Willow Placer Campground
05 reviewsWillow Placer 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
Standard campsite fee is $10 per site per night. America the Beautiful Pass holders pay $5 per site per night.
About this campground
Tucked away 3.6 miles downstream from the suspension bridge along the scenic Briceburg River Road, Willow Placer Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking tranquility beside the rushing waters of the Merced River. This hidden gem features 8 secluded walk-in campsites and 1 convenient group drive-in site, each positioned within a stone's throw—just 200 feet—from the river's edge. As one of the smaller, more peaceful facilities in the Merced River Recreation Management Area, Willow Placer provides the perfect balance of riverside accessibility and serene wilderness camping.
Willow Placer Campground offers a mix of camping options, including walk-in and group sites.
Historical SignificanceEvery step along this campground traces the path of history, as the area follows the legendary Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade. This historic transportation corridor once carried eager travelers and supplies to Yosemite National Park, connecting the wilderness to the wider world. Today, remnants of this bygone era add layers of intrigue to your camping experience, inviting you to imagine the steam engines and adventurers who once journeyed through these same river canyons.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to this riverside retreat. Spring and early summer showcase the Merced River at its most powerful, with snowmelt creating impressive flows that command respect and caution from swimmers. As summer progresses, the river gentles into inviting swimming holes perfect for cooling off when temperatures soar to 100°F. These late summer months transform the campground into an aquatic playground, where crystal-clear pools beckon visitors to escape the heat in nature's own swimming paradise.
ElevationNestled in the lower reaches of the Merced River corridor, the campground sits at a comfortable downstream elevation that creates the perfect microclimate for year-round outdoor adventures. This strategic position in the river valley provides both protection from harsh mountain weather and easy access to the water's edge.
Natural Features and SceneryThe wild, un-dammed Merced River serves as the campground's centerpiece, carving through dramatic rocky terrain to create a landscape of natural swimming holes and boulder-studded shores. Towering mountain sides frame the river corridor, while the water's edge comes alive with iridescent dragonflies dancing above the current and electric-blue skinks darting across sun-warmed rocks. The diverse riparian vegetation creates a tapestry of greens that changes with the light, offering endless opportunities for nature observation and photography.
Geological RegionWillow Placer sits at the heart of the Merced River Recreation Management Area, where the free-flowing river has sculpted a dramatic canyon through millennia of patient erosion. The steep, rocky terrain tells the geological story of the Sierra Nevada, while the river ecosystem supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife. From the smallest insects to the largest mammals, this varied habitat showcases the delicate balance between water, stone, and life that makes the Merced River corridor such a treasured natural resource.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed accessibility features are described, but the presence of walk-in sites may limit accessibility for some campers.
Sites SizeSites are described as adequately sized with some variance in shade; one user review mentions a space large enough for an 11-person tent.
Sites PrivacySites are relatively secluded, with a quieter atmosphere suitable for families. All campsites are within 200 feet of the river.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended Campsites'Better to go early (preferably on a weekday) to get a site as it's filling up more quickly these days.' Some users recommend avoiding campsite 14 due to wasps.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight walk-in sites like #16 for shade and proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping is allowed only in designated sites—maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 25 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 8 walk-in campsites and 1 group campsite.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served. Sites fill up quickly during peak times so arriving early is recommended.
Cancellation PolicyThis campground operates on a self-pay first-come-first-served basis. Payment must be completed within 30 minutes of occupying the site.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Willow Placer Campground offers opportunities for quieter family relaxation, swimming, and enjoying nature. The campground is close to the Merced River and is surrounded by scenic mountain views.
Hiking
The Merced River Trail, accessible from the nearby Railroad Flat Campground, provides opportunities for hiking. The trail follows the old Yosemite Valley Railroad grade and offers scenic views and wildflower spotting in the spring.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the Merced River, with users mentioning the presence of fish in the water.Swimming
Swimming is popular in the Merced River, particularly in late summer when the flow is lower. Campers are warned about the dangers of swimming during spring and early summer due to high river flows.Biking
The Merced River Trail accommodates mountain biking, though terrain may require portaging at certain points.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife spotting opportunities include unique sightings of fauna such as blue-tailed skinks and dragonflies, as noted by user reviews.Beach activities
The main beach is smaller compared to nearby campgrounds, but downstream swims are noted to be good quality in late summer.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically described for this campground.Water Sports
Water sports like swimming and fishing are popular but there are no mentions of non-motorized water sports equipment like kayaks or paddleboards.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in provided metal fire rings; additional seasonal fire restrictions apply.
- Quiet hours are Quiet time after 10:00 PM; no amplified noise or generators allowed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high river flow during spring and early summer, wasps and biting flies during warmer months, and rocky terrain.
Active alertsNo lifeguard on duty. Swimming is only recommended below 700 CFS river flow rate.
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
Closest emergency services are located in Mariposa, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection cans are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAll campsites are within 200 feet of the Merced River, offering easy access to swimming spots.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include wasps and biting flies, particularly around some campsites such as campsite 14.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom the city of Merced, located on U.S. Highway 99, travel 40 miles east on State Highway 140 to the town of Mariposa. Then travel another 15 miles along Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Merced Wild & Scenic River. Cross the suspension bridge past the Briceburg Visitor Center and head downriver along Briceburg River Road.
Trailers over 18 feet and large RVs are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.Nearby places
Merced, 40 miles (approximately 50 minutes)
Mariposa, 15 miles (approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Mariposa, 15 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Willow Placer Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Willow Placer Campground as clean, family-friendly, and offering scenic river and mountain views. However, some users mention issues with wasps and biting flies.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the peaceful environment, proximity to the Merced River for swimming and fishing, and the cleanliness of the facilities. "Great campsite near the Merced river. Awesome location and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users report issues with wasps and biting flies, particularly around food. One review states, "You will need bug spray for wasps and flies, but the wasps are not aggressive."
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site, bring your own potable water, and prepare for insects with bug spray and food covers. "Better to go early (preferably on a weekday) to get a site," advises one reviewer.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Late summer is highlighted as the best time for swimming due to lower river flows. Spring is noted as dangerous for swimming due to high water levels.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"We loved our time here. Beautiful campground, stayed in a walk-in site (#16). Bathroom was clean, all sites had a bit of shade, some more than others." - Jennifer O'Donnell. "Really cool place to...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #16 is described positively for its cleanliness and shade. Site #14 is noted for wasps and biting flies, which marred the experience for one camper.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. No specific user reviews for pet experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025