TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA

New Melones Lake spans 12,500 surface acres and is California's fourth largest reservoir. The lake sits on the Stanislaus River in the foothills east of the Central Valley. Oak woodlands and steep terrain surround the water. The area sits at 1,100 feet elevation in a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool winters. Rolling hills, marble cliffs, and mixed vegetation typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills make up the landscape.

The campground has modern conveniences including flush toilets, showers, and water spigots at campsites. Fire rings and picnic tables are set up at each spot. A fish cleaning station and electric vehicle charging station are available in the day-use Lupine area. The recreation area gates open at 4 AM and close at 9 PM, though exit gates remain open at all times.

The lake draws visitors for fishing, boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. On land, you can hike, bike, rock climb, and picnic. Equestrian trails run through the Peoria Wildlife Mitigation Area. Natural Bridges is a marble cave area accessible from Parrott's Ferry Road. Table Mountain Trail leads to a nine-million-year-old lava flow overlook. The New Melones Visitor Center operates year-round with interpretive events and a museum covering natural and cultural resources.

Verify current rules, fees, and reservation procedures with the BOR office before arrival. Conditions and access change. Data verified May 2026.