Merced Irrigation District - Parks and Recreation

The following Park Facilities are OPEN:

  • All Campgrounds and Cabins – OPEN
  • Lake McClure – OPEN
  • Lake McSwain – OPEN
  • McSwain Ramp – OPEN
  • Horseshoe Bend Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove South Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove North Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point North Ramp – OPEN 

The following Park Facilities are CLOSED  

  • Bagby Ramp – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • McClure Point Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Horseshoe Bend Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Reel Deal Store and Cafe at McSwain – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Marina – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Upper Store – CLOSED

Campfires: Wood burning fires are currently permitted in contained rings and burn safe barrels. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year round. 

Merced Irrigation District - Parks and Recreation

 

The following Park Facilities are OPEN:

  • All Campgrounds and Cabins – OPEN
  • Lake McClure – OPEN
  • Lake McSwain – OPEN
  • McSwain Ramp – OPEN
  • Horseshoe Bend Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove South Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove North Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point North Ramp – OPEN

The following Park Facilities are CLOSED:

  • Bagby Ramp – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • McClure Point Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Horseshoe Bend Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Reel Deal Store and Cafe at McSwain – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Marina – CLOSED 
  • Barrett Cove Upper Store – CLOSED

 Campfires: Wood burning fires are currently permitted in contained rings and burn safe barrels. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year round. 

The following Park Facilities are OPEN:

  • All Campgrounds and Cabins – OPEN
  • Lake McClure – OPEN
  • Lake McSwain – OPEN
  • McSwain Ramp – OPEN
  • Horseshoe Bend Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point North Ramp – OPEN 
  • Bagby Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove Swim Lagoon – OPEN
  • McClure Point Swim Lagoon – OPEN

The following Park Facilities are CLOSED  

  • Barrett North Ramp – CLOSED
  • Horseshoe Bend Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Marina – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Upper Store – CLOSED

Campfires: Wood burning fires are currently permitted in contained rings and burn safe barrels. Propane and charcoal fires ONLY during wildfire season.

***Some rate increases will occur starting on 3/31/23** Day Use fees are all increasing by $2 – Compliance Fee raises to $50 **

The following Park Facilities are OPEN:

  • All Campgrounds and Cabins – OPEN
  • Lake McClure – OPEN
  • Lake McSwain – OPEN
  • Horseshoe Bend Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point North Ramp – OPEN 

The following Park Facilities are CLOSED

  • McSwain Ramp – TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR DAM MAINTENANCE 3/16 – ?
  • Bagby Ramp – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove North Ramp – CLOSED
  • McClure Point Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Horseshoe Bend Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Marina – CLOSED

Campfires: Wood burning fires are currently PERMITTED only in contained rings and fire safe bins. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year round

***Some rate increases will occur starting on 3/31/23** Day Use fees are all increasing by $2 – Compliance Fee raises to $50 **

The following Park Facilities are OPEN:

  • All Campgrounds and Cabins – OPEN
  • Lake McClure – OPEN
  • Lake McSwain – OPEN
  • Horseshoe Bend Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point North Ramp – OPEN 

The following Park Facilities are CLOSED

  • McSwain Ramp – TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR DAM MAINTENANCE 3/16 – ?
  • Bagby Ramp – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove North Ramp – CLOSED
  • McClure Point Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Horseshoe Bend Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Marina – CLOSED

Campfires: Wood burning fires are currently PERMITTED only in contained rings and fire safe bins. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year round

Best Hidden Fishing Spots in Northern California

5 Tips for Staying Cool During Summer

July 28th, 2023

With an excessive heat wave sweeping the nation this summer, it is important to take measures to stay cool. Nothing is worse than being sidelined from the fun when you’re overheated. Here are some essential tips to not miss a minute of summer fun at the lake during your visit.

1. Stay Hydrated, Drink Electrolytes

First and foremost, hydration is the most essential way to stay cool during the heat. Whether you’re fishing, biking, or having a blast at Splash-n-Dash, no doubt you will be breaking a sweat. Although your body is made up of 60% water, it’s crucial to replenish all you’re losing while being active.

Additionally, hydrating supports regulating body temperature. It is important to remember to start drinking water early in the day and not just when you feel hot. This makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day because drinking water when you feel thirsty means your body is already behind on fluid replacement. Before a fun day at Lake McClure and Lake McSwain, you may think it’s easier to drink a lot of water at once. However, it is much more efficient to hydrate in shorter intervals. Be sure to take brief hydration breaks before returning to your summer activities!

Another tip for staying hydrated is to understand the importance of electrolytes (vitamins and minerals). Whether you pack your own electrolyte tablets or purchase some vitamin-rich beverages at Lake McSwain’s Reel Deal Market and Cafe, be sure to get those electrolytes in for optimal hydration.

2.

2. Go Swimming

Take advantage of Lake McClure and Lake McSwain! Immersing yourself in water is the fastest way to reduce your body temperature. The cooling period your body experiences as you swim can last for upwards of 30-40 minutes after you get out of the water. There’s no better way to beat the heat than having fun at any of Lake McClure and Lake McSwain’s water activities.

3. Wear Something Damp Around Your Neck

If your family is lodging at one of our cabins at Lake McSwain Campground or Barrett Cove Recreation Area on Lake McClure’s western shore, or camping at one of our many campgrounds, pack an extra towel! Another simple way to lower your body temperature during times of extreme heat is to use a neck cooler or a damp towel. This can be useful when you’re not near any open water hiking our trails or biking at Exchequer Bike Park. You can simply dunk your extra towel in lake water, and pack it in your backpack or cooler for later!

4. Wear a Hat

Another thing you should remember to pack for you visit is a hat! Wearing a hat provides shade for your forehead and face, as well as protection from the direct sun. Although sunscreen is the best way to have protection from UV rays, a hat allows for air to circulate around your head more easily, therefore keeping you nice and cool. This can be great for fishing at Lake McClure because you will be standing in the sun for long periods of time waiting for that perfect catch

5. Wear Loose Clothing

At Lake McClure and Lake McSwain, most activities are in the direct sun, so consider your choice of clothing carefully. An easy way to provide your skin with maximum air flow is by wearing loose fitting clothes. This will keep you comfortable to participate in a range of activities like hiking, fishing, and boating, as well as help you avoid heat exhaustion this summer.

To stay cool and make the most of your summer fun at Lake McClure and Lake McSwain, follow these chill tips. Hydration is key, so keep sipping on water and grab some electrolytes for an extra boost. Take a dip in the lakes – it cools you down even after you’re out. Pack a damp towel to beat the heat when you’re away from the water. Don’t forget a hat for shade and wear loose clothes for comfort during all your activities. Now you’re all set to have a blast with tips to avoid overheating!