About Merced River Recreation Management Area
OverviewThe Merced River Recreation Management Area is a very special place just downstream from Yosemite. It is well known for excellent whitewater boating, wildflower viewing, camping, swimming, and recreational gold panning/prospecting. Bird watching is good throughout the area most of the year. Fishing is popular for trout and bass along the entire river. Biking along the gravel roads and trails is popular with families and experienced mountain bikers alike. Hiking is great anytime of the year. Easy access, un-damned flows, and excellent whitewater boating attract rafters and kayakers during the spring runoff (April through July). Commercial rafting trips are available from BLM permitted outfitters.The Merced River Trail continues downstream from the end of the Briceburg River Road and brings hikers or bikers to the North Fork of the Merced River and beyond. The Burma Grade road is another popular route to explore on foot, bike, or high-clearance automobile. This scenic backroad climbs steeply out of the Merced River Canyon and eventually leads to the towns of Greely Hill or Buck Meadows (CA-120).Campgrounds, Trailheads and Day Use Areas:There are three (3) developed BLM campgrounds along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby. The campgrounds are accessed by crossing the suspension bridge just past the Briceburg Visitor Center and heading down river along the unpaved Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade). It is NOT recommended for trailers over 18 feet or large RV's to cross over the suspension bridge.Campsites are $20/night/site excluding booking fees. Reservations are required for most sites and same-day reservations are available. Bear-proof food storage lockers are at all campsites. Camping stay limit is 14 days within a 90-day period.McCabe Flat Campground - 2.3 miles downstream from Briceburg Visitor CenterWillow Placer Campground - 3.6 miles downstream from Briceburg Visitor CenterRailroad Flat Campground - 4.5 miles downstream
How to Get There
From the city of Merced, located on CA-99, travel 40 miles east on CA-140 to the town of Mariposa. Then travel another 15 miles along CA-140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Merced Wild & Scenic River.There are three developed BLM campgrounds along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby. The campgrounds are accessed by crossing the suspension bridge just past the Briceburg Visitor Center and heading down river along the unpaved Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade).NOTE: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Merced River Recreation Management Area
Heading to Merced River Recreation Management Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Merced River Recreation Management Area?
No central reservation system listed for Merced River Recreation Management Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/610) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Merced River Recreation Management Area?
From the city of Merced, located on CA-99, travel 40 miles east on CA-140 to the town of Mariposa. Then travel another 15 miles along CA-140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Merced Wild & Scenic River.There are three developed BLM campgrounds along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby. The campgrounds are accessed by crossing the suspension bridge just past the Briceburg Visitor Cent…
How do I contact Merced River Recreation Management Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 209-379-9414 or email: BLM_CA_Web_ML@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
