Briceburg Visitor Center Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Briceburg Visitor Center is CLOSED for the season.

The Visitor Center will open again in late May of 2023.  

Overview

The Briceburg Visitor Center is located twelve (12) miles north-east of the town of Mariposa, California along Highway 140 at the Wild & Scenic Merced River. The Briceburg Visitor Center is situated at the entrance to the BLM, Merced River Recreation Management Area (RMA).

This historic stone building was built in 1926 as Highway 140 (the All-Weather Highway) into Yosemite was being built. Originally it was a general store for locals and tourist. Gasoline pumps were later added, and it served as a lodging inn and soda fountain over the years.

The BLM acquired the property in the 1980's and refurbished the building to its near-original condition to be used as a visitor center. So please stop by for information about the BLM, Merced River Recreation Management Area and campgrounds, maps, books, and local history. This small visitor center is relaxed and inviting. Come on in for a conversation with local staff about Briceburg and the Greater Yosemite Area.

This Visitor Center is only open seasonally in spring and summer (Late May through Labor Day).

Briceburg Visitor Center:

• HOURS: Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 5 pm
• PHONE: Briceburg Visitor Center (209) 379-9414
• Emergency phone available.

Where the highway meets the river ... Hwy 140 at the Merced Wild & Scenic River. Twelve (12) miles east on Highway 140 from the Mariposa Visitor Bureau stop sign.

The Briceburg Day-Use Area and Put-in and/or Take-out is located just north of the Visitor Center and offers access to the Wild & Scenic Merced River (Class III-IV).

Helpful Links:

• Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area
• Visit: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

---

Cable Rock Day Use Site Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

Within the BLM, Merced River Recreation Management Area you may also enjoy Cable Rock Day Use Site. Located 1.4 miles downstream from the Briceburg Visitor Center along the Wild & Scenic Merced River. This day use area is a very popular swimming hole! Summer weekends can be crowded, so come early to set-up for the day. There is no shade on the beach and summer temperatures are well over 100 degrees so bring a shade device if you plan on hanging out very long.

Swimming is the most popular activity here. There is a jumping rock for adventurous swimmers. The beach may consist of sand or cobbles depending on how the un-damned Wild & Scenic Merced River has left the site on a particular year. Fishing is also popular here and can be good mid-week and during non-summer time frames. Gold panning is popular all along the Merced River including here at Cable Rock.

Facilities:

This site has a vault toilet, information kiosk, trash and recycling containers. Stone steps down to the beach. Parallel parking is available along the Briceburg River Road.

What you need to know:

Camping and campfires are not allowed anytime. Charcoal BBQ's are not allowed. It is best to bring your own propane BBQ or stove for cooking any time of year.

WARNING:

No lifeguard on duty. Drownings have originated from this site! Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket.  SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS.

Helpful Links:

• River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com
• Back To: Merced River Recreation Management Area
• Visit: Briceburg Visitor Center
• Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

LM Mother Lode Field Office: (916) 941-3101 or Briceburg Visitor Center: (209) 379-9414

---

McCabe Flat Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

The first of three BLM campgrounds within the Merced River Recreation Management Area is McCabe Flat. The campground is located 2.3 miles west (downstream) from the Briceburg suspension bridge along the Wild & Scenic Merced River.

The Briceburg River Road runs along the historic Yosemite Valley Railroad grade that follows the Merced River. It is an unpaved, dirt & gravel rough road with many potholes, but can easily be navigated with ordinary passenger vehicles traveling within the 15 miles per hour speed limit. Turn-outs are located all along the road. Loop turnarounds are provided in each of the three campgrounds.

McCabe Flat Campground hosts one of the biggest sandy beaches in the area. There is a designated swimming area and no dogs are allowed on the beach. All other areas of the Merced River Recreation Area allow dogs on leash.

Facilities in McCabe Flat Campground (11 sites total):

• 8 Walk-in camp sites
• 3 drive-up camp sites
• 2 vault toilets
• 1 Port-o-let toilet (seasonal near site 10 and 11)
• Trash collection cans
• Recycling collection cans
• Main parking lot
• Overflow parking lot
• Drive-thru turn-around
• Designated swimming beach
• Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system
• There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites.
• All campsites are within 200 feet of the river

Permits, Fees, and Limitations:

• Camp fee is $10.00 per site per night. America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night.
• Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites.
• Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site.
• Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available.
• A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up).
• Self-pay system. Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board.
• Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site.
• No dispersed camping within the Merced River corridor.
• No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1))
• Fires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. NO FIRES ON BEACH. (Fire Restriction may apply).
• No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i)
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH.
• NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time.
• QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm (no speakers, generators etc.)
• No discharge of firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a)
• No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g)
• All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e)
• Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663.

WARNING:

No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS.

Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. Potable water is not available at the campground sites.

PLEASE NOTE:

Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa.

Helpful Links:

• River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com
• Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area.
• Visit: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office
• Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

---

North Fork Primitive Camp Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

The North Fork Merced River joins the main stem Merced River 7 miles downstream from Briceburg. This is a lovely stream that is perfect for swimming in the early summer when the main Merced is too high. Springtime comes early around here (late February — April) and the wildflowers on the slopes of the North Fork Merced can be spectacular. There is a beautiful cascade about 3/4 of a mile upstream from the confluence that makes a great destination for a cool dip on a hot day.

Although most people explore the North Fork as a day outing, it makes a great short or introductory backpacking adventure. The North Fork Merced is approximately a one-hour (2.5 mile) walk from the Railroad Flat campground along the old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade (also known as the Merced River Trail). Access is by trail or river only. Bring plenty of water or, better yet, pack a water filter.

