New Melones

New Melones Lake

UPDATES:

New Melones is part of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project. It is located off of Highway 49, some 8 miles north of Sonora and 6 miles south of Angels Camp, in the Mother Lode.

Each year, around 600,000 visitors enjoy New Melones’ numerous recreational opportunities. Facilities include day use areas; boat launch ramps; more than 300 campsites; hiking, biking and equestrian trails; a visitor center and museum; and abundant water-based recreation.

Contact New Melones Lake

Administrative Office New Melones, or email ejohnson@usbr.gov

Reservoir Conditions

Lake conditions vary seasonally at New Melones Lake depending on weather and annual rainfall. Visit the following link for the most up-to-date lake condition information, California Data Exchange Resources, Water Resources

UPDATE: Dec 6, 2024

What’s Closed?

  • Campground: Chamise; Ironhorse, sites 45-59 and 80-89 (closed for repairs)
  • Boat launches: Glory Hole, Tuttletown, and Angels Creek
  • Glory Hole dump station
  • Glory Hole & Tuttletown fish cleaning stations

What’s Open?

  • The Administrative office is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pass sales and information. For assistance, please Contact Us: New Melones
  • The Visitor Center and Museum are open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Entrance gate to Tuttletown recreation areas remain open daily from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Tuttletown Day Use Areas
  • Glory Hole Day Use Areas
  • All Glory Hole & Tuttletown Campgrounds are open (except those listed above)
  • Entrance gates to Glory Hole recreation areas remain open daily from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Trails: All hiking trails including Natural Bridges
  • New Melones Lake Marina
  • Special Use activities including fishing tournaments, equestrian events, houseboat launching, etc. If you have additional questions, contact New Melones staff here or contact Park Ranger Eric Johnson at ejohnson@usbr.gov.

Please keep New Melones beautiful by following these minimum impact practices: 

leave no trace thumbnail
Download PDF Version: English | Spanish

Help Us Protect Our Historic Resources

Visitors are asked to help protect historic resources by not handling, removing or destroying any artifacts or ruins along the lake bed. These sites and artifacts are protected by federal and state laws that prohibit disturbing the sites in any way. In addition, the use of metal detectors is not allowed on Reclamation lands per 43 CFR 423.29(f). Please report the finding or destruction/removal of any ruins or artifacts to the New Melones Administration Office contact New Melones staff here or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Recreational Interests

  • New Melones Lake & Recreation Brochure (PDF - 5.7MB)
  • Hunting areas (Map)
  • Recreation Activities/Interpretive Program Announcements

    • Reservations and Recreational Information

  • Glory Hole Recreation Area
  • Tuttletown Recreation Area
  • REA Fee Program
  • Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels
  • Fish Species at New Melones Lake

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    Last Updated: 12/6/24