Lake McClure

Boating

Lake McClure is big enough for boaters to spread out, with lots of nice coves and inlets and a wide body of open water near the dam. Waterskiers and Wakeboarders mingle easily with recreational boaters, sailors, and anglers. A modest entrance fee and launch fee make it an affordable place to visit time and again. Launch ramps are situated around the lake. Houseboating is popular at the lake.

Marinas

Lake McClure has three marinas, two on the west side of the lake and a third on the north shore. Services vary at the marinas. Barrett Cove Marina offers the most services and rents a variety of boats such as ski boats, patio boats, houseboats, and personal watercraft.

Fishing

Lake McClure is a strong fishing lake with salmon, trout, bass, and other species. Fishing tournaments are held at the lake. Fishing boats can be rented at Barrett Cove Marina. Shore fishing is good around the marinas and campgrounds and at come of the more remote coves and creek inlets.

Campgrounds

There are three four campgrounds at Lake McClure, most of them offering RV hook-ups, and all of them having hot showers, washers and dryers and other great amenities. Although there are no specific group campgrounds, guests can reserve clusters of sites to create a group area. Reservations are taken. Although the campgrounds fill up on weekends, often there are empty sites during the week.

Lodging

There is no lodging at Lake McClure. In nearby Coulterville there are a few places to stay. For the most part, those seeking indoor accommodations will need to travel to Mariposa or west into the valley.

Scenery

Among the foothill reservoirs, Lake McClure is one of prettier ones. Rolling hills and stately oaks give the lake a warm, friendly ambiance. Because there is not a lot of development around the lake, it has a relaxed feel to it.

Nearby Communities

Coulterville is the only town close to Lake McClure. Modesto lies 42 miles to the west while the charming community of Mariposa is only 17 miles southeast of Bagby Campground. Thirty miles to the south is Merced. Yosemite National Park is only about 50 miles to the east.

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