Permits, Fees and Limitations:

Campfire permits are required for all fires. Fire restrictions that prohibit all fires go into effect each summer (exact dates unknown). Please check for current conditions at: BLM California Fire Restrictions webpage.  No overnight permit is required. Please follow Leave No Trace practices. Pack it in, pack it out. No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River.

Please Note: The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground.

Helpful Links:

• River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com
• Back To: Merced River Recreation Management Area
• Visit: Briceburg Visitor Center
• Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

---

Railroad Flat Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

At the end of Briceburg River Road and 4.5 miles from the suspension bridge within the BLM, Merced River Recreation Area is the Railroad Flat Campground. Popular with gold prospectors and hikers alike, there is always interesting campfire talk in this campground. It also serves as the trailhead for the BLM, Merced River Trail. The Merced River Trail is a spectacular wildflower walk in spring, has great scenery, fine fishing, and amazing swimming during other times of the year.

Facilities in Railroad Flat Campground (9 sites total):

• 3 Walk-in camp sites
• 6 drive-up camp site
• 1 vault toilet
• 2 Port-o-let toilet (seasonal near site 21-23)
• Trash collection cans
• Recycling collection cans
• Main parking lot
• Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system
• There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites.
• All campsites are within 200 feet of the river

Permits, Fees, and Limitations:

• Camp fee is $10 per site per night. America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night.
• Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites.
• Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site.
• Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available.
• A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up).
• Self-pay system. Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board.
• Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site.
• No dispersed camping within the Merced River corridor.
• No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1))
• Fires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. NO FIRES ON BEACH. (Fire Restriction may apply).
• No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i)
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH.
• NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time.
• QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm (no speakers, generators etc.)
• No Discharge of Firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a)
• No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g)
• All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e)

Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663.

WARNING:

No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS.

Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. Potable water is not available at the campground sites.

PLEASE NOTE:

Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa.

Helpful Links:

• River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com
• Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area.
• Visit: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office
• Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

---

Willow Placer Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

The second BLM campground within the Merced River Recreation Management Area is Willow Placer. The campsites are located 3.6 miles downstream from the suspension bridge along Briceburg River Road. With mostly walk-in sites, this camp-ground usually offers a quieter, family atmosphere. The main beach is not nearly as large as McCabe Flat Campground, but good swimming can be found a short walk down stream in the late summer.

Facilities in Willow Placer Campground (9 sites total):

• 8 Walk-in camp sites
• 1 drive-up group camp site (25 people max)
• 1 vault toilet
• 1 Port-o-let toilet (seasonal near site 1 and 13)
• Trash collection cans
• Recycling collection cans
• Main parking lot
• Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system
• There are picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers at all camp sites.
• All campsites are within 200 feet of the river

Permits, Fees, and Limitations:

• Camp fee is $10.00 per site per night. America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/site/night.
• Camping is allowed only in designated, numbered camp sites.
• Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site.
• Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available.
• A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up).
• Self-pay system. Iron Ranger located near Bulletin Board.
• Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site.
• No dispersed camping within the Merced River corridor.
• No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours. (43 CFR 8351.2-1 (1))
• Campfires are allowed ONLY in provided metal fire rings. NO campfires on beach. Seasonal Fire Restrictions apply.
• No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (i)
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• NO DOGS allowed at McCabe BEACH.
• NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC or unreasonable noise any time.
• QUIET TIME AFTER 10:00 pm (no speakers, generators etc.)
• No discharge of firearms or fireworks 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (a)
• No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper. 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (g)
• All California Motor Vehicle Laws Apply. (Seat Belts, DUI, etc.). 43 CFR 8351.2-1 (e)
• Any person who fails to comply with these written orders may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Federal Register/ Vol. 66 No. 130/ Friday, July 6, 2001/ Notices Pg 35663.

WARNING:

No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket.  SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS.

Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge as you head towards the campground facilities. Look for the faucet near the information kiosk. Bring your own water for camping purposes. Potable water is not available at the campground sites.

PLEASE NOTE:

Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground. Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa.

Helpful Links:

• River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com
• Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area
• Visit: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office
• Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

---

Briceburg Put-in Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

At the entrance to the BLM, Merced River Recreation Management Area (RMA) is the Briceburg Put-In. This Day-Use Area and Boat Launch is located 12 miles east of Mariposa where Highway 140 meets the Wild & Scenic Merced River.

Just below the Briceburg Visitor Center is a parking area, restrooms, picnic area, and boat launch for whitewater river access. This gravel parking area serves as a meeting place for river trips, and a rest stop for Yosemite motorists. There is a great view of the Briceburg Suspension Bridge which was installed in 1926 and provides access to the north side of the Merced River and the BLM campgrounds downstream.

Popular activities here are gold panning/prospecting, fishing, picnicking, rafting take-out or put-in. It is a good place to meet and carpool downstream to other swimming holes in the BLM, Merced River RMA.

Facilities:

This site has a picnic table, raised barbeque grill, vault toilet, information kiosk, trash and recycling containers.

What You Need To Know:

Camping and campfires are not allowed anytime. Charcoal BBQ's are allowed in the provided raised metal grill during winter and spring until fire restrictions go into effect. It is best to bring your own propane BBQ or stove for cooking any time of year.

Pay Attention:

No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is dangerous any time of year, but especially during spring and early summer. The Merced River is un-damned and the flow changes dramatically from year to year and season to season. Please wear a life jacket.

SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS.

Helpful Links:

• River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com
• Back To: Merced River Recreation Management Area
• Visit: Briceburg Visitor Center
• Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

---