8-person cabins. The lake is perfect for water activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. The area is also excellent for hiking.
California is home to breathtaking scenery. But the popularity of places such as Yosemite National Park can make enjoying the great outdoors feel rather crowded. Thankfully, there are plenty of other beautiful places to enjoy in the state, including Lake McClure and Lake McSwain. This wonderful camping and recreation area sits in Central California, only six miles from the town of Snelling.
About Lake McClure
Lake McClure is about 47 miles south of Yosemite in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Its park headquarters sit in Snelling, in Mariposa Country. The park is enjoyed by holiday campers and day-use visitors who like to take advantage of the picnic areas, use the boat ramp, swim, cycle, and more.
The Lake McSwain Camping & Recreation area is made up of 5 camping and recreation areas:
Click to take a virtual tour of each of these beautiful sections of the park.
Lake McClure Reservation And Campground Information
Lake McClure allows reservations to be made up to a year in advance. You can do this via Lake McClure’s online reservation portal. However, there is a cancellation fee.
Some campsites do not have to be reserved, but without reservations, there is no guarantee of availability. Thus, it is wise to book a site via the Lake McClure online reservation system at least 24 hours in advance.
Those wanting to camp at Bagby, which sits below Merced River, must make reservations at least 72 hours in advance.
Areas & Facilities At Lake McClure
The park is broken down into two five main areas, and each boasts its own unique charm and facilities. However, some facilities might be closed during times of low water or forest fires. See their website for the latest updates.
General Facilities At McClure Point
McClure Point is the most popular sport at the park.
- Boat launch ramps
- Marina slip and boat rentals
- Fish cleaning station
- Marina store and dock services
- Propane and fuel services
- Restrooms
- Day use picnic area with tables and grills
- Swimming lagoon
General Facilities At Lake McSwain
Lake McSwain is popular during times of drought as its water isn’t impacted due to being an afterbay. It is also where the Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park is located. It is also highly popular.
- Fish cleaning station
- Boat launch ramps
- Kayak rentals
- Marina Store & Café
- The McSwain Marina & Café
- Swimming beach
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Day use area: picnic tables, grill, pavilions, horseshoe, large barbeque pits
General Facilities At Barrett Cove
Barrett Cove is the largest recreation area of Lake McClure.
- Cabin rentals
- Boat launch ramps
- Fuel dock and propane services
- Boat rentals
- Fish cleaning station
- Swimming lagoon
- Marina store and café
- Playground and volleyball court
- Day use area: picnic tables, grills, pavilions, horseshoe pits
General Facilities At Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend sits west of Coulterville and is adored by visitors that love quiet. It is also very pet friendly.
- Camp store (seasonal)
- Boat launch ramps
- Fish cleaning station
- Swimming lagoon
- Day use area: picnic tables, grills, pavilion
- Restrooms
General Facilities At Bagby
Bagby sits on an inlet of Lake McClure, just below Merced River. It is another very pet-friendly spot.
- Boat launch ramps
- Fish cleaning station
- Day use area: picnic tables and grills
- Restrooms
Camp/RV Facilities At Lake McClure
Lake McClure has 588 camping and RV sites spread across its five camping areas. The park’s sites come with a picnic table and barbeque grill, and most will also have shade ramadas and food storage lockers. All sites will be near free hot shower facilities. RV sites have electric, water, and sewer hookups. There are dumping stations too.
For those hoping to make use of their cabins, these are located in Barrett Cove and Lake McSwain, which have two ADA-compliant units. The park’s cabins must be booked for at least two nights.
Camp/RV Facilities At McClure Point
McClure Point has the most popular camping area due to its abundance of sites with a view of the water. They have:
- 100 Camping & RV sites
- 52 Water-electric hookup sites
Camp/RV Facilities At Lake McSwain
Lake McSwain does have some sites with water views. All of the Lake McSwain sites are within walking distance of the water. These include:
- 111 Camping and RV sites
- 65 Water-Electric hookup sites
Camp/RV Facilities At Barrett
Barrett has the largest number of campsites:
- 249 Camping and RV sites
- 89 Water-Electric hookup sites
Camp/RV Facilities At Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is enjoyed by campers that are looking for quieter sites.
- 97 Camping and RV sites
- 35 Water-Electric hookup sites
Camp/RV Facilities At Bagby
Bagby is the most remote and smallest of the camping areas.
