Featured amenities
River Access
About North Fork Primitive Camp
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
Overview
The North Fork Merced River joins the main stem Merced River 7 miles downstream from Briceburg. This is a lovely stream that is perfect for swimming in the early summer when the main Merced is too high. Springtime comes early around here (late February — April) and the wildflowers on the slopes of the North Fork Merced can be spectacular. There is a beautiful cascade about 3/4 of a mile upstream from the confluence that makes a great destination for a cool dip on a hot day.
Although most people explore the North Fork as a day outing, it makes a great short or introductory backpacking adventure. The North Fork Merced is approximately a one-hour (2.5 mile) walk from the Railroad Flat campground along the old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade (also known as the Merced River Trail). Access is by trail or river only. Bring plenty of water or, better yet, pack a water filter.
Permits, Fees and Limitations:
Campfire permits are required for all fires. Fire restrictions that prohibit all fires go into effect each summer (exact dates unknown). Please check for current conditions at: BLM California Fire Restrictions webpage. No overnight permit is required. Please follow Leave No Trace practices. Pack it in, pack it out. No glass bottles allowed within 1/4 mile of the Merced River.
Please Note: The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground.
Helpful Links:
River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com
Back To: Merced River Recreation Management Area
Visit: Briceburg Visitor Center
Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
River Access
Water Access
- River Access
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Location North Fork Primitive Camp
Address:
Bureau Of Land Management, North Fork Primitive Camp
Briceburg, CA, 95345
United States
Highway access
North Fork Primitive Camp is accessible via State Route 140, which is approximately 12 miles away. The route connects to major highways leading to the surrounding areas.
Latitude & Longitude: 37.6134 / -120.057
Elevation: 290 feet
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Managed by Bureau of Land Management