Leave No Trace 
The BLM asks that all visitors to the site follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines to keep the area pristine. If you light campfires during your stay, please make sure they are always confined to the provided metal rings.
BLM Camping
Merced River Recreation Management Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Merced River Recreation Management Area is a beautiful nature area located in Central California, approximately 20 miles west of the amazing Yosemite National Park. The area is one of many sites in California under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is a federal government agency that administers various campgrounds, trails, wilderness areas, and other natural sites all over the United States. Many of the sites watched over by the BLM are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Merced River Recreation Management Area offers opportunities for a wide variety of recreational activities. The site features three separate campgrounds, and visitors frequently partake in hiking, whitewater rafting, bird-watching, fishing, biking, and even gold panning. There are several popular destinations located near the BLM site as well, including the Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests. With a simple online search for "BLM camping near me," you can find the most popular BLM areas within a reasonable distance of your home.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Merced River Trail
This scenic out-and-back trail is located right at the BLM site and navigates the area beside the Merced River. The route features lush, beautiful scenery, and your hike will be accompanied by the peaceful sound of rushing water. You'll also have great bird-watching opportunities while exploring the trail. You're welcome to bring your dogs, and they can be off-leash in certain areas.
Length: 5.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Artist Point Trail
This out-and-back trail lies near Yosemite Valley, CA only a short distance from the Merced River Recreation Management Area. If you reach the end of the route, you'll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the surrounding valley. The ideal times to hike the trail are between April and October, and you'll need to leave the pups at home.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
The Merced River flows right through the BLM site, and it provides visitors with excellent opportunities for boating and fishing. The most common fish species caught in the stream are trout and bass, and you can essentially choose any area of the river to cast your line. You can also go kayaking or canoeing in the Merced River. Certain parts of the stream feature strong whitewater, so you should be careful if you aren't an experienced rafter. If you know what you're doing and are up for an adventure, though, navigating the river can be quite a thrill.
Climbing
There are quite a few climbing destinations spread throughout the nearby Yosemite Valley. One of the most popular spots is El Capitan, which features traditional climbing routes ranging in difficulty from 5.9 C2 to 5.13a. Other popular climbing areas to check out include the Half Dome formation, the Royal Arches, the Cathedral Area, and Sentinel Rock.
Wildlife Viewing
You'll have the opportunity to observe numerous wildlife species around the Merced River Recreation Management Area and the nearby Yosemite National Park. Some of the species you might see while camping or hiking include marmots, bobcats, black bears, mule deer, rabbits, many beautiful butterflies, and a wide variety of songbirds. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the rare Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.
Picnicking
There are quite a few picnic tables found throughout the Merced River Recreation Management Area. All you'll need to bring is the food, and you can select a nice spot to eat. If you'd rather choose a more secluded place beside the river, you'll need to bring along a picnic blanket. There's no shortage of spots in the area that would be perfect for a quiet picnic.
Gold Panning
One unique activity to enjoy at the BLM site is recreational gold panning. Limited gold prospecting is permitted with non-motorized equipment, and it can be a great way to enjoy the area. There are several tributaries to choose from near the site that offer the opportunity to find gold in the water.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
There are three campgrounds located at the Merced River Recreation Management Area that offer BLM RV camping. Each of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds offers its own amenities, but they do not offer any RV hookups. If you prefer to stay somewhere with hookups and more modern amenities, one option is to head north and stop at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort.
Free Camping 
If you want to partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping, you'll need to travel outside of the Merced River Corridor. No dispersed camping is permitted within the corridor. However, if you head farther east along the highway, you may be able to find areas that are available to stake out a primitive campsite.
RV Rentals Near Merced River Recreation Management Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your Merced River Recreation Management Area BLM trip
If you plan on RV camping at one of the BLM site's campgrounds, keep in mind that you'll need to cross a suspension bridge to reach them. It is not recommended for large RVs or trailers longer than 18 feet to cross this bridge. There are also quite a few rules and regulations for the campgrounds that you should keep in mind. For example, you can bring your dogs, but they'll need to remain leashed at all times.
There is no lifeguard on duty at the river, and swimming can be especially dangerous during spring and early summer. If you aren't a strong swimmer, it is advised that you stay out of the water. And if you do swim in the Merced River, be sure to wear a lifejacket. There is potable water available near the campgrounds, but it's recommended that you bring plenty of your own if you intend to stay overnight. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace
Merced River Recreation Management Area Location
To reach the BLM site from the city of Merced, CA, head east on State Highway 140 for approximately 40 miles until you reach Mariposa, CA. Continue on the highway for another 15 miles past Mariposa, and you will reach the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Merced Wild & Scenic River. If you cross the suspension bridge located just past the visitor center, you will reach the unpaved Briceburg River Road. The BLM site and the three campgrounds are located along this road.
Ready to visit Merced River Recreation Management Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.