New Melones

New Melones Lake

UPDATES:

  • Seasonal closures and hours in effect from Oct. 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022
  • When there is a red flag warning in effect for New Melones (building a fire using charcoal or ash-producing fires and fuels is prohibited)
  • The access road to the Angels Creek Launch and the Buck Brush Day Use Area within the Glory Hole Recreation Area is temporarily closed to vehicle traffic for construction. The area continues to remain open to hikers and cyclists.

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.

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

UPDATE: April 1, 2022

What’s closed?

  • Campgrounds: Manzanita, Acorn, and Chamise; and Oak Knoll and Fiddleneck group camp
  • Day Use Areas: Heron Point and Osprey Point
  • Boat Launch: Angels Creek
  • The Administrative office and Museum.

What’s open?

  • The Visitor Center is open for pass sales Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Entrance gates to Tuttletown and Glory Hole recreation areas remain open daily from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Campgrounds: Ironhorse and Big Oak
  • Day Use Areas: Black Bart, Buck Brush, Lupine, and Eagle Point
  • Boat Launches: Glory Hole main ramp, and Tuttletown ramp
  • Trails: Natural Bridges, Table Mountain, and Peoria
  • New Melones Lake Marina (customers should contact 209-785-3300 for more information)
  • Tuttletown fish cleaning station, Tuttletown dump station, and Glory Hole dump station.
  • Special Use activities including fishing tournaments, equestrian events, houseboat launching, etc. If you have additional questions, contact Park Ranger Eric Johnson at 209-536-9094 ext. 219 or ejohnson@usbr.gov

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

Please keep New Melones beautiful by following these minimum impact practices:

leave no trace thumbnail
Download PDF Version: English | Spanish

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: 3/31/22