Barrett Cove Campground

California's Best Camping

Lake McClure, CA
Lake McClure, CA

Barrett Cove Campground

Lake McClure


Barrett Cove Campground

Barrett Cove Campground sits on the western shore of Lake McClure. Barrett Cove is the largest of the campgrounds around the lake. Visitors to Lake McClure enjoy houseboating, cruising, fishing, and waterskiing. Near the campground are a swim lagoon, marina, and boat launch ramps along with many other recreational facilities.

Barrett Cove Campground has 249 campsites. Among those are 89 sites with water and electric hook-ups. The other sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.

Shop Amazon: Camping Essentials



Barrett Cove Campground Basics
Barrett Cove Location: Lake McClure Road, 35 miles northeast of Merced, 46 miles east of Modesto
Elevation: 920 feet
Mileage from gateway city: Modesto - 46 miles
Merced - 35 miles
Number of Sites: 249
Camping Season: Open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($10 per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended ($4 per night)
Operated by Merced Irrigation District
Merced Irrigation District Parks Dept.: (209) 354-2960

Reservations at Barrett Cove Campground
Reservations available Reservations can be made year-round up to 1 year in advance, also available first-come, first-served
Maximum RV/trailer Length: no limit designated
Wheelchair accessible sites: some accessible sites
Camping Fees: Hook-up sites - $40 per night (seniors $37)
Standard sites - $30 per night (seniors $27)
Discounts for military and seniors
Reservations: Barrett Cove Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 4:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Barrett Cove Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; partial hook-ups at some sites
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: Yes (free)
Dump station: Yes
Campground Map: Barrett Cove Campground Map
Attractions near Barrett Cove Campground: Find nearby a boat launch ramp, marina, boat rentals, cafe,and swimming lagoon. Also take advantage of a store, fish cleaning station, and pavilion. Get exercise at a play area, horseshoe pits, and volleyball court. Mountain bikers head to Exchequer Bike Park.




General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, purchase firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




Barrett Cove, Lake McClure, CA

Lake McClure
Attractions and Activities

Lake McClure is known for its outstanding facilities for boaters and campers. Those camped at Barrett Cove Campground are close to swimming areas and a marina.

  • Fish for Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, black bass, spotted bass, crappie, and catfish.
  • Boat and waterski over 7,000 surface acres in this 20-mile long lake.
  • Explore by boat miles of shoreline with dozens of inlets and coves.
  • Take advantage of the 3 marinas for boat rentals, launch ramps and docking.
  • Visit nearby Moccasin Creek Fish Hatchery.
  • Yosemite Valley is only 55 miles away.
  • Explore the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.
  • Visit historic Mariposa and Coulterville.
  • Visit the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa.

Key Barrett Cove Regulations

  1. Quiet Hours extend from 11 PM to 7 AM.
  2. Prevent the spread of invasive species by obtaining firewood locally.
  3. Dogs must be leashed and attended.
  4. Campfires are allowed in appropriate fire-rings and other containment depending on wind and weather conditions and may change anytime.

    Check Lake McClure for any campground and recreation area updates.