Map of McCabe Flat Campground, California
blmdeveloped sitecalifornia

McCabe Flat Campground

Bureau of Land Management · California

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

McCabe Flat Campground is a developed BLM campground in California along the Merced River, 2.2 miles downstream from the historic Briceburg Suspension Bridge. It's the first of three BLM-operated campgrounds on this stretch of the Wild and Scenic Merced River.

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The area is known for whitewater boating, swimming, wildflower viewing, and gold panning. Spring brings early wildflowers that last into May. April through July sees peak water flows that attract rafters and kayakers. Summer is popular for swimming in clear river pools. Fall offers solitude with mild weather. Winter brings true quiet, though daytime highs typically reach the 60s and overnight lows dip to the 30s. Bird watching and fishing for trout and bass are good year-round. Hiking and biking on gravel roads and trails are available in all seasons.

The campground has ten campsites total. Eight are walk-in sites positioned 50 to 200 feet from the parking area on an accessible crushed rock trail. Two are drive-up sites. Site 10 is a group site that accommodates up to 20 people and 6 vehicles. A large designated swimming area and beach are on-site, though dogs are not permitted in the beach or swimming zones. Dogs on leash are allowed elsewhere at BLM sites in the region.

The Merced River Trail extends downstream from the campground and continues to the North Fork and beyond. The Burma Grade is another popular route for hiking, biking, or high-clearance vehicles. It climbs out of the canyon toward Greely Hill or CA-120 at Buck Meadows.

Conditions and access change. Verify current rules with the BLM office before arrival. Data verified May 2026.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    14 days per 28
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    Vanlife, dispersed, off-grid

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsyes
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Land Management camping rules
14-day rule, dispersed allowed, MVUM caveats, fire restrictions.

Conditions and access

coordinates
37.59659, -120.00349
AgencyBureau of Land Managementreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateCaliforniareported May 2026

Nearby sites

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from CA cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about McCabe Flat Campground

Is camping at McCabe Flat Campground free?
No. McCabe Flat is a developed BLM campground with a day-use fee and camping fees. Verify current rates with the BLM before you arrive, as fees change seasonally.
How long can you camp at McCabe Flat?
The BLM 14-day rule applies: you can camp 14 days per 28-day period in this area. Verify exact stay limits and any seasonal restrictions with the BLM office before your trip.
Do you need a reservation at McCabe Flat Campground?
Yes. McCabe Flat is a developed campground, so reservations are likely required, especially spring through summer when it fills quickly. Contact the BLM to book ahead or verify current reservation policies.
Is there water at McCabe Flat Campground?
The campground description does not specify water availability. Verify with the BLM whether potable water spigots are available before you arrive.
Can you have a campfire at McCabe Flat?
Fire rules vary by season in the Merced River recreation area. Check current fire restrictions with the BLM before your visit, as they change based on conditions and time of year.
What vehicle access is at McCabe Flat Campground?
McCabe Flat has two drive-up sites and eight walk-in sites positioned 50 to 200 feet from the parking area on a crushed rock trail. Most sites require a short walk from your vehicle.

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