News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Delays to Recreation Area Openings at New Melones Lake for Spring 2013

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: April 03, 2013

FOLSOM, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Central California Area Office will delay certain scheduled recreation area openings, reduce hours and make other changes at New Melones Lake due to federal budget constraints. Despite the necessary modifications, Reclamation remains committed to providing high-quality recreation opportunities this spring. New Melones Lake will continue to adhere to winter hours, and the following areas will remain closed until further notice:

  • Within the Tuttletown Recreation Area: Manzanita Campground, Chamise Campground, Oak Knoll Group Camp and Heron Point Day Use Area.
  • Within the Glory Hole Recreation Area: Ironhorse Campground campsites 9-22 and 70-79, Big Oak Campground, Angels Creek Boat Launch and Osprey Point Day Use Area.

Additional operational adjustments include:

  • Gate opening time for both of the lake’s recreation areas will be 4 a.m. with closing time at 10 p.m.
  • The New Melones Visitor Center and Museum will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be closed Monday through Wednesday.
  • New Melones staff will place all new requests for educational programs and all new land use authorization requests on a waiting list.
  • New Melones staff will continue to process special use permits for events with fewer than 100 participants, including fishing tournaments.

Due to the continuing closures, camping reservations through April 30 have been relocated to the open camping areas or refunds have been provided per customer request. To change an existing reservation or make a new reservation, please contact the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov.

Volunteers are needed to reopen the Visitor Center and Museum on a daily basis and to assist as Campground Hosts. For information, please visit the New Melones Lake website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/volunteering.html or contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at 209-536-9094 x215.

For additional information or questions, please call the Visitor Center and Museum at 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit the lake’s website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html. For information on New Melones Lake activities, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/news_info/latest_calendar.pdf.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

New Melones

New Melones Events Calendar