Merced Irrigation District, Parks and Recreation

Policies & Rules for all Campground and Recreation Areas on Lake McClure and Lake McSwain

Definitions:

For purposes of these Policies, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

“District” means Merced Irrigation District, a California irrigation district, including its officers, employees, agents, and authorized representatives.

“Park” means any campground or recreation area located at Lake McSwain or Lake McClure and operated by or on behalf of the District, including, but not limited to, Lake McSwain, McClure Point, Barrett Cove, Horseshoe Bend, and Bagby Campgrounds and Recreation Areas.

Check-In/Check-Out:

Check-In: 4:00 PM Campsites / 4:00 PM Cabins

Check-Out: 12:00 PM Campsites / 12:00 PM Cabins

Early Check-In/Check-Out:

Early Check-In: 2pm - $15 fee, only available for campsites

Late Check-Out: 2pm - $15 fee, only available for campsites

Cancellation and Refund Policies:

Campsite Reservations: Reservations cancelled/changed at least 48 hours prior to check-in will incur a $10 cancellation/change fee. Reservations cancelled/changed less than 48 hours prior to check-in receive no refund. No shows and early departures receive no refund.

Cabin Reservations: Reservations cancelled/changed at least 48 hours prior to check-in will incur a $25 cancellation fee. Reservations cancelled/changed less than 48 hours prior to check-in receive no refund. No shows and early departures receive no refund.

General:

Use of all project and recreational facilities is at your own risk, and pursuant to your agreement to indemnify and hold the District harmless from any negligent use.
Failure to observe and follow the campground and recreation area rules will result in a $50 non-compliance fee charged to the card on file for each violation.
A $50 cleaning fee will be charged to the card on file for any campsite or cabin left with trash or excessive mess.
A $50 cleaning or maintenance fee will be charged to the card on file for any campsite or cabin left in a condition that causes damage to amenities or necessitates additional cleaning or maintenance.
Guests are responsible for any damages or injuries caused by themselves and/or their children.
The District is not responsible for personal injuries or damages, loss or theft of any personal property or vehicle.
The District reserves the right to evict any person(s) who does not comply with Park rules and policies.
Maintenance on and/or washing of vehicles on property is not allowed.
All spaces are to be kept neat and clean for the duration of your stay.
Parking for one (1) motorized vehicle is included with all campsite and cabin reservations; additional motorized vehicles will be charged a 2nd vehicle fee of $15/night
Maximum overnight occupancy in all campsites is eight (8) persons
Maximum vehicle occupancy in all campsites and cabins is two (2) motorized vehicles at any time. Any additional vehicles, including guest vehicles, must park in designated parking areas.
Boats / boating trailer fees may be paid online or upon arrival. Boats may be parked in campsites or designated parking areas, as space allows.
Annual vehicle passes may be used in lieu of the 2nd vehicle fee; annual boat passes may be used while camping.
Pavilion Event Facilities are available for first come, first serve use by ALL guests unless “Reserved” exclusively for paid group events.
DO NOT leave trash out overnight. Trash must be placed in dumpsters upon checking out. A $50 cleaning fee will be charged to the card on file for any campsite or cabin left with trash or excessive mess.
Campsites are reserved for campers and guests only. All other visitors should park in designated parking areas.

Safety:

All Mariposa County Ordinances are required to be followed at all times. Full ordinances regulating the public use of Lake McSwain and Lake McClure can be found here.
The possession and/or use of Firearms of any kind is PROHIBITED.
The use of archery, paintball, slingshots or air guns is PROHIBITED.
Fireworks, firecrackers, rockets, or other explosives of any kind are PROHIBITED.
Use of illegal drugs is PROHIBITED.
Obnoxious behavior of ANY kind is PROHIBITED.
Burning of trash is PROHIBITED.
Wood campfires are allowed in appropriate fire-rings and other containments depending on wind, weather, and local fire conditions. Propane fire pits are allowed year-round. Check current conditions on www.LakeMcClure.com for burn regulations.
Observe and follow all speed limits within the campgrounds and recreation areas.
Vehicles may park in designated areas only. No vehicles can block any portion of roadway or maintenance accesses.
Only persons with a valid driver’s license may operate a motor vehicle in the Park.
Vandalism of any kind by anyone in your group (regardless of age) may result in eviction from the Park.

Security:

The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles. Keep your valuables locked up.
Report any problems with your site to District Staff immediately.
We adhere to and maintain all state, county, and local laws on property.

Quiet Hours:

Quiet hours are from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Please be courteous to other guests around you.
Loud music or objectionable noise is not allowed at any time.
Inconsiderate guests may be evicted from the park.
Profanity or violence towards other guests or District Staff, Concessionaires, or Partners may result in immediate eviction from the park.
Guests violating rules that result in eviction notice will not receive any refunds for their stay and will be charged, at minimum, a $50 non-compliance fee.

Pet Policy:

The District reserves the right to refuse service to anyone whose pet is NOT considered suitable to the serenity/safety of our guests or the campground and recreation areas.
Pets must be kept on a leash and under the immediate control of a responsible person capable of managing all animals at all times.
There is a four (4) pet limit per site.
All pets must be registered at the time of booking or upon arrival with District Staff.
Pets may not be left unattended for long periods.
Guests are responsible to “clean up” after their pets.
Guests should carry proof of their pet's current vaccinations.
Pets are prohibited in buildings and amenity areas. Pets are prohibited in cabins and on the cabin grounds (this includes the patio and parking areas).
The District is not responsible for and will hold accountable pet owners for any injuries or damages caused by pet(s).
Service animals may accompany a disabled person without any proof of disability or certification for the service animal.
Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and must abide by all pet policies.

