News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Spring Recreation Area Openings and Operational Adjustments at New Melones Lake Effective May 23

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

For Release: May 09, 2013

New Melones Lake activities
New Melones Lake activities

SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announces spring recreation area openings and changes to gate closure times at New Melones Lake. Effective Thursday, May 23, most recreation facilities at New Melones Lake will be open for public use including:

  • All campgrounds will open with the exception of Chamise Campground in the Tuttletown Recreation Area, which will remain closed until further notice due to necessary infrastructure repairs. Individual and group campsites and group picnic reservations can be made a minimum of two days in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or at www.recreation.gov.
  • All Day Use Areas at New Melones Lake will open on May 23. The exception is the Angels Creek restroom and fish cleaning station, which will remain closed until further notice. A portable restroom will be available at the Angels Creek boat ramp for the convenience of visitors. Please note that if the lake level drops below 975 feet, the Angels Creek boat ramp will be closed.
  • The gates into the Glory Hole and Tuttletown recreation areas will be open from 4 a.m. until 11 p.m. from Thursday, May 23, through Monday, Sept. 30. (The gates are currently open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
  • The Visitor Center and Museum will be open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or as staffing allows.
  • The New Melones Lake Administration Office will continue to be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, effective May 23, the office will begin accepting special use and right of use permit requests, including all fishing tournaments. Park Rangers will continue to accept educational program requests.

Volunteers are needed to help staff the Visitor Center and Museum and 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, please call the Visitor Center and Museum at 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit 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:

Volunteer Info

New Melones