Willow Placer Campground

Willow Placer Campground is situated on the shore of the Merced Wild & Scenic River. All of the eight (8) walk-in campsites are within 100 feet of the river, the group site is within 200' of the river. The river is the main natural feature here; as well as easy access to the Merced River Trail a short drive beyond the last campground. The Merced River Trail follows the Old Yosemite Railroad grade past where cars can drive. This trail is spectacular during springtime (February-April)! It provides good access to more secluded swimming and fishing holes downstream from the campgrounds. This trail also provides access to the North Fork of the Merced River where swimming and wildflower viewing is excellent in spring to early summer. Wildflower viewing is great all along the Merced River. The best season to see the colorful display is February through April. California Newts are common in this area. They are active in the winter and spring especially on wet days. They are slow moving docile creatures, but do not touch or pick them up. They have a neurotoxin in their skin that is poisonous to people and pets. Do not eat them.

Recreation: The Merced River Recreation Management Area was established due to the outstanding recreational opportunities found here. The proximity to Yosemite National Park attracts people from around the world to camp, boat, swim, and play along the Merced River. Whitewater rafting opportunities are excellent with easy road-side access. Established launch sites upstream near El Portal are Redbud, Indian Flat, Old Suspension Bridge, and Briceburg Day-Use Area. Take-out locations include Briceburg Day Use Area, Railroad Flat Boat Ramp, and Bagby. Hiking along the Merced River Trail/Old Yosemite Railroad Grade is good year around. Camping along the Merced River has been a cherished recreational activity for generations of families for a hundred years. Picnicking, nature study, hobby gold prospecting, wildflower viewing, birding, mountain biking, and swimming are all popular recreational activities within the Merced River Recreation Management Area/Merced Wild & Scenic River.

Nearby: Yosemite National Park is the main attraction in Mariposa County. The Arch Rock Entrance Station is 26.4 miles from Willow Placer Campground (20 miles from the Briceburg Visitor Center on Highway CA-140). California State Mining and Mineral Museum is located at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds--14.2 miles from the Briceburg Visitor Center. Mariposa Museum and History Center is in downtown Mariposa 12 miles from the Briceburg Visitor Center. 5119 Jessie St Mariposa, CA 95338 Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park at Lake McSwain is 45 miles from the Briceburg Visitor Center.