Map showing campground location near Fall River Lake, California

Camper submitted image from USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground

USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground

The US Bureau of Reclamation operates this 40-site campground with reservations available year-round for $22 per night plus booking fees. Sites accommodate RVs up to 38 feet and include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms with showers and a dump station. Multiple access options include drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in sites positioned on different elevations throughout the area.

Sites 116 and 117 provide elevated lake views, though campers should expect steep approaches to fire pits on hillside locations. The campground sits tucked below road level, creating natural privacy between sites and reducing traffic noise. Joshua H. notes "bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked." Carson Creek Trail and Gold Rush Trail both start from the campground, offering easy walking despite their moderate ratings.

Water levels at New Melones Lake fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and views. Spring visits may encounter increased mosquito activity. Site 142 provides afternoon shade and level ground with ADA accessibility. The campground tends to stay relatively uncrowded during weekdays, with weekend availability varying by season. For additional camping options in the region, see camping near New Melones Resource Management Area.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

San Francisco to Santa Barbara: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground is located in California

Directions

From town, S 3 mi on Hwy 49 (R)

Coordinates

38.00630812 N
120.53933918 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 20 users
Last on 3/29/26
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 3/29/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 3/29/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 20 users
Last on 3/29/26
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 3/29/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 3/29/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

1 hr 1 min from Stockton, CA
1 hr 9 min from Modesto, CA
1 hr 11 min from Merced, CA
1 hr 26 min from Sacramento, CA

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the good-sized sites with lake views and peaceful atmosphere. Many mentioned the clean facilities and privacy from road positioning, though park hours require early arrival planning.

Mallory K.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 21, 2025

Big sites with views

My family of four enjoyed camping here. Site 116 is great. It is a little steep to get to the fire pit but the view were worth it.

Site116

Month of VisitApril

Mahdi

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 2, 2021

Clean Peaceful Beautiful

It is beautiful, clean and not crowded. We planned it last night and it had plenty of spots to pick from. The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot.

Site025

Month of VisitOctober

Lori T.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 6, 2021

Five stars for Springtime Visit!

Hardly anyone here at the moment. We pulled in on Easter Sunday to a near empty campground. The campground is quiet and the scenery is amazing this time of year. There are easily accessible hiking trails that were a great help in wearing out the pups. We loved site 106 in the Big Oak campground, but found others that were even better view wise. 116 and 117 had great views of a larger part of the lake. Water level is down considerably. $22 per night plus online reservation fee. Our total for 2 nights was $52. No hookups.

Update: We liked this campground enough to come back a second time in two weeks. The campground was a little busier than last visit, but surprisingly empty during the week. The mosquitoes have definitely increased! Site #142 has great afternoon shade, a nice view, and is very level. It’s also a handicapped accessible site so I’m not sure what availability will be like in busier months. Took the pups for a walk on the Carson Creek Trail. It’s listed as a ‘moderate’ trail as is the Gold Rush Trail. Don’t be dissuaded by that. Both trails are really easy and offer great views.

Site#106 and #142

Month of VisitApril

(10) View All

Joshua H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2019

Decent campground

I wasn’t expecting much due to being in the valley and looking to be pretty run of the mill online. I was pleasantly surprised. Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked.

william S.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 18, 2018

Glory hole side

not bad a little warm most of the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Big Oak Campground in California?

Big Oak Campground offers spacious campsites with fire rings and picnic tables at each spot. The sites are nicely positioned on a slight hill from the road, providing good privacy for campers. Clean, well-maintained restrooms are available and are regularly stocked. The campground features beautiful scenery and is known for being clean and relatively uncrowded. Some sites, like 106 and 116, offer particularly nice views, though site 116 has a somewhat steep approach to the fire pit area.

How do I make reservations at Big Oak Campground?

Big Oak Campground typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as it often has plenty of available spots. For the most current reservation information, contact the campground directly or check with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation which manages the Glory Hole Recreation Area. Note that the park gates close at 8:00 PM, so plan your arrival accordingly. If you're planning to visit during holidays or peak summer months, arriving early is recommended to secure your preferred site.

What are the best hiking trails near Big Oak Campground?

There are easily accessible hiking trails directly from Big Oak Campground that are perfect for day hikes and walking dogs. These trails showcase the beautiful surrounding scenery and are particularly picturesque during spring when the landscape is vibrant. While specific trail names aren't detailed, the trails are well-suited for various skill levels and provide an excellent way to explore the area. For more information about specific trail routes, distances, and difficulty levels, check with campground staff upon arrival.

Keep Exploring