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. River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com

Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area

Visit: Briceburg Visitor Center

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

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Directions

From 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 12 miles along Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Wild & Scenic Merced River.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 36′ 17.5860″ N

Longitude 119° 57′ 59.3964″ W

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. Site number 13 is a group site suitable for up to 25 people.

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, Limitations:

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.

Camp fee is $10/night. America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/night.
Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site.

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.

No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours.

Fires are allowed only in provided metal fire rings. (Additional fire restriction may
apply, typically no fires or charcoal briquettes allowed by mid-summer).

No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. No dogs allowed at McCabe Flat swimming beach.

No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River.

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.

SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com

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 not recommended to cross 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.

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Briceburg Visitor Center

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Picnicking
• Wildlife viewing
• Paddling

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Directions

From 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.

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 Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade). Trailers over 18 feet and large RV’s are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 36′ 37.3320″ N

Longitude 120° 0′ 34.1640″ W

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, Limitations:

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.

Camp fee is $10/night. America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/night.
Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site.

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.

No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours.

Fires are allowed only in provided metal fire rings. (Additional fire restriction may apply, typically no fires or charcoal briquettes allowed by mid-summer).

No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. No dogs allowed at McCabe Flat swimming beach.

No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River.

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

SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com

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 not recommended to cross 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.

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Briceburg Visitor Center

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Paddling
• Swimming

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Directions

From 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 Wild & Scenic Merced 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 Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade). Trailers over 18 feet and large RV’s are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 37′ 5.6280″ N

Longitude 120° 1′ 10.8120″ W

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, Limitations:
Campfire permits are required for all fires. Fire restrictions that prohibit all fires go into effect each summer (extract dates unknown). No overnight permit 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: 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.

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Briceburg Visitor Center

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Directions

The North Fork Merced is located seven (7) miles downstream from the Briceburg Visitor Center where is joins the Merced Wild & Scenic River. It can be accessed by trail or river only.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 36′ 48.3120″ N

Longitude 120° 3′ 25.0920″ W

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, Limitations:
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.

Camp fee is $10/night. America the Beautiful Pass fee is $5.00/night.
Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site.

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.
No person shall leave any property unattended for more than 24 hours.
Fires are allowed only in provided metal fire rings. (Additional fire restriction may apply, typically no fires or charcoal briquettes allowed by mid-summer).

No person shall enter a developed campground between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, unless that person is a registered camper.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. No dogs allowed at McCabe Flat swimming beach.

No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River.

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.

SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com

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.

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Briceburg Visitor Center

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Picnicking
• Paddling
• Swimming

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Directions

From 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 12 miles along Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Wild & Scenic Merced 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 Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite railroad grade). Trailers over 18 feet and large RV’s are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 35′ 47.7240″ N

Longitude 120° 0′ 12.5640″ W

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.

SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. River flow is posted on-line at www.dreamflows.com

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Briceburg Visitor Center

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Directions

From 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 Wild & Scenic Merced River. From the Briceburg Visitor Center take the Briceburg River Road (old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade) for 1.4 miles to Cable Rock Day Use Site.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 35′ 39.4332″ N

Longitude 119° 59′ 16.8000″ W

Closure Notice: (posted 3-27-2020)

In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and with the Governor’s shelter in place order, the BLM will temporarily close this site until further notice to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

For a list of closures please visit our COVID-19 Update page

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 (first week of May through Labor Day). Emergency phone available.

HOURS: Friday: 1 pm – 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
PHONE: Briceburg Visitor Center (209) 379-9414

LOCATION: 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).

Merced River Recreation Management Area

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

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Directions

From 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 12 miles along Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Wild & Scenic Merced RIver.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 36′ 16.3944″ N

Longitude 119° 57′ 58.5612″ W

Overview

Crossroads Campground is located on the riverfront of the beautiful Lower Colorado River. This campground is popular with winter visitors looking to enjoy the warm winter temperatures and relax on the riverfront. This campground has great access to fishing, boating and off-roading.

Recreation

The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.

Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch open year-round.

Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking, biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.

Facilities

This small campground contains individual campsites and one accessible campsite. All of the sites are dry camping (no water) and provide a picnic table and grill.

One vault toilet is available. There is a Campground Host available to answer questions.

Natural Features

The campground is situated on the shoreline of the Lower Colorado River. The river runs through a backdrop of steep rocky terrain, and wind shaped sand dunes. The area is teeming with wildlife, especially fish, migratory birds and small mammals.

Nearby Attractions

The Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads Off- Highway Vehicle Open Areas offer miles of off-road adventures. Rock hounders enjoy hiking and driving through the area to search for unique rocks.

Rock House Visitor Center has a free boat launch and a visitor center stocked with brochures and information about the area.

Nearby Activities

• Camping

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Directions

From Lake Havasu City, this campground is about 45 minutes south of town. Visitors will need to drive over the Parker Dam onto the California side of the Colorado River. (Note: Oversized vehicles and vehicles towing trailers are not permitted to cross the dam.) Located about 9 miles south of the Parker Dam on the California side of the Colorado River turn left at the BLM sign.

From Parker, drive north across the bridge over the Colorado River and turn right. Crossroads Campground will be 7 miles ahead on your right.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 12′ 39.1601″ N

Longitude 114° 12′ 54.1800″ W

Cable Car Day Use Area is situated along the California-side of the lower Colorado River within the Parker Strip Recreation Area. This site provides river access with no facilities. Visitors enjoy this river front site year-round. This day use area is best for enjoying the beautiful weather in the winter and river adventures during the summer.

Directions

From Lake Havasu City, this day use area is about 45 minutes south of town. Visitors will need to drive over the Parker Dam onto the California side of the Colorado River. (Note: Oversized vehicles and vehicles towing trailers are not permitted to cross the dam.) Located about four miles south of the Parker Dam on the California side of the Colorado River turn left at the BLM sign.

From Parker, drive north across the bridge over the Colorado River and turn right. Cable Car Day Use Area will be fourteen miles ahead on your right.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 15′ 36.8748″ N

Longitude 114° 8′ 59.5500″ W

River View Day Use Area is situated along the Arizona-side of the lower Colorado River within the Parker Strip Recreation Area. This site provides river access and picnic tables. Visitors enjoy this river front site year-round. This day use area is best for enjoying the beautiful weather in the winter and river adventures during the summer.

Directions

From Lake Havasu City, this day use area is about 45 minutes south of town. Visitors will follow I-95 South through Lake Havasu City, over the Bill Williams River Bridge, past Buckskin Mountain State Park, turn right onto Resort Rd, then make a left onto Riverside Drive at the stop sign. A few miles down the road, turn right at the BLM sign.

From Parker, follow I- 95 North and turn left on Golf Course Drive, then make a left at the stop sign onto Riverside Drive. About a mile down the road, turn right at the BLM sign.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 12′ 28.7928″ N

Longitude 114° 12′ 50.6160″ W