Lake McSwain Campground

Lake McSwain is 18 miles northeast of Merced and downstream from Lake McClure. Both reservoirs are owned and operated by the Merced Irrigation District. Visitors to Lake McSwain find a quiet recreation area popular for slow-speed boating (10 MPH max.), fishing, swimming, and picnicking. A marina offers boat rentals and fuel sales. They also have a cafe.

Lake McSwain Campground features 111 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Sixty-five of the sites have water and electric hook-ups. Hot showers are free. Lake McSwain's excellent reservation website has campsite photos for each site along with full details about the site.

Lake McSwain also has cabins available, which sleep from 6 to 9. Cabins have a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Campers need only supply linens and a few incidentals.

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Lake McSwain Campground Basics
Lake McSwain Campground Location:	9090 Lake McClure Road, Snelling CA
Elevation:	400 feet
Mileage from gateway city:	Turlock - 32 miles Merced - 25 miles Modesto - 45 miles
Number of Sites:	111
Camping Season:	Open year-round
Max. People per Site:	8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site:	Fee covers 1 vehicle, second vehicle is $8 per night
Pets:	on leash, always attended
Operated by	Merced Irrigation District
Information:	1-855-800-CAMP (2267)

Lake McSwain Campground Reservations
Reservations available	Reservations are available whenever campground is open. Some campsites are available first-come, first-served.
Booking Window:	Reservations may be made from 1 day up to 1 year in advance of arrival.
Maximum RV/trailer Length:	40 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites:	None designated
Fees:	Basic campsite - - $30 per night Electric and water hook-ups and full hook-ups - $40 per night Cabins - $155 - $175 per night Discounts for seniors, handicapped, and military
Campground Map:	Lake McSwain Campground Map
Online Reservations:	Lake McSwain Reservations or call 1-855-800-CAMP (2267), Monday - Thurs., between 8 AM and 2 PM
Check-in, check-out:	Check-in at 4:00 PM, check-out by 2:00 PM

Lake McSwain Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic table, fire ring with grill, food lockers, shade ramada, many sites with partial or full hook-ups
Campground:	Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers:	Yes
Dump station:	Yes
Attractions near Lake McSwain Campground:	Visit the marina with boat rentals, fuel, store, and cafe. Launch your boat from the nearby ramp. Fish from boat, fishing dock, or shore for trout and other species. Children enjoy the playground. Cool off at the designated swim area. Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers

Applegate Lake

Central Valley
Attractions and Activities

California's Central Valley offers many wonderful attractions. Campers at Lake McSwain Campground can choose from a variety of day outings.

Rent a pontoon boat, fishing boat, kayak, or paddle board from the Lake McSwain Marina.
Spend a day at nearby Lake McClure.
Tour historic Coulterville.
Visit the Applegate Park Zee in Merced.
Explore the Merced National Wildlife Refuge.
Tour the nearby Castle Air Museum.
Take the kids to Rockin' Jump Merced with trampolines, dodgeball, slam dunk zone, and a climbing wall.
Take the family to Boomers in Modesto for bumper cars, miniature golf, go karts, bumper boats and a rock wall.
Drop in at the Ripon Skatepark, 1300 Hughes Lane in Ripon.
Lose yourself at the Bass Pro Shop in Manteca.
Visit the Delicato Wine Tasting room in Manteca.
Browse through the Antique Warehouse in Salida.
Tour the McHenry Mansion in Modesto.
Play 18 holes of golf at the Creekside Golf Course in Manteca.

Key Lake McSwain Campground Regulations

Help prevent the spread of invasive insects by purchasing firewood locally. Firewood is available at the marina store.
Campfires are allowed in appropriate fire-rings and other containment depending on wind and weather conditions and may change anytime.
Quiet Hours are from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Dogs must be on leash and always attended. At night they must be in a tent or vehicle.

Check with Lake McClure/Lake McSwain for any campground updates.

Lake McSwain Campground

California's Best Camping

Lake McSwain Campground

Merced County