Willow Placer

Summary

Willow Placer Campground is located in the Merced River Recreation Management Area and offers eight walk-in campsites and one drive-up group site. With picnic tables, fire grills, and food storage lockers, campers can enjoy the river while adhering to the camping regulations. Potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge by the information kiosk. Visitors should be aware of the seasonal fire restrictions, swimming safety, and vehicle size limitations.

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