Motherlodelakes.com / New Melones Reservoir

New Melones Reservoir

New Melones holds a large population of Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Kokanee Salmon. New Melones has an abundance of timber and brush cover throughout the lake. There are Numerous Fishing Tournaments and Derbies held at New Melones every year. If you're looking for a great fishing experience, New Melones is the place for you. There are two launch ramps available at Melones, one at the Tuttletown Recreation Area, and another at the Glory Hole Recreation Area. The California Fish and Game Commission requires that all individuals 16 years of age and older must purchase an annual license before fishing in California.

The Glory Hole Recreation Area has two campgrounds. The Ironhorse Campground and the Big Oak Campground. There are a total of 144 campsites in the Glory Hole Recreaction area, along with three, day use areas, which include barbecue grills, picnic tables, running water and restrooms. Campgrounds include bathrooms w/ showers, barbecue and fire ring, fish cleaning station, telephones, watertaps, and a free launch ramp.

The Tuttletown Recreation Area has two campgrounds. The Manzanita Campground and the Chamise Campground. There are a total of 106 campsites in the Tuttletown Recreation Area. There are two group areas in the Manzanita Campground, Oak Knoll with 10 sites, and Fiddleneck with 6 sites. These are they only sites at New Melones that reservations are accepted. Also, there are two day use areas which include barbecue grills, picnic tables, running water and restrooms. Campgrounds include bathrooms w/ showers, barbecue and fire ring, fish cleaning station, telephones, watertaps, and a free launch ramp. Two vehicles and 8 people allowed for each standard site. 1 vehicle and 4 people allowed for each walk-to site. No extra vehicles allowed. All vehicles must park on parking pads. Total vehicle length must not exceed driveway length.

No trailers of any kind, boats, RV's, or motorhomes are allowed in the Chamise campground due to limited parking and short turnarounds.

There are no hookups at any of these campgrounds.

For your safety and security, the access roads to the Tuttletown Recreation Area and Glory Hole Recreation Area are closed at night. Gate closures times vary by season as shown below:

May 1 through September 30 gates close at 11 p.m. and re-open at 4 a.m

October 1 through October 31 gates close at 10 p.m. and re-open at 4 a.m

November 1 through March 31 gates close at 9 p.m. and re-open 4 a.m.

April 1 through April 30 gates close at 10 p.m. and re- open 4 a.m

Arriving campers should plan accordingly and be aware that during these hours there is no access to the campground.

Fees:

Day use....................................................$8.00 per day

Boat launching fee...................................$10.00 per day (includes the $8 day-use fee)

Camper's overflow vehicle/visitor fee.....$8.00 per day (includes the $8 day-use fee)

Annual Day Use Pass..............................$50.00 and is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase

Annual Boat Launch Pass..................... $70.00 (includes day use) and is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase

Standard family campsites.......................$22.00 per night/site / max 8 people, 2 vehicles

Walk-in campsites...................................$18.00 per night/site / max 4 people, 1 vehicle

RV dump station use ..............................$8.00 for registered campers / $16.00 for all other users

Eagle Point Group Picnic Area.................$60.00

Group Campgrounds:

Oak Knoll...............................................$125.00 per night / 20-50 people, max 10 vehicles

Fiddleneck..............................................$150.00 per night / 30-60 people, max 12 vehicles

ALL fee's subject to change without notice

For more information, you can contact the Bureau Of Reclamation at (209) 536-9094. Campsites are available by reservation through Recreation.gov and on a first-come, first serve basis. To make a reservation visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

Administrative Office

6850 Studhorse Flat Road

Sonora, California 95370

209/536-9094

Visitor Center & Museum

6850 Studhorse Flat Road

Sonora, California 95370

209/536-9543