Which Lake McClure boat ramps are open?

At last check McClure Point's north and south ramps and Barrett Cove's south ramp were open; Barrett Cove north, the Horseshoe Bend main ramp and Bagby were closed, with a low-water dirt extension in use at Horseshoe Bend. Status changes with lake level, so check the District's site.

How much does it cost to launch at Lake McClure?

The FY2026 schedule listed $9 per day for a boat/trailer plus $10 per vehicle, or $100 for an annual boat/trailer pass, with discounts for military, disabled and seniors. Confirm the current schedule.

Can I water ski on Lake McClure?

Yes. The District promotes Lake McClure for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Nearby Lake McSwain is no-wake.

Does Lake McClure have mussel inspections?

Lake McClure appears on the regional quagga and zebra mussel self-inspection permit, which requires a clean, drained and dry boat and a signed permit on your dashboard. Ask District staff about any current golden mussel requirements before you tow.

Lake McClure Boating: McClure Point & Barrett Cove Ramps, Fees

Overview

Lake McClure is Merced Irrigation District's big reservoir on the Merced River in Mariposa County, formed by New Exchequer Dam in 1967 and holding about 1,032,000 acre-feet. It's a long, branching lake with plenty of coves and inlets, popular for waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing and houseboating. Smaller Lake McSwain sits just downstream and is a no-wake lake for paddling and quiet fishing.

Layout

The District runs four recreation areas with ramps on McClure: McClure Point near the dam (north and south ramps), Barrett Cove on the west side off Barrett Cove Road, Horseshoe Bend, and Bagby far up the Merced arm. McSwain has its own ramp and marina.

Ramp status changes with the water

Water level drives which ramps work. At last check McClure Point's north and south ramps and the Barrett Cove south ramp were open, Barrett Cove north and the Horseshoe Bend main ramp were closed (a low-water dirt extension to its right was usable), and Bagby was closed.

Houseboats and fees

The District publishes houseboat regulations and a houseboat information hub. Day-use boat fees are charged per boat and trailer, and annual passes are sold.

Getting there & access

McClure Point

Reached via Lake McClure Road from Snelling. North and south ramps with two boarding floats, plus fuel, a store, rentals, campsites, showers, laundry and a swimming area.

Barrett Cove

At 3100 Barrett Cove Road, La Grange. About 100 trailer parking spaces, a fish-cleaning station and restrooms. The south ramp was open and the north ramp closed at last check.

Horseshoe Bend and Bagby

Horseshoe Bend's main ramp was closed, with a low-water dirt extension ramp to its right in use. Bagby, up the Merced River arm, was closed. Expect these to open and close as the lake rises and falls.

Fees and passes

The FY2026 schedule (April 1, 2025–March 31, 2026) listed a $9 daily boat/trailer entry fee plus a $10 vehicle fee, or a $100 annual boat/trailer pass, with discounts for military, disabled and senior visitors. Check the current schedule before you go.

Amenities

McClure Point launch — North and south ramps, fuel, store, rentals, fish cleaning station, laundry, showers
Barrett Cove launch — 3100 Barrett Cove Road; about 100 trailer spaces; restrooms and fish cleaning
Barrett Cove Marina — Restaurant and slip rentals run by The Reel Deal (seasonal)
Lake McSwain Marina — Store and restaurant on the no-wake lake downstream
Floating restroom — Sewage-service floating restroom on the lake
Houseboat hub — District houseboat regulations and information

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Ski and wake boat engine service

Lake McClure's coves draw waterskiers and wakeboarders, and inboard ski boats running hot summer days need regular engine, impeller and cooling service.

Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →