Lake Mcclure & Lake Mcswain

I would definitely go back again but would try to research a closer spot by the lake, but it sure it's very nice there. And peaceful, they also have a store and cabins for rent I think. I'll sure do my research on that place when I go back again. I'll recommend it for sure!

PRO: We stayed two nights. It was chill. Location was great. We stayed in the Lake Mcswain "A" section (basic camping) No electricity, but has a water spout. Our camp site was steps away from the lake. Easy to bring your floats & kayaks down. A family got into a big fight one night. Lol! drunkards. CON: No wood fire allowed during the summer season. THERE ARE A MILLIONS of FLIES. The women's rest rooms were ok. The showers were ehh. Water was warm. Someone took a dump in one of them.

These two lakes are great lakes for camping and fishing. McClure has some of the best campsites, with the best view of Lake McClure. Lake McSwain also has great campsites and fishing for trout and lightning trout is fantastic.

this place is not good the lake is pretty but the camping at Barrett's Cove was horrible the tables were a all broken up no shade at all plus when we went there to ck them out they said they had good fishing but out of all 10 of us no one caught a thing we went there beca the usual place we go to was to dangerous because the river was so high we won't go back only gave a 1 star only because the ladies and the ck in were nice

There was a time, 3 years ago that I would have given McSwain a 5 star review, but not now. In fact 2 stars might be generous based on Merced Irrigation District Board members who have decided to let issues brought to their attention regarding water safety, speeding boats, open and wood fires, dogs running loose and the launching of boats in undesignated areas, which according to their own pamphlet and the Mariposa County Sheriff Department is illegal, fall on deaf ears. The people who fish at McSwain don't matter any more, the water park gets all the attention and support. Heck, if the rangers at McSwain would enforce the rules and regulations contained in the pamphlet and issue citations instead of turning a blind eye, the fire problems would stop, the speeding boat problems would stop, the litter and graffiti problems would stop.....START DOING THE JOB YOUR WERE HIRED TO DO FOLKS. And after bringing the fishing at McSwain to the level of Pardee, Comanche and Amador, they got political when confronted with an employee work related issue and things have gone down hill,FAST ever since. At this point in time it's not worth the day use fee to fish there, DONT INVEST IN AN ANNUAL PASS THIS YEAR. It's going to take a year or longer of not planting any other fish to rid, or at least thin the Browns out and make McSwain somewhat productive again. I say somewhat because Calaveras Trout Farm will not be planting there anymore and the Powers That Be are to frigging tight to purchase from the new Moccasin hatchery. But then again, they have their outrageously priced water park to keep happy and occupy their bank account. Good job people.......NOT. The water level at McSwain IS affected by McClure as McClure provides the water via the Merced River. And wakes from speeding boats are a constant issue. Yes there is a 10 mph speed limit on McSwain. The problem is that 10 mph speed limit isn't enforced anymore. As a matter of fact the 10mph buoys that used to be along the far side of the lake approx every 50 or 60 yards to remind people to not speed have been removed for whatever reason.

What a lovely trip! We stayed in Cabin D2. Nice cabin; nice view of the lake. Forgot to bring a couple items (salt/pepper, soap for bathroom sink.) The pots and pans need to be replaced unless you don't mind cooking with scratched pans to release aluminum into your food. Next time, I will bring my own pots and pans. You are supposed to clean the cabin upon checkout otherwise incur a $50 cleaning fee. The floors are swept. Negative: No mop is available. Our floors was incredibly dirty!! Bring slippers or flip flops and plan to wear them inside or have filthy feet. Only cell service available is Verizon and spotty at most. The AC units are really loud. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper. Shoot, just bring earplugs. They are loud at night. It gets warm and humid if you shut them off at night. Flies are an issue so keep cabin doors close. They do have a flyswatter availableFriday the large RVs roll in, tents are everywhere. If you are staying in the cabins, expect no privacy lakeside. Everyone is looking for a spot to side, shade and lake access. Next time we go back, it will be during the week only. It is quiet at night. The 11pm curfew seems to be respected which is nice. If you enjoy fishing, someone caught a 7lb. bass. Renting the paddle boards was fun. If you plan to do the inflatables, do it Friday. Sat/Sun gets packed! There is a 30 min wait to get out to the inflatables due to COVID restrictions. Only 100 people at a time. They are open Fri/Sat/Sun.

They have to be more strict with the times they allow LOUD music. It's 10:30pm and people don't respect that others are asleep and people really don't wanna hear all that. Loud music should be in the afternoons and on. Besides that every staff member so far I've encountered had been very friendly and kind. The night security don't say anything to those with loud music. The water is freezing cold! Bathrooms are pretty close to camp ground. They only have two showers and they always have long lines. To get into those games in the water it's like $100 for two people all day. That's over priced in my opinion.

Camping Party Spot - don't expect peace and quietOur group camped at Horseshoe Bend Campground at Lake McClure over labor day weekend. The reservation staff we dealt with initially were considerate and professional. We had a good time overall, and the campground was close to Yosemite which we visited one day. Our kids enjoyed the lake, being able to cool off in the evenings. Unfortunately, there was a large group at a nearby site who violated multiple campground rules (noise, vehicles, number of people) and when we tried to contact the park staff (after business hours) there was nobody available. Unfortunately we were travelling/off site during the days, so could not complain direct to the entry staff who were there during business hours only.This group was very loud in the evening starting from sunset until 2:00-3:00 AM, on both Saturday 8/31 and Sunday 9/1. Not only loud but inconsiderate, drunk, and rude. When one of our group asked them to please quiet down, they spewed profanity and continued to be loud. Sound carries a long way out there, and you could hear this group talking, playing music, and laughing clearly long into the early morning throughout the camp. We had activities planned early on Sunday, and a long drive home on Monday. It was very disturbing and we didn't get much sleep.To be fair, this seemed to be the ONLY group that was so rude. However it is on the Campground Management to at least make an effort to enforce the rules. We didn't see this at all. So fair warning for campers - don't come expecting to quietly enjoy nature, this seems to be a campground where noise and partying is tolerated.

My hubby and I love coming to McSwain! The early morning views are spectacular. If you listen and observe you can see a lot of wild life. This morning I saw a deer, osprey in it's nest and many birds (dove, pigeon, finch, owl, buzzard). Normally, we see and hear coyotes in the evening...maybe tonight.

Never more expressed with the beauty and cleanliness of our cabin . Can't say enough about the the friendliness and professionalism of the staff here . This was our first trip here , but definitely our new go to place . Special shout out to Melissa , Ron and Levi ! Thank you for this memorable trip !