Booking Policy:

The full reservation total is required at the time of booking for all stays, regardless of the length of stay. All major credit cards are accepted.
The maximum stay is 14 nights within a 28-day cycle.
Reservations at the Lake McSwain, McClure Point, Barrett Cove and Horseshoe Bend Campgrounds may be made day of, and may be made up to one year in advance of arrival on any day of the week.
Reservations at the Bagby Campground must be made at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance of arrival on any day of the week, and may be made up to one year in advance of arrival on any day of the week. Guests wishing to extend their stay should contact the Reservations Office or District Staff to ensure that the site has not been reserved.
Reserved sites may not be occupied by parties without appropriate reservation confirmation. "Walk-In" camping is encouraged for all non-reserved sites.

Park Model (Cabin) Terms and Conditions:

The Merced Irrigation District hereby grants the "Renter" permission to occupy the Park Model unit beginning at 4:00 P.M. on the Date IN until 12 Noon on the Date OUT.
Renter agrees that unit was received in good condition with the amenities, appliances, and kitchenware indicated in attachments, and hereby accepts the same in the existing condition, and agrees that no statement or warranty as to their condition has been made by Merced Irrigation District, and further agrees to leave the unit and all amenities in the same condition as received.
Renter agrees to dispose of all trash and clean all dishes or a $50.00 cleaning fee will be applied to the credit card on file.
Renter agrees to pay for any and all damages and losses to the unit, furniture, attachments, amenities, appliances, and other items in or about the unit, and agrees to accept charges to their credit card on file.
Renter agrees that they, and all persons invited and / or accompanying them onto the premises shall abide by and obey all of the policies, rules, and regulations of the Merced Irrigation District and Mariposa County Ordinance.
Renter agrees and understands that dogs and other pets are NOT allowed inside the Park Model unit, and agrees to pay for all cleaning, damages, and other costs that may arise from the violation of this prohibition.
Renter agrees and understands that the Units are NON-SMOKING units, and agrees to pay for all cleaning, damages, and other costs that may arise from the violation of this prohibition.
Renter hereby agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Merced Irrigation District, and their employees, and management from any injury, loss and / or damage to persons or property, including loss and damages resulting from fire and / or theft, while renting the unit and visiting the premises.
Renter hereby agrees that the Merced Irrigation District shall NOT be liable to renter for any injury, theft, loss or damage to themselves or their property or any other property of their invitees and guests. In addition, Renter hereby agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold Merced Irrigation District harmless from all claims, demands, penalties, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities asserted by anyone for any injury, loss or damage to persons or property resulting from or attributable to the use of the Park Model unit and premises by the Renter or the licensees, guests, or visitors of the Renter, except to the extent resulting from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the Merced Irrigation District.
The Merced Irrigation District reserves the right to retake possession of the Park Model unit at any time.

Facilities Use Requirements:

Lake McClure and Lake McSwain offer several facilities that may be reserved online. Depending on the type of activity or event being planned, use of these facilities may require an approved Facilities Use Agreement, proof of insurance, and a $100 Facilities Use Fee, in addition to any applicable reservation or rental fees.

It is the responsibility of the person making the reservation to determine whether their planned use requires a Facilities Use Agreement. Reserving a facility online does not automatically authorize uses that require additional approval. Events that require a Facilities Use Agreement but are booked without one may be denied access, canceled, or required to cease operations.

Facilities That Require a Facilities Use Agreement for All Uses

Lake McSwain Beach – please call or email to reserve

Facilities Where a Facilities Use Agreement May Be Required

Lake McSwain Pavilion

Lake McSwain G-Loop Pavilion

Barrett Cove Pavilion

Horseshoe Bend G-Loop Pavilion

Uses That Require a Facilities Use Agreement and Facilities Use Fee

A Facilities Use Agreement is required for any activity or event that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Any activity that is not considered a standard recreational use (e.g., beyond a casual family picnic or small gathering)

Organized or special events, including but not limited to:
- Company events, retreats, or employee gatherings
- Weddings, receptions, reunions, or ceremonies
- Fundraisers, organized group events, or ticketed activities

Any event involving amplified sound, including DJs, live music, PA systems, or amplified announcements

Any event where alcohol is served, sold, or distributed

Any event involving third-party vendors, caterers, food trucks, concessions, rentals, or service providers

Any event with inflatable attractions or equipment, such as bounce houses, water slides, mechanical devices, or similar structures

Any event involving paid staff, contractors, security, or volunteers, including situations where employees are paid to operate equipment or manage activities

Any commercial, promotional, instructional, or revenue-generating activity

Any event that increases risk, impacts normal park operations, or requires additional oversight by Parks & Recreation staff

Insurance and Approval

Events requiring a Facilities Use Agreement must also meet insurance requirements as outlined in the agreement. The Facilities Use Agreement and Insurance must be submitted, reviewed, and approved prior to the event date. Approval is not guaranteed.

If you are unsure whether your planned use requires a Facilities Use Agreement, contact the District before making a reservation. Failure to obtain required approvals may result in cancellation without refund and a $50 non-compliance fee charged to the card on file.

Available Sites