Lake Days: Lake McClure
Two big, quiet lakes, one on each side of us.
The short answer
Lake Days at Mariposa Highlands mean an afternoon on Lake McClure, the big reservoir you can see from our ridges in Coulterville, CA. Its Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area is just off Hwy 132 near Hwy 49, about 4 miles (10 to 15 minutes) from us. Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, boating, water skiing and fishing are all popular. The Merced River carries water from Yosemite down into Lake McClure, so this is your lake connection to Yosemite: very clean water that is generally a comfortable temperature compared with most lakes. Check water levels and closures before you go.
- Nearest access
- Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area, Lake McClure
- Drive
- About 4 miles (10 to 15 min)
- Things to do
- Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, boating, water skiing, fishing
- Quiet water
- 5 mph cove at Horseshoe Bend, next to the launch ramp
- The water
- Flows down from Yosemite on the Merced River
- Paddleboards
- Sometimes available to borrow; ask our team
- Managed by
- Merced Irrigation District
- Best season
- Late spring to early fall
A simple lake day plan
- 9:00 AM
Cows first
Mariposa HighlandsStart with the free 9 AM visit with Pearl, Lola and Lemon. See Meet the Highlanders.
- 10:30 AM
Down to Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area, Lake McClureTake Hwy 49 to Hwy 132; Horseshoe Bend is just off Hwy 132. Check the lake's website first for ramp, swim lagoon, and marina status.
- Midday
On the water
Lake McClureSwim, stand-up paddleboard, boat, water-ski, or fish. For kayaks and paddleboards, Horseshoe Bend has a 5 mph cove: launch just next to the launch ramp for a very quiet place to swim and paddle. We sometimes have extra paddleboards you can borrow, so ask our team if any are available and how to use them.
- Evening
Back for sunset
Mariposa HighlandsRinse off and watch the sun go down from outside your Airstream. See Dark Skies & Sunsets.
Insider tips from the family
- 01
Check conditions first
Water levels change a lot from year to year. Ramps, the swim lagoon, and marina services can close in low water, so check the Lake McClure website the morning you go.
- 02
Paddle the 5 mph cove
At Horseshoe Bend, the 5 mph cove next to the launch ramp is the quietest water for kayaks, paddleboards, and swimming.
- 03
Ask about paddleboards
We sometimes have extra paddleboards guests can borrow. Ask our team if any are available, and we'll show you how to use them.
- 04
Go early on summer weekends
Summer afternoons are hot and the ramps get busy. Morning water is calmer and cooler.
- 05
Read the fish advisory
California has a mercury advisory for fish from Lake McClure. Check the OEHHA guide before you eat what you catch.
- 06
Life jackets for everyone
Reservoir water can be cold and deep close to shore. Bring a life jacket for each person, especially children.
Getting there
From Mariposa Highlands, take Hwy 49 to Hwy 132. Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area is just off Hwy 132.
Lake Don Pedro is on our other side.
Lake McClure was formed by the New Exchequer Dam on the Merced River, completed in 1967. The Merced flows down from Yosemite into the lake, which is why the water is so clean.
The roads are paved asphalt all the way to us.
Good to know
- Open wood fires are not allowed at the Lake McClure recreation areas under current rules. Check before you go.
- Lake rules are set by the Merced Irrigation District and can change.
- There are no lifeguards at most shorelines.
- We do not run boat trips or lessons.
Questions guests ask us
How far is Lake McClure from Mariposa Highlands?
Lake McClure's Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area is just off Hwy 132 near Hwy 49. From us it is about 4 miles, 10 to 15 minutes by car.
What can you do at Lake McClure?
Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, boating, water skiing, and fishing. We sometimes have extra paddleboards to borrow; ask our team.
Does Lake McClure connect to Yosemite?
Yes. The Merced River flows down from Yosemite into Lake McClure, so the water is very clean and generally a comfortable temperature compared with most lakes.
Can you swim in Lake McClure?
Many people swim from shore, but the Horseshoe Bend swim lagoon can close in low water. Check current conditions, wear a life jacket, and never swim alone.
Where is the calmest water for kayaks and paddleboards?
The 5 mph cove at Horseshoe Bend. Launch just next to the launch ramp; it is a very quiet place to swim and paddleboard.
Is the lake in your drone photos Lake McClure?
Yes. The lake you see from our ridges and in our aerial photos is Lake McClure. Lake Don Pedro is on our other side.
Can we fish at Lake McClure?
Yes, with a California fishing license. Read the state's mercury advisory for Lake McClure before eating your catch.
