A new summer season at Lake McSwain, a new opportunity to soak in the fun at Lake McSwain in Snelling.

While 209 Magazine has documented all the fun on the water with folks over at the Splash-N-Dash inflatable water park, the site has welcomed plenty of other activities for visitors of all ages.

Prior to the popular waterpark’s opening in 2018, Lake McSwain was already a popular destination for tourists and community members alike. 

The Lake McSwain campground is home to a marina, perfect for fishing, swimming and picnics. Unlike other lakes, Lake McSwain is an after bay and its water levels are not affected by local water conditions, making it easy for swimmers to take a dip.

For the fishing aficionados, Lake McSwain is home of Merced’s annual Trout Fishing Derby, which takes place twice a year, first in April for the spring derby and then in October for the fall derby.

For those not participating in the intense fishing competitions, other wranglers can take advantage of calm 10 mile-per-hour speed limits on the water and take their time trying to bait and reel in the wide variety of trout species. 

The Lake McSwain campground also has multiple cabins available for rent if tents and sleeping bags isn’t your thing.

Nearby is The Reel Deal Marina Store and Café. The store offers guests fishing tackle, camping gear and snacks to accommodate any fishing trip, picnics or camp sites. Whether you’re in a tent or have a roof over your head, The Reel Deal’s café gives visitors an opportunity to sit down and order breakfast burritos, burgers, tacos, hot dogs and appetizers. 

The grounds also have fish cleaning stations, kayak rentals, a playground, barbecue grills, event pavilions, horseshoe pits and a rentable barbecue pit.

For more information on Lake McSwain, to view park rates and hours or to purchase passes, head to www.lakemcclure.com/lake-mcswain-camping-recreation.