Lakes McClure and McSwain Parks and Recreation

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Lakes McClure and McSwain Parks and Recreation Whether you like to fish, boat, swim, camp or just want to enjoy a day at the lake, Lakes McClure and McSwain offer some of California's best in water recr

10/16/2026

We’re ready for the Monster Mash, are you? 🎃👻

The candy is stocked, the prizes are ready, and we’re gearing up for an afternoon of Halloween fun at Lake McSwain! 🍬🎁

Join us Saturday, October 24, from 3-6 PM for the McSwain Monster Mash! Here’s the lineup:
🎃 3–4 PM: Campsite Decoration Contest (must be camping)
👻 4–5 PM: Costume Contest (kids and adult categories)
🍬 5–6 PM: Trailer or Treat!

🏕️ Campsites are still available! Make a weekend out of it and join the fun at Lake McSwain Campground.

🚨 Planning to attend for the day? Please arrive before 5 PM if you want to participate in Trailer or Treat! The campground roads will close from 5-6 PM, and no vehicles will be allowed to enter or leave the park during that time, except emergency vehicles.

🎁 We’ve got some great prizes up for grabs, including gift certificates for future stays at our parks!

📍 Lake McSwain Campground
🎃 Open to the public!

Find event details and camping reservations at LakeMcClure.com/events.

🦺 NEW: LIFE JACKET LOANER PROGRAM AT LAKE YOSEMITE! 🌊Don’t have a life jacket? We’ve got you covered! Life jackets are n...
10/15/2026

🦺 NEW: LIFE JACKET LOANER PROGRAM AT LAKE YOSEMITE! 🌊

Don’t have a life jacket? We’ve got you covered! Life jackets are now available to borrow at the Lake Yosemite entrance kiosk at no cost. Just ask a staff member for the appropriate size, wear it while enjoying the water, and return it to the loaner station after use so other visitors can enjoy them, too!

A big thank you to the California Division of Boating and Waterways for helping us establish this program and for the incoming life jacket donations, and to Audrey Searcy of Century 21 Realty Merced for donating our initial inventory. Your support helps make Lake Yosemite a safer place for everyone!

Life jackets save lives. Wear one, stay safe, and enjoy the lake! 💛

10/14/2026

🎣 THAT’S A WRAP ON THE FALL CLASSIC TROUT DERBY! 🐟

Late Thursday evening, October 9, we stocked 8,000 lbs of trout at Lake McSwain for the Fall Classic Trout Derby! Mostly rainbows, some Lightning Trout, and a few absolute monsters made their way into the lake. With 45 tagged fish released, the competition Saturday was on!

🏆 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 10 TAGGED-FISH WINNERS!

👏 Ted B.
👏 Pedro V.
👏 Madison P.
👏 Demetrio B.
👏 Elmo B.
👏 Jose V.
👏 Aaron D.
👏 Elien H.
👏 Jermey S.
👏 Jose G.

🎣 THE FISHING ISN’T OVER! Around 30 tagged fish (and tons of non-tagged fish) are still swimming in the lake! Catch a tagged fish after the derby? Bring your tag to the kiosk to redeem a future day pass or get your day pass refunded. Fishing should continue to be excellent throughout the week!

💬 WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK! What was your favorite part of this year’s derby? What did you think of our updated event fish cleaning procedures to help minimize increases in the fly population? Let us know in the comments! 👇

📅 COMING SOON: We’ll be announcing the dates for the 2027 Spring Classic and Fall Classic Trout Derbies soon! Stay tuned!

Thanks to everyone who came out and made this year’s Fall Classic a great one. We’ll see you on the water! 🎣

10/08/2026

🎣 PLANT 1 IS IN THE WATER!

You probably guessed it, but Plant 1 was yesterday evening (10/7) at 4:45 PM!

🐟 2,240 lbs planted at Lake McSwain
🐟 1,120 lbs planted at McClure Point

And we’re not done yet.

Plant 2 will bring another 8,000 lbs before the derby! 👀

No tagged fish have been planted yet, so there’s still plenty to come. One thing is looking pretty certain: fishing is going to be GREAT.

🎣 The Fall Classic Trout Derby is Saturday, October 10!

