Campfires: WOOD CAMPFIRES CURRENTLY NOT ALLOWED. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year-round.
Bagby launch ramp is currently closed.
Horseshoe Bend main launch ramp is closed; vessels can be launched using the low water dirt extension ramp to the right of the main ramp.
Campfires: Wood burning campfires ARE NOT ALLOWED. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year-round.
Bagby launch ramp is currently closed.
Horseshoe Bend main launch ramp is closed; vessels can be launched using the low water dirt extension ramp to the right of the main ramp.
The following Park Facilities are OPEN:
The following Park Facilities are 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:
The following Park Facilities are 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:
The following Park Facilities are CLOSED
Campfires: Wood burning fires are currently PERMITTED only in contained rings and fire safe bins. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year round
October 2nd – October 4th: TRCC Lake McSwain Float Fly
October 10th: Fall Classic Lake McSwain Trout Derby
October 24th: McSwain Monster Mash
July 3rd: Lights on the Lake Independence Day Celebration
July 5th: Lights on the Lake Independence Day Celebration
October 4th: Fall Classic Lake McSwain Trout Derby
March 13th – March 15th: NICA Weekend 1
March 20th – March 22nd: NICA Weekend 2
April 18th: Spring Classic Lake McSwain Trout Derby
July 4th: Lights on the Lake Independence Day Celebration
Open on all days that Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park is open.
Restaurant
May 31 through August 10:
Weekdays: 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Store
May 31 through August 17:
Weekdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (5pm 8/11-15)
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Weekends only August 23rd through end of September (+ Mon. Sept. 1)
Restaurant
Open Friday’s 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Saturday’s & Sunday’s 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Through September 1st, 2025
Open Daily for Summer!
Monday’s – Thursday’s 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Friday’s – Sunday’s 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
With natural settings and picturesque views to present, book Lake McSwain or Lake McClure as the location for your next event. Our pavilion and picnic areas can host intimate and large events like birthdays, family reunions, class reunions, company picnics, anniversaries, weddings, or just a weekend BBQ with friends. We look forward to assisting you in selecting the perfect location for your event .
Please note, depending on the type of event planned or facility rented, use of the pavilion may require an approved Facilities Use Agreement, proof of insurance, and an additional Facilities Use Fee. It is the responsibility of the person making the reservation to determine whether these requirements apply to their event. Prior to booking, please review the Facilities Use Requirements and Terms & Conditions to ensure compliance.
Pavilions are available to reserve from Labor Day to Memorial Day (Winter Season).
Pavilions are unavailable to reserve from Memorial Day to Labor Day (Summer Season).
This year’s Fall Derby is all about getting back to the basics – a classic, family-friendly event focused on good times on the water, friendly competition, and community spirit.
Key Details
Pre-Purchase Your Pass:
Vehicle passes are available for pre-purchase on the Yodel Portal. Save time and skip the line by purchasing ahead.
Campsites Still Available
Use promo code “THEPOINT” for 40% off your 3 or more nights stay at McClure Point***
Catch a Tagged Fish, Claim a Surprise
Turn in a tag from a caught fish between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM to receive a prize, drawn at random from the list below:
The Fine Print
*All vehicles entering the park through the Lake McSwain entrance on October 10th will be charged the $20 vehicle entry fee, regardless of Derby participation. Vehicle entry fee covers entry into the Classic for all passengers. **Military and first responders must show valid ID to claim free vehicle day-use entry. Students must show student ID to claim free vehicle day-use entry. Students include any Merced/Mariposa County students. ***Must book by 10/9/26 using promo code THEPOINT. Valid for new reservations at McClure Point checking in 10/4–10/9/26 with a minimum 3-night stay including Friday, 10/9. 40% off nightly camping rate, up to 12 nights.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Lake McSwain Recreation Area
Get ready for a night of camping, costumes, campsite decorating, and candy at the McSwain Monster Mash! This Halloween event is open to both campers and day-use visitors, so bring the whole family and join us for an evening of spooky fun at Lake McSwain.
3–4 PM | Campsite Decoration Contest
Show off your Halloween creativity by decorating your campsite for a chance to win one of three great prizes. Campsite judging will occur from 3-4PM.
4–5 PM | Costume Contest
Come dressed in your best Halloween costume! Separate competitions will be held for Kids and Adults, with multiple prizes available in each category.
5–6 PM | Trailer or Treat
McSwain Campground will be closed to vehicle traffic during Trailer or Treat. Participating campers can hand out candy from their campsites while trick-or-treaters make their way through the campground.
Campers who wish to participate in Trailer or Treat will receive a special camp tag at check-in to identify their campsite as a participating location.
Whether you’re camping for the weekend or visiting for the evening, the McSwain Monster Mash is a great way to celebrate Halloween at the lake. Put on your costume, decorate your campsite, and get ready for a night of Halloween fun!
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Lake McSwain Recreation Area
Open to campers and day-use visitors
