News Release Archive

New Melones Lake: A Great Place to Enjoy the Fourth of July

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: June 26, 2015

Skins, Scat and Skulls interpretive program at New Melones Reservoir.SONORA, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation's Central California Area Office invites the public to visit New Melones Lake over the Fourth of July weekend and enjoy its many recreational opportunities.

The Glory Hole Recreation Area (4 a.m. to 11 p.m.) offers many hiking and biking trails to explore. The Ironhorse and Big Oak Campgrounds, along with the Osprey Point and Black Bart Day Use Areas, are open for camping, picnicking and shore fishing. Unimproved lake access for car-top or small boats is available at Glory Hole Point (four-wheel drive is recommended for boat launching).

The New Melones Lake Marina, located in the Glory Hole Recreation Area, offers boat rentals, boat slips, marine fuel, a retail store and other services. For updated marina service information, please visit the marina's website at http://newmeloneslakemarina.com.

On Saturday, July 4th, at 7:30 p.m., visitors are invited to the Glory Hole Amphitheater to join in the fun playing Reclamation's version of JEOPARDY! Park Rangers will divide participants into teams and test their knowledge of the lake?s history and wildlife. This activity is free and does not require reservations. Participants will be issued a parking pass for the duration of the event.

In the Tuttletown Recreation Area (4 a.m. to 11 p.m.) the Manzanita Campground and the Heron Point, Eagle Point and Lupine Day Use Areas are open. Tuttletown offers eight miles of hiking and biking trails through its beautiful oak woodlands. An RV dump station is available for a fee. The Acorn and Chamise Campgrounds and the Tuttletown Launch Ramp are closed due to low lake levels.

The Mark Twain Day Use Area (6:30 a.m. to sunset on weekdays and holiday weekends; 7:30 a.m. to sunset on non-holiday weekends) is a great place for fishing, hiking and picnicking.

The New Melones Lake Visitor Center & Museum (Thursday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as staffing permits) offers exhibits on the area's geologic past, Me-Wuk Indians and early human history, the Gold Rush and mining techniques, the town of Robinson Ferry, and natural history.

Due to low lake levels, the floating restrooms are not available. Boaters will only be charged the $8 Day Use Fee, not the $10 Boat Launch Fee. Campsites are available by reservation and on a first-come, first served basis. To make a reservation, visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. For a listing of New Melones fees, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/docs/latest_Pass_Fee_Info_Handout.pdf.

For additional information, please contact the New Melones Office at 209-536-9094, ext 0 (TTY 800-877-8339), Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/newmelones /index.html.

# # #

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.