10/08/2026

🌊 THE CALM BEFORE THE DERBY… 🎣

Today, Lake McSwain was looking pretty peaceful. But by Saturday morning, it’s going to be a whole different story. 😏

Before the Fall Classic Trout Derby this Saturday, October 10, we’re stocking 10,240 POUNDS of trout into Lake McSwain! 🐟🐟🐟

This will be the largest derby stocking we’ve done at McSwain, with the fish going in across two separate plants:

🎣 Plant 1: No tagged fish. This first plant is all about getting plenty of trout into the lake and encouraging them to spread out.

🏆 Plant 2: This is where the tagged fish will be released. Catch one and you could win prizes including cabin and camping stays, annual passes, Splash-n-Dash passes, kayak/paddleboard rentals and more!

And even if you don’t catch a tagged fish, 10,240 pounds of trout means there will be A LOT of fish in Lake McSwain. 🎣

We’ll also be stocking 1,120 pounds at McClure Point as part of our regular stocking program.

🚨 REMINDER: There is NO FISHING BEFORE 7:00 AM on derby day. Fishing runs from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Free vehicle entry is available for active & veteran military, first responders, Merced & Mariposa County students, registered campers, and annual passholders.

Don’t qualify? You can also check out a free parks pass from any Merced County or Mariposa County library, which grants free entry to the derby!

🚗 SAVE TIME: Purchase your vehicle pass ahead of time through the Yodel Portal. Link in bio.

🏕️ MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT: Campsites are still available at McClure Point. Use THEPOINT for 40% off qualifying 3+ night stays at McClure Point. Promo ends 10/9/26.

So enjoy the calm while it lasts… because Saturday, Lake McSwain is going to be packed with trout, anglers, and hopefully a whole lot of fun! 🎣🍂

Fall Classic Trout Derby
📅 Saturday, October 10
⏰ 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍 Lake McSwain

Grab your rods, bring the family, and we’ll see you Saturday! 🎣🍂

🎃👻 MCSWAIN MONSTER MASH 👻🎃Get ready for a spooky evening at Lake McSwain! Saturday, October 24 will bring costumes, camp...
10/05/2026

🎃👻 MCSWAIN MONSTER MASH 👻🎃

Get ready for a spooky evening at Lake McSwain! Saturday, October 24 will bring costumes, campsite decorating, and trick-or-treating to the campground. The Monster Mash is open to both campers and day-use visitors!

🎃 3–4 PM | Campsite Decoration Contest
Decorate your campsite and compete for prizes including a 3-night cabin stay, 3-night camping stay, or annual boat & vehicle pass! Site judging is 3-4PM.

👻 4–5 PM | Costume Contest
Kids and adults can show off their best costumes for a chance to win cabin stays, camping stays, annual passes, and goodie bags!

🍬 5–6 PM | Trailer or Treat
McSwain Campground will be closed to vehicle traffic during Trailer or Treat. Campers who want to participate will receive a special camp tag at check-in to let trick-or-treaters know their campsite is handing out candy.

🎃 Day-use visitors are welcome to join the Costume Contest and Trailer-or-Treat! Campers can participate in all three activities.

🏆 There are some great prizes up for grabs, so start planning your costume and campsite now!

📅 Saturday, October 24
📍 Lake McSwain Recreation Area
🎟️ Open to campers & day-use visitors

👉 Visit the link in our bio for full event details, contest information, and all prize details.

🎣 MAKE A WEEKEND OF THE FALL CLASSIC!The Fall Classic Lake McSwain Trout Derby is this Saturday, October 10, and there’s...
10/04/2026

🎣 MAKE A WEEKEND OF THE FALL CLASSIC!

The Fall Classic Lake McSwain Trout Derby is this Saturday, October 10, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by turning derby day into a full weekend at the lake.

🏕️ Stay at McClure Point for 40% OFF*
Use promo code THEPOINT when booking a qualifying stay of 3 or more nights. It’s the perfect home base for a weekend of fishing, relaxing, and enjoying the fall weather.

⏰ Book by October 9 to use the promo!

We also have ONE campsite remaining at Lake McSwain for the Derby weekend. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

🎣 Tagged fish, prizes, family fun, and a whole weekend at the lake. Grab your gear and come make a weekend of it!

📲 Book your campsite through the link in our bio.