- 31 Camping and RV sites
- 10 Water-Electric hookup sites
- 10 Primitive river campsites
Fishing At Lake McClure
Fishing is incredibly popular at Lake McClure. All their camping and recreation areas have fish cleaning areas and boat ramps. However, in times of severe droughts, some ramps may be closed.
But the water attracts plenty of fish, including bass, salmon, and trout trollers. Lake McSwain also hosts a Trout Fishing Derby twice a year: April and October.
Events At Lake McClure
Lake McClure is a popular place for folks to host events. For a fee, pavilions can be rented out. Each pavilion has a maximum capacity. Using a mobile barbeque or the pit at Lake McSwain will include additional fees. Contact Merced Irrigation District Parks & Recreation’s Event Coordinator to book.
Lake McSwain is also where the Trout Fishing Derby is held every April and October.
Other events have included movies on the beach. If you want to see their latest schedule, visit their events page on their website.
Marinas At Lake McClure
Lake McClure has boat ramps at every camping and recreation area. However, the only mooring slip rentals are at Barrett, at a max of 26 feet. You can also purchase fuel and propane there.
Opening hours and rates are often seasonal, so check their website for the most up-to-date information. This includes obtaining permits for vehicles, trailers, and boats. If a permit is lost, it can be replaced for a modest fee.
The two Marina cafés are found at:
- Barret Cove
- Lake McSwain
The opening hours of the café can vary with the season.
Biking At Lake McClure
Lake McClure’s big draw for mountain bike enthusiasts is at the Exchequer Bike Park. Its 2022 admission fee is 8 dollars. The bike park is reached via the Barrett Cove Recreation area. Thus, overnight MTB’ers are advised to camp at Barrett. Those using the bike park will be required to sign a waiver.
For MTB’ers wanting to stay up-to-date with events and fundraisers, check out the Exchequer Riders Club website.
Other Features And Activities At Lake McClure
In 2022 Lake McClure opened Splash-n-Dash, a 76,000-square-foot water park. Access to the new park is in Lake McSwain’s day-use area. The park features two big attractions: Colossal Splash and Big Splash.
At Colossal Splash, there is an “All-in-One” tower featuring:
- 2 huge water slides
- 2 jump-off platforms
- Blob, a bouncy launch pillow
- Trampoline
Big Splash contains over 30 attractions, including:
- 27-foot Action Tower
- Slides
- 2 Relay Dash Trax
If you have children under 7, there is also a Lil’ Splash with a mini-obstacle course with slides, jumps, and tunnels.
The 2022 entrance fee was 8 dollars per vehicle. Splash-n-Dash does permit guests to have their own food and accessories, including coolers, BBQs (must meet safety guidelines, chairs, and shade umbrellas. While visitors can bring alcohol, they can’t drink it while on the water, including lounging on inflatables. Also, note that aqua shoes are a must. If you don’t have a pair, you can buy them there.
About Lake McClure FAQs
We’ve rounded up your three most popular questions about Lake McClure and got the answers you need.
How Much Does It Cost To Camp At Lake McClure?
Rates at Lake McClure are subject to change. But their rates at the start of 2022 were 30 dollars for a basic camping site and went up to 50 for a Daily Premium RV Site. Three dollars is subtracted for those in the military, seniors, and disabled visitors. Current rates can be confirmed on their website.
Are Campfires Allowed At Lake McClure?
Lake McClure allows charcoal and propane fires throughout the year. However, burning wood in a fire ring is not always allowed. The rules around wood-burning fires depend on various factors, such as season and how much rainfall they’ve had. But Lake McClure’s website keeps the latest information on campfires on its home page, and visitors are also informed of the current status.
Are Dogs Allowed At Lake McClure?
Pets like your dog are allowed at Lake McClure Park. But leads are required when the dog is outside of the camping accommodation. However, if you wish to bring your four-legged best friend, you can’t stay in a cabin but must be at the campsite. Kenneling outside a cabin is also forbidden. Nor are dogs allowed to swim at the park.
Conclusion
Camping at Lake McClure is perfect for those wanting a vacation in Central California without elbowing their way into Yosemite National Park. There are nearly 600 sites offering premium RV hookups, cabins, tent camping, and even a handful of primitive sites. It’s a beautiful spot for anyone that loves water sports and recreation, along with camping and hiking.
Resources
https://www.lakemcclure.com/camping/
https://www.lakemcclure.com/faqs/
