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

Planning the Perfect Family Vacation at Lake McClure and McSwain: Kid-Friendly Activities and Accommodations

April 25th, 2023

Planning a family vacation can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when trying to find activities that are kid–friendly. If you’re looking for a place to visit that offers plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family, check out Lake McClure and Lake McSwain! Here are some tips for planning the perfect family vacation at these beautiful lakes.

Accommodations

First things first, you need to decide where you and your family will stay during your vacation. Fortunately, there are plenty of options at Lake McClure and Lake McSwain, including campgrounds, campsites with 50–amp electrical service for RVs, and cabins.

If you’re looking for the camping trip experience, Lake McClure and Lake McSwain both have several campgrounds that offer amenities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. Some of the most popular campgrounds include Horseshoe Bend, McClure Point, and Barrett Cove. All of these locations offer scenic views of the lakes and easy access to amenities.

If you’re not much of a camper, there are also several campsites with 50–amp electrical service and cabins available for rent. The McSwain and Bagby cabins offer a variety of choices that can accommodate up to eight people. Each cabin comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom, and a deck with beautiful views of the lake.

Kid–Friendly Activities

Now that you know where to stay, it’s time to plan some fun activities for the kids! Luckily, Lake McClure and Lake McSwain offer plenty of activities that are perfect for children of all ages.

One of the most popular activities at both lakes is fishing. Lake McClure and McSwain are home to a variety of fish, including salmon, bass, and trout. Make sure to bring your fishing poles to make your next big catch!

Looking to add some adrenaline to your vacation? The Exchequer Bike Park offers riding trails for all experience levels. With over 40 miles of trails, the park has something for everyone. To learn more about the park, click here.

Lake McClure is also the home of Splash N Dash, North America’s largest inflatable water park! Your family will love the slides, playgrounds, and other attractions that Splash N Dash has to offer. The park opens for the season on June 3rd. Click here to get your tickets today! Want to grab a bite to eat or stock up on snacks during your trip? The Reel Deal Market & Café is the perfect place for your family to relax after a day full of fun and adventure. Currently, the
Reel Deal is only open on weekends. For updates on the Café’s hours, click here.

When planning a family vacation, it’s important to find a destination that offers plenty of activities for everyone. Lake McClure and Lake McSwain are great options for families who love spending time outdoors. Whether you’re camping or renting a cabin, there are plenty of accommodations available to suit your needs. Click here to make your reservation and plan your family’s next adventure!