New Melones

IMPORTANT NOTICE: In support of the President’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, face masks are now required in all federal buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on federally managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

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New Melones is part of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project. It is located off of Highway 49, some 8 miles north of Sonora and 6 miles south of Angels Camp, in the Mother Lode.

Each year, around 600,000 visitors enjoy New Melones’ numerous recreational opportunities. Facilities include day use areas; boat launch ramps; more than 300 campsites; hiking, biking and equestrian trails; a visitor center and museum; and abundant water-based recreation.

Reservoir Conditions

Lake conditions vary seasonally at New Melones Lake depending on weather and annual rainfall. Please see the following link for the most up-to-date lake condition information: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/staMeta?station_id=NMS

April 8, 2021  

What’s closed?

  • The Administrative office, all group campsites and picnic areas due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and in support of state recommended guidelines and requests from Calaveras and Tuolumne county health officials.
  • Special Use activities including fishing tournaments, equestrian events, etc. are not allowed until further notice. If you have additional questions, contact Park Ranger Eric Johnson at 209-593-9094 ext. 219 or ejohnson@usbr.gov
  • Areas closed for maintenance: Manzanita and Chamise campgrounds, Tuttletown dump station, Glory Hole fish cleaning station and Osprey Point Day Use Area
  • Angels Creek Boat Launch and Parking

What’s open?

  • The Visitor Center is open for pass sales Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Campgrounds: Acorn in Tuttletown, Ironhorse & Big Oak in Glory Hole. Reservation only camping. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/ for more info and to book campsites.
  • Day-use areas at Black Bart, Buck Brush and Heron Point
  • Natural Bridges Trail
  • Tuttletown fish cleaning station and Glory Hole dump station
  • Entrance gates to Tuttletown and Glory Hole are open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The Marina; customers should contact them for more information at 209-785-3300.

All visitors are advised to continue to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

When visiting be sure to adhere to the following:

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Help Us Protect Our Historic Resources

Visitors are asked to help protect historic resources by not handling, removing or destroying any artifacts or ruins along the lake bed. These sites and artifacts are protected by federal and state laws that prohibit disturbing the sites in any way. In addition, the use of metal detectors is not allowed on Reclamation lands per 43 CFR 423.29(f). Please report the finding or destruction/removal of any ruins or artifacts to the New Melones Administration Office at 209-536-9094.

Recreational Interests

  • Concession Business Opportunity
  • New Melones Lake & Recreation Brochure (PDF - 5.7MB)
  • Hunting areas (Map)
  • Recreation Activities/Interpretive Program Announcements

    • Reservations and Recreational Information

  • Glory Hole Recreation Area
  • Tuttletown Recreation Area
  • REA Fee Program
  • Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels
  • Fish Species at New Melones Lake

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    Last Updated: 4/8/21