Planning Your Visit

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.

Lake conditions vary seasonally at New Melones Lake depending on weather and annual rainfall. Visit the following link for the most up-to-date lake condition information, California Data Exchange Resources, Water Resources

The Administrative office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pass sales and information. For assistance, please Contact Us: bor-newmelonesrec@usbr.gov New Melones. For online pass purchase, please visit Recreation.gov

Contact Us Updates Trails and Maps Fees, Passes, and Permits Boating and Fishing

Visitor Center Tuttletown Recreation Area Glory Hole Recreation Area Hunting

Location

New Melones Lake is located on Highway 49, approximately 8 miles (13 km) north of Sonora and 6 miles (9 km) south of Angels Camp, California. Located in the Mother Lode, it is within a short drive of other attractions such as Railtown 1897 in Jamestown, Columbia State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and only a 1.5 hour drive to Yosemite National Park. Interactive Map

The Bureau of Reclamation provides developed facilities at Glory Hole and Tuttletown Recreation Areas. Easy access is found off of Highway 49.

For a detailed map of the New Melones Lake area click HERE (PDF - 2.1MB).

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Weather

Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the weather is typical of California, with a dry, hot summer and wet winter pattern.

Temperatures can reach 113 °F (45 °C) in the summer to a winter low of 14 °F (-10 °C). Annual precipitation varies from 20 inches (50 cm) in the vicinity of the New Melones Dam to 40 inches (101 cm) in the upper reaches of the reservoir. Most precipitation falls between November and April.

Yearly Temperature Averages (°F) for the Sonora Area

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Hi	55	58	62	69	80	94	101	98	90	84	78	66
Lo	33	36	38	42	47	53	59	57	53	45	38	33

Pets

Your pet is welcome to come along with you during your visit; however, whether in the campground or on a hiking trail, New Melones Lake requires the animal to be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 m) in length and pets are not to be left unattended at any time. Please note, pets are not permitted on the Natural Bridges trail.

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