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.

Reservoir Conditions

Lake conditions vary seasonally at New Melones Lake depending on weather and annual rainfall. Please visit the following link for the most up-to-date lake condition information http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/staMeta?station_id=NMS

UPDATE: July 3, 2024

What’s closed?

  • Campground: Ironhorse, sites 45-59 and 80-89 (closed for repairs)
  • Glory Hole Dump Station, both fish cleaning stations

What’s open?

  • The Visitor Center and Museum are open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The Administrative office is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pass sales
  • Entrance gates to Tuttletown and Glory Hole recreation areas remain open daily from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Day Use Areas (within Tuttletown and Glory Hole): Heron Point, Eagle Point, Lupine, Osprey Point, and Buck Brush
  • Campgrounds: Manzanita, Chamise, Acorn, Big Oak, Oak Knoll, Fiddleneck, and Ironhorse (except sites 45-59, 80-89)
  • Boat Launches: All boat launches remain available in both Tuttletown and Glory Hole
  • Trails: All hiking trails including Natural Bridges
  • Tuttletown dump station
  • New Melones Lake Marina (customers should contact 209-785-3300 for more information)
  • 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: 

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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: 7/18/24