News Release Archive

New Melones Lake Open for the Recreation Season

Media Contact: Louis Moore, 916-978-5100, wmoore@usbr.gov

For Release: May 21, 2014

SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announced that New Melones Lake has prepared campgrounds and boat ramps for the Memorial Day weekend and the coming summer season. Alex Michalek, Park Manager for New Melones Lake, says, “Come on out to the lake. We’re open for business.”

Various trails are available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The New Melones Lake Marina features houseboat rentals, water skiing and fishing craft, as well as kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and other personal water craft. A store on the floating dock at the marina provides gasoline and other items.

The paved concrete ramp at Glory Hole Point is currently available for launching boats. A lower-level ramp will emerge soon, extending the ramp for continued launching at Glory Hole Point. Across the lake at Tuttletown Recreation Area, the lowest level boat ramp is expected to remain open for several weeks after Memorial Day weekend until the lake drops below the current ramp level.

Water levels at the lake fluctuate frequently, and Reclamation encourages all boaters to use caution while navigating the lake. Some hazards are expected to emerge from the lake surface as the elevation gradually drops more than usual over this summer season due to continued drought conditions. Boaters are required to maintain speeds of no more than 5 miles per hour within 200 feet of any island or shoreline. Wearing life jackets contribute to a more safe and enjoyable day on the lake. Children age 11 and younger must wear a properly fitting life jacket while on a vessel of 26 feet or less.

Campsites are still available for reservation for the weekend. Reservations may be made by calling the toll-free reservation line at 877-444-6777 (10 a.m. - midnight EST) or at www.recreation.gov. New Melones Lake is managed by the Mid-Pacific Region’s Central California Area Office and is located near Highway 49 between Angels Camp and Sonora, Calif.

For questions on the latest recreation opportunities and conditions at New Melones Lake, please call 209-536-9094 or visit the New Melones website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html.

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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:

For Reservations

New Melones Website