Mccabe Flat Campground
4.5621 reviewsMccabe Flat Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $10 per site, per night. With the America the Beautiful Pass, fees are reduced to $5 per site, per night.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine Wild & Scenic Merced River, McCabe Flat Campground beckons adventurers to discover one of California's hidden riverside treasures. Just 2.3 miles downstream from the historic Briceburg suspension bridge, this serene retreat within the Merced River Recreation Management Area offers an enchanting blend of sandy beaches, crystal-clear swimming holes, and the soothing soundtrack of rushing water. Here, where the river carves its ancient path through the Sierra foothills, campers find themselves immersed in a natural playground that feels worlds away from civilization.
McCabe Flat Campground provides first-come, first-serve sites suitable for tents, small RVs, and trailers. Dispersed camping is prohibited within the Merced River corridor.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the canyon at McCabe Flat, where your tent sits along the very route once traveled by the legendary Yosemite Valley Railroad. This iron horse once carried wide-eyed travelers toward the wonders of Yosemite, its steam engines chugging through these river canyons from 1907 to 1945. Today, the old railroad grade serves as a reminder of California's golden age of rail travel, when adventurers first began exploring these wild places that Native Americans had known for thousands of years.
Weather and SeasonsThe camping experience at McCabe Flat transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own unique charm. Summer visitors delight in refreshing river swims when flows drop below 700 cubic feet per second, creating perfect conditions for cooling off in the Merced's emerald pools. As California's dry season progresses, seasonal fire restrictions help preserve this precious landscape. Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays and thundering snowmelt, while autumn paints the canyon in golden hues.
ElevationTucked into the lower reaches of the Merced River canyon, the campground rests at a comfortable foothill elevation where oak woodlands meet river corridor, creating a diverse ecosystem perfect for year-round camping adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryMcCabe Flat unfolds like a natural amphitheater where dramatic granite cliffs frame pristine sandy beaches and emerald swimming holes. The undammed Merced River, one of California's last free-flowing waterways, sculpts this rugged terrain with patient artistry, creating secluded coves, sun-warmed boulders perfect for lounging, and deep pools that beckon swimmers. The landscape shifts from gentle riverside terraces to towering canyon walls, while the river's clear waters reveal smooth river stones beneath the surface, creating an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow.
Geological RegionCarved by millions of years of geological drama, McCabe Flat showcases the raw power of the Wild & Scenic Merced River as it descends from Yosemite's high country. The campground occupies a unique position where the historic Yosemite Valley Railroad grade follows the river's ancient course through metamorphic foothills. Sandy beaches punctuate the rugged canyon terrain, offering glimpses into the region's gold rush past while the undammed Merced continues its timeless journey toward the San Joaquin Valley, carrying Sierra snowmelt through a landscape of exposed bedrock, river-polished granite, and gold-bearing gravels.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly provided in the authoritative content, but 90% of campsites are stated to be ADA accessible in the broader Merced River Recreation Area.
Sites SizeCampsites accommodate up to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews describe the area as secluded with clear waters and mountain views.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure a site; avoid weekends if possible.
Best CampsitesNot specified
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Not specified
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
There are no indications of group campsite provisions.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutLoop turnarounds available; layout follows the Yosemite Valley Railroad grade.
Open and Closed SeasonNot specified
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-serve. Early arrival is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, or cancellations for Scan & Pay transactions.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at McCabe Flat Campground include swimming in designated areas, enjoying the sandy beach, and exploring the Merced River. Seasonal fire restrictions apply, and swimming is recommended only below 700 CFS due to river flow variations.
Hiking
Hiking is possible along the Merced River Trail, which offers excellent wildflower viewing in spring and connects to various river crossings. One reviewer detailed, 'This trailhead serves hikers and mountain bikers access to the North Fork Merced and continues downstream.'Fishing
Fishing is allowed, though specifics regarding fish species or quality of fishing are not mentioned.Swimming
Designated swimming areas are available but without lifeguards. 'Great swimming late spring and summer,' one reviewer noted. Toxic algae warnings have been issued seasonally.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible, though they include challenging crossings and are subject to seasonal conditions. A user stated, 'Do not block gate. Hikers and mountain bikers access the North Fork Merced.'Wildlife viewing
Spring wildflower viewing is highlighted as a significant attraction along hiking trails.Beach activities
Beach activities include lounging on a sandy beach and swimming. Reviewers described the beach as a 'great little beach for people to lounge on or splash in the river.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as gold panning are allowed, as stated in user reviews ('Gold panning allowed').Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Seasonal fire restrictions apply. Fires only allowed in designated fire rings; no fires on the beach.
- Quiet hours begin after 10 PM with no loud music or generators allowed.
Hazards
General hazardsMerced River flow fluctuates dramatically; toxic algae warnings (as per reviews); poison oak and rattlesnakes are common on North Fork trails.
Active alertsToxic algae warnings mentioned in reviews.
Weather forecast
99
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Merced is the closest major city for emergency services (~40 miles away). Police, fire, and medical services can also be found in Mariposa (~12 miles).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingDumpsters and recycling cans are provided on-site, ensuring proper waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along the Merced River; sandy beaches available.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention theft of camping spots and an abundance of wasps.
HostNot specified
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Merced, located on U.S. Highway 99, travel 40 miles east on State Highway 140 to the town of Mariposa. Then travel another 12 miles along Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Wild & Scenic Merced River. The campground is accessed by crossing the suspension bridge just past the Briceburg Visitor Center and heading down river along the Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite railroad grade).
The Briceburg River Road is an unpaved, dirt and gravel road with numerous potholes. Ordinary passenger vehicles can navigate it at a speed limit of 15 mph. Turn-outs and loop turnarounds are available along the road.Nearby places
Merced (approximately 40 miles, ~50 minutes), Mariposa (12 miles, ~15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found across the Briceburg Bridge or nearby in Mariposa (~12 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.6
21 reviews
Mccabe Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its scenic beauty, proximity to the Merced River, and well-maintained facilities. Complaints include wasps, trash accumulation, and campsite disputes.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews highlight the campground's clean facilities, stunning river views, and family-friendly environment. One reviewer noted, 'The campgrounds are clean, the perfect spot for camping right next to...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Users reported wasps, campsite disputes, and trash issues. One reviewer expressed frustration: 'Camping spot got stolen! We arrived at 7am and reserved a camping spot, paid for 2 days, set up my...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a campsite, preferably on Thursday to avoid weekend crowds. Bring potable water and supplies, as there are limited services on-site. Use a life jacket while swimming.
Based on 21 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews are generally positive due to swimming and beach activities, though crowding is common. Fall reviews mention wasps and fewer amenities. Toxic algae warnings are noted during certain...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Located right outside the entrance of Yosemite!' - Lizzy Nguyen
2. 'Great campsites friendly people crystal clear water you can see the bottom no matter how deep.' - Sonsy Baton
3. 'The bathrooms...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are first-come, first-serve with no reservations. One user noted site-specific issues: 'Nice campground with six walk-up campsites.' Another stated, 'Easy access to the river, and a single...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Specific accessibility reviews are missing, but authoritative content mentions ADA accessibility for 90% of sites in the Merced River Recreation Area.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are prohibited on McCabe Beach; no further pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 21 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025