Lake McSwain Campground

Merced County

fishing in boat on a lake
fishing in boat on a lake

Lake McSwain Campground

Merced County


Lake McSwain Campground

Lake McSwain Campground is 18 miles northeast of Merced and downstream from Lake McClure. 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. A popular feature in the summer is their Splash-n-Dash, North America's largest inflatable playground.

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.

Both Lake McSwain and Lake MClure are owned and operated by the Merced Irrigation District.

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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 Lake McSwain Campground reservations are available year-round. Some campsites are offered 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 - - $38 per night
Electric and water hook-ups - $48 per night
Cabins - $165 - $205 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: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 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 or at the Splash-n-Dash .

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Applegate Lake, Oregon.

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 activities and day outings.

Lake McSwain Aqua Park

Double the fun for all ages.
Splash-n-Dash


Key Lake McSwain Campground Regulations

  1. Help prevent the spread of invasive insects by purchasing firewood locally. Firewood is available at the marina store.
  2. Campfires are allowed in appropriate fire-rings and other containment depending on wind and weather conditions and may change anytime.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  4. 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.

Nearby Campgrounds


Lake McClure



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