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

UPDATE: July 23, 2021

What’s closed?

  • The Administrative office and Museum.
  • Osprey Point Day Use Area.
  • Glory Hole’s Angels Creek boat launch and fish cleaning station.

What’s open?

  • The Visitor Center is open for pass sales Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • All campgrounds are open to reservation only camping. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/ for more information and to book a campsite.
  • Day-use areas at Black Bart, Buck Brush, Heron Point, Lupine and Eagle Point.
  • Natural Bridges Trail.
  • 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 209-593-9094 ext. 219 or ejohnson@usbr.gov
  • Entrance gates to Tuttletown and Glory Hole Recreation Areas are open daily from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • The Marina is open. Customers should contact 209-785-3300 for more information.

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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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: 7/26/21