*Must book by 10/9/26 using promo code THEPOINT. Valid for new reservations at McClure Point checking in 10/4-10/9/26 with a minimum 3-night stay including Friday, 10/9. 40% off nightly camping rate, up to 12 nights.

10/04/2026

🚻🌊 Meet the SS Relief!

Late this summer, we welcomed a new floating restroom to Lake McSwain, giving boaters a convenient place to take a break while enjoying the lake.

With the Fall Classic Trout Derby coming up, the SS Relief is especially handy for anglers spending the day on the water. Whether you’re trolling for trout or just enjoying a day at the lake, you can now make a quick stop without having to head back to shore.

A special thank you to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (Boat California) for providing this new floating restroom, and to Twin Lakes Management Company (TLMC) for helping us get it launched and securely anchored.

The SS Relief also replaces a piece of Lake McSwain history. Before its arrival, McSwain was home to the oldest standing floating restroom in California. Keeping that restroom on the water for so many years took a lot of care and maintenance from both our Parks staff and TLMC, and we’re grateful for all the work that went into keeping it going for so long.

We’re excited to welcome the SS Relief to the lake and give our old floating restroom a well-earned retirement! 🚤🌊

09/16/2026

🎣🍂 THE FALL CLASSIC TROUT DERBY IS COMING! 🍂🎣

Fall is one of the best times to be on the water, and the Fall Classic Lake McSwain Trout Derby is back on Saturday, October 10!

Bring the family, grab your fishing gear, and enjoy a classic day of fishing, friendly competition, and beautiful fall weather at Lake McSwain.

🎣 DERBY DETAILS
📅 Saturday, October 10
⏰ Fishing window: 7:00 AM-3:00 PM
📍 Lake McSwain

There’s no advance registration, no app, and no derby registration fee - just show up and fish! The $20 vehicle entry fee* includes derby participation for everyone in your vehicle. Annual passholders and registered campers can participate at no additional cost.

Active and veteran military, first responders, and Merced/Mariposa County students receive free vehicle entry on October 10.**

🎟️ SAVE TIME AT THE GATE
Vehicle passes can be purchased ahead of time through the Yodel Portal. Link in bio.

🎣 CATCH A TAGGED FISH, WIN A PRIZE!
Tagged fish will be released for the derby, and anglers who catch one can turn in the tag between 7 AM and 3 PM for a chance to win prizes, including:
🏕️ 3-night cabin & camping stays
🏡 2-night cabin & camping stays
🎟️ Annual vehicle and boat passes
🌊 Splash-n-Dash passes
🛶 Kayak/paddleboard rentals
And more!

Looking to make a weekend of it? We still have campsites available at Lake McSwain and McClure Point. Use promo code THEPOINT for 40% off qualifying stays of 3 or more nights at McClure Point.***

So grab your rods, bring your family and friends, and come enjoy a fall day at Lake McSwain! 🍂🎣

*All vehicles entering the park through the Lake McSwain entrance will be charged the $20 entry fee. Vehicle entry fee covers entry into the Classic for all passengers.

**Military and first responders must show valid ID to claim free vehicle day-use entry. Students must show student ID to claim free vehicle day-use entry.

***Must book by 10/9/26 using promo code THEPOINT. Valid for new reservations at McClure Point checking in 10/4–10/9/26 with a minimum 3-night stay including Friday, 10/9. 40% off nightly camping rate, up to 12 nights.

09/15/2026

🛶✨ THANK YOU FOR AN INCREDIBLE LAO BOAT RACING FESTIVAL!

What a special day at Lake Yosemite! ❤️

Thank you to the Vatthanatham Lao Foundation, the boat teams, vendors, volunteers, organizers, and everyone who came out Saturday to celebrate Lao culture, community, and tradition at the Lao Boat Racing Festival.

From the food and vendors to the music, dancing, traditional clothing, and, of course, the excitement on the water, it was wonderful to see Lake Yosemite filled with so much energy and community spirit.

We’re grateful to have been able to host this celebration and share in such a meaningful cultural tradition with the Merced community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Saturday such a memorable day, and we look forward to seeing the Lao Boat Races return to Lake Yosemite! 🛶💙

Address

7857 Lake McClure Rd
Snelling, CA
95369

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