News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Seasonal Changes to Park Hours and Seasonal Recreation Area Closures at New Melones Lake

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, 09/02/2016 15:02

For Release: September 02, 2016

SONORA, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has scheduled annual recreation area closures at New Melones Lake from Oct. 1, 2016, through March 31, 2017. These annual closures allow Reclamation to perform necessary maintenance tasks and also allow for natural resource recovery.

  • Closures in the Tuttletown Recreation Area as listed: Chamise and Manzanita Campgrounds and Oak Knoll Group Camp. The Tuttletown Boat Launch remains closed due to the low water level. All other locations in Tuttletown will remain open year-round.
  • Closures in the Glory Hole Recreation Area as listed: Big Oak Campground, Ironhorse Campground sites 8-22, 45-59, and 70-89, and Osprey Point Day Use Area. All other locations in Glory Hole remain open year-round.
  • Beginning Sept. 15, 2016, gates for both recreation areas will be closed one hour earlier, at 10 p.m.
  • Beginning Oct. 15, 2016, through March 31, 2017, gates for both recreation areas will be closed at 9 p.m.
  • Beginning Sept. 15, 2016, the New Melones Lake Visitor Center & Museum will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as staffing allows, and closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Visitors should be aware that accessing the shoreline by foot can be difficult in areas due to the low water level. The water level at the lake fluctuates frequently, and Reclamation encourages all boaters to use caution while navigating the lake. Some existing and new hazards may still emerge as the lake’s surface elevation gradually drops due to continued drought conditions.

    • The New Melones Administration Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located at 6850 Studhorse Flat Road, Sonora, CA 95370. For additional information on activities, directions, pet restrictions, or other questions, please call the New Melones Visitor Center & Museum at 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or the Administration Office at 209-536-9094, ext. 0, or visit the New Melones Lake 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.