Camping › California › North Fork Primitive Camp
North Fork Primitive Camp
5 mi northeast of Bear Valley, CA · Verizon 4G · T-Mobile 5G
About North Fork Primitive Camp
Remember your [ OUTDOOR ETHICS](https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics) when enjoying your public lands. Please[ RECREATE RESPONSIBLY](https://www.recreateresponsibly.org). 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…
- Managed by: Merced River Recreation Management Area, BLM
- Where: 5 mi northeast of Bear Valley, CA · 37.61342, -120.05697
Things to do:
Weather by month
Typical daily highs and lows (°F), 1991–2020 NOAA normals. Best months: Apr–May & Oct (comfortable days, mild nights, little rain). Nights below freezing: None.
Fly over it in 3D, check today's weather and fire news, plan the drive and print a trip plan.
Trails near camp
| Trail | Open to | From camp | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merced River Trail | Hiking | at camp | 7.9 mi |
Straight-line distance from camp, from Forest Service, BLM, state and OpenStreetMap trail data.
Good to know
Verizon 4G · T-Mobile 5G
From the carriers' FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous.The Milky Way is bright, with a little glow low on the horizon.
Class 3 of 9, from NASA/NOAA night-light data.Dump station: 16.5 mi
Water fill-up: 10.8 mi
Camps nearby
- Railroad Flat Campground 2.1 mi
- Willow Placer Campground 2.7 mi
- McCabe Flat Campground 3.2 mi
- Bagby Campground 3.9 mi
- AutoCamp Yosemite 8.9 mi
- Dispersed spot · 3 mi NE of Midpines 9 mi