Horseshoe Bend Campground

California's Best Camping

Lake McClure, CA
Lake McClure, CA

Horseshoe Bend Campground

Lake McClure


Horseshoe Bend Campground

Horseshoe Bend Campground is situated on the north side of Lake McClure, only 3 miles west of Highway 49 and Coulterville. Campers at Horseshoe Bend enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, waterskiing, and relaxing along the water's edge. A boat launch ramp is nearby.

Horseshoe Bend Campground has 97 campsites. Of those, 35 sites have electric and water hook-ups. The remainder can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.

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Horseshoe Campground Basics
Horseshoe Bend Campground Location: Off Highway 132, three miles west of Highway 49 at Coulterville
Elevation: 835 feet
Mileage from gateway city: Modesto - 49 miles
Merced - 47 miles
Number of Sites: 97
Camping Season: Open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($10 per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended ($4 per night)
Operated by Merced Irrigation District
Merced Irrigation District Parks Dept.: (209) 354-2960

Reservations at Horseshoe Bend Campground
Reservations available year-round up to 1 year in advance, also available first-come, first-served
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 40 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: some accessible sites
Camping Fees: Hook-up sites - $40 per night
Standard sites - $30 per night
Discounts for military and seniors
Reservations: Horseshoe Bend Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 4:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Horseshoe Bend Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; partial hook-ups at some sites
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, coin laundry
Showers: Yes (free)
Dump station: Yes
Campground Map: Horseshoe Bend Campground Map
Attractions near Horseshoe Bend Campground: Find a boat launch ramp, swim lagoon, and seasonal camp store. Nearby are a fish cleaning station, an event pavilion, and picnic area. Visit historic Coulterville. Find marinas at other locations around the lake.




General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, purchase firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




Lake McClure, CA

Lake McClure
Attractions and Activities

Lake McClure is known for its outstanding facilities for boaters and campers. Those camped at Horseshoe Bend Campground find plenty of family-friendly outdoor recreation.

  • For a gateway to family-friendly outdoor recreation visit the marina with boat rentals, or take advantage of the nearby swim area.
  • Fish for Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, black bass, spotted bass, crappie, and catfish.
  • Boat and waterski over 7,000 surface acres in this 20-mile long lake.
  • Explore by boat miles of shoreline with dozens of inlets and coves.
  • Take advantage of the 3 marinas for boat rentals, launch ramps and docking.
  • Visit nearby Moccasin Creek Fish Hatchery.
  • Yosemite National Park is only 55 miles away.
  • Explore the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.
  • Visit historic Mariposa and Coulterville.
  • Visit the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa.

Key Horseshoe Bend Regulations

  1. Campfires are allowed in appropriate fire-rings and other containment depending on wind and weather conditions and may change anytime.
  2. Quiet Hours extend from 11 PM to 7 AM.
  3. Prevent the spread of invasive species by obtaining firewood locally.
  4. Dogs must be leashed and attended.

    Check Lake McClure for any campground and recreation area updates.