Railroad Flat Campground

Hello, California adventurers! Are you seeking a truly immersive escape into nature, where the sounds of a rushing river replace city noise and ancient landscapes invite exploration? Railroad Flat Campground, located at the very end of the picturesque Briceburg Road in Midpines, is a hidden treasure offering just that. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground provides a unique, rustic, and incredibly peaceful camping experience for those who appreciate raw natural beauty and a genuine disconnect from the modern world.

Railroad Flat Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to historical wonders and refreshing natural features. Situated directly on the banks of the mighty Merced River, it's known for its serene atmosphere and the constant, soothing sound of the flowing water. Visitors frequently highlight the presence of beautiful waterfalls and invigorating swimming holes nearby, especially appealing in the spring. While it’s a basic campground without many modern conveniences like showers or cell service, this very simplicity is its charm, inviting campers to fully embrace the surrounding wilderness. For Californians looking to truly unplug, explore ancient lands, and enjoy direct river access, Railroad Flat Campground offers an unforgettable experience.

Railroad Flat Campground is uniquely positioned at the terminus of Briceburg Rd, Midpines, CA 95345, USA. This makes it the furthest of the BLM campgrounds along the Merced River Recreation Management Area accessible via Briceburg Road. Its location is a key part of its appeal, offering a more secluded and remote feel compared to campgrounds closer to main roads. For Californians, reaching the campground involves a scenic drive along Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center, followed by a journey across the historic Briceburg suspension bridge and then approximately 4.5 miles down the unpaved Briceburg River Road (the old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade).

It's crucial for visitors to note that trailers over 18 feet and large RVs are generally not recommended to cross the Briceburg Bridge. The road itself is dirt and gravel, though navigable for ordinary passenger vehicles at a cautious speed (15 mph recommended). While its secluded nature means no cell service whatsoever, this is often seen as a highlight for those seeking a true digital detox. Despite its rustic feel, the campground is about an hour's drive from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, making it a viable base for day trips into the park. Nearby services like food, gas, and supplies can be found in the town of Mariposa, so campers should plan to stock up before heading to Railroad Flat. This blend of remote tranquility and relative proximity to iconic natural attractions makes it a truly special location.

Railroad Flat Campground, being a BLM facility, provides essential services geared towards a self-sufficient camping experience in a natural setting. Its amenities focus on facilitating comfortable outdoor living rather than luxury.

• Campsites: The campground offers 9 sites in total, including both walk-in tent-only sites and a few drive-in campsites suitable for vehicles. All campsites are thoughtfully located within 200 feet of the Merced River, ensuring easy access to the water.
• Picnic Tables: Each designated campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a stable surface for meal preparation, dining, and other campsite activities.
• Fire Grills/Rings: Metal fire rings with grills are provided at every site for campfires and cooking, allowing campers to enjoy the classic outdoor experience (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): Secure, bear-proof food storage lockers are available at all campsites. This crucial amenity helps protect your food and scented items from wildlife, including bears, which are present in the area.
• Vault Toilets: Basic but clean vault toilets are available on-site, providing essential restroom facilities. There may also be seasonal Port-o-let toilets near some sites.
• Trash and Recycling Cans: Designated trash and recycling collection cans are provided throughout the campground, encouraging proper waste disposal and helping to keep the area clean and pristine.
• Self-Pay Iron Ranger Fee System: Payment for campsites is managed through an "Iron Ranger" self-pay system. Campers must complete a yellow envelope and pay the $10/night fee ($5/night with an America the Beautiful Pass) within 30 minutes of occupying a site.
• Potable Water (Nearby): While not directly at the campsites, potable water is available across the Briceburg Bridge near the information kiosk. Campers should bring their own containers to transport water to their sites.

Railroad Flat Campground is distinguished by several unique features and highlights that create a memorable and authentic outdoor experience, especially for Californians seeking true immersion in nature.

• Secluded "Last Campground": Being the very last campground on Briceburg Road, it offers the most secluded and quiet experience in the area, perfect for those truly wanting to get away from it all.
• Direct Merced River Access: Campers can constantly hear the soothing sound of the Merced River, and many sites offer direct access to its banks for fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the tranquil waters.
• Nearby Waterfalls and Swimming Holes: A major highlight, particularly in spring, are the beautiful waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes located just past the gate before the bridge (short walk-in only, not visible from the road). The water is cold but bearable!
• No Cell Service: For those seeking a complete digital detox, the complete lack of cell service is a significant feature, encouraging campers to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
• Historical Significance: The area has deep historical roots, used by Indigenous peoples for centuries to grind acorns. A viewing bench and nearby historical markers provide insights into this rich past. The "Railroad Flat" name itself refers to the old Yosemite Valley Railroad that once passed through.
• Beautiful Wildflowers (Spring): Spring is heralded as the best time to visit, with wildflowers "popping," creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.
• Stunning Views: Campers are treated to lovely views of the mountainside and the river, offering picturesque scenery for relaxation and photography.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: All 10 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, appealing to spontaneous adventurers (though arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends).
• Wildlife Awareness: The natural setting means encountering local wildlife, including rattlesnakes, which adds to the authentic wilderness experience. Campers are advised to be cautious and aware.

For inquiries about Railroad Flat Campground, including current conditions, fire restrictions, or information on the Merced River Recreation Management Area, it is best to contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office responsible for the area. As there is no cell service at the campground, ensure you make any necessary calls before arriving.

• Address: Briceburg Rd, Midpines, CA 95345, USA
• BLM Mariposa Office Phone: (209) 966-3192 (for general inquiries regarding Merced River Recreation Management Area)
• Briceburg Visitor Center Phone: (209) 379-9414 (for information on the immediate Briceburg area)

Railroad Flat Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Californians who truly embrace the spirit of rustic outdoor adventure and seek a genuine escape from everyday life. For locals, its accessibility from various parts of California, combined with its prime location along the Merced River and relative proximity to Yosemite, offers a fantastic opportunity for an enriching and memorable camping trip.

The "no cell service" policy, while a consideration for some, is a major draw for Texans who desire a complete digital detox and wish to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment. This campground is perfect for those who are self-sufficient and appreciate basic amenities like clean vault toilets and fire rings over modern luxuries. The opportunity to camp directly next to the Merced River, with the constant soothing sounds and the chance to discover hidden waterfalls and swimming holes, provides a unique and deeply satisfying experience.

Furthermore, the rich historical context of the area, having been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries, adds a layer of cultural depth to your visit. For Californians who are prepared to respect the wild (including being aware of rattlesnakes and bringing bug spray) and who crave a peaceful, scenic, and authentic camping adventure as a base for exploring the Yosemite region, Railroad Flat Campground represents a true wilderness haven. It’s an affordable and unforgettable way to connect with California's stunning natural heritage.

Railroad Flat Campground

Briceburg Rd, Midpines, CA 95345, USA