Description

California, Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area

Directions:

From the small town of Coulterville, take Highway-132 Southbound for approximately two miles.  Look for the park entrance on the left side of the highway.

Please see the Campbase map tab for the parks location.

Comment

The Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area is part of the Merced Irrigation Districtrict(MID).  MID operates several lakes in the local counties.  When Campbase visited the lake in September 2026 the water level was low.  Please see our picture tab for pictures of the lake.  The low water level made accessing the lake from the campground more difficult.  The paved launch ramp did not reach the water.  Call before you go to verify boat launching is possible.  Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ.  Camp fires were not allowed during the Campbase visit due to high fire danger.  All of the brush is brown and extreme caution should be taken with anything that sparks.  All campground roads are paved, parking pads were crushed rock.  Drinking water was available at several locations.  Most camp spots also had a shade shelter above the picnic table.  Restrooms with showers were located around the campground.  There was also a dump station.  Some camp spots did have shade trees.  Reservable sites were marked with a red circle on the camp site post.  Cell service had two bars.

Local Recreation:

The small historic town of Coulterville is located just two miles from the recreation area.  There are shops, a museum, a bar and small market.  It's interesting to walk around and see the old buildings.  See our pictures tab for a few pictures of the town.