Established Camping
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills. Only gas or propane stoves are permitted.
Due to invasive Golden Mussels found in the Delta, all boaters must do a 30-day quarantine period before entering the lake. To begin your 30 days, please speak with ranger staff at either the launch or entrance from 8AM-4PM.
Glory Hole Recreation Area, near Angels Camp, California, is a unique camping spot that draws visitors with its stunning views and outdoor activities. The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, making it a flexible choice for different camping styles.
Campers rave about the picturesque scenery, especially from sites like 57, where the views are simply gorgeous. There are plenty of hiking trails nearby, perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and explore the natural beauty of the area. Just keep in mind that the summer heat can be intense, so pack accordingly.
While the campground has some limitations, like no showers or drinking water, many find the experience worthwhile. One visitor noted, “The campsite exceeded my expectations,” highlighting the beauty of the surroundings and the convenience of nearby amenities.
If you’re planning a trip, be ready for chilly nights and consider bringing earplugs if you’re camping with little ones, as some sites can be close together. With its blend of nature and adventure, Glory Hole Recreation Area is a solid choice for a memorable camping experience.
Description
Overview
Glory Hole Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River. The 12,500 surface-acre lake is the fourth largest reservoir in California and is situated along the edge of the Mother Lode, the rich gold vein that prompted the California Gold Rush of 1849. At an elevation of 1100 feet, the diverse and resource-abundant Foothill Oak Woodlands hug the 100 miles of shoreline. Popular activities on and around the large, yet uncrowded lake include fishing, boating, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and picknicking. The New Melones Visitor Center offers year-round interpretive events and a museum highlighting natural and cultural resources.
Recreation
Hiking, fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, boating, sailing and road and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available in Glory Hole Recreation Area. Camping is also permitted in designated campsites. Equestrian trails are also present in the Peoria Wildlife Mitigation Area and open for the general public. Other interesting sites include Natural Bridges, which can be accessed from Parrott's Ferry Road and has a nice hiking trail and a creek that flows through a marble cave. The Table Mountain Trail provides visitors an opportunity to hike to the top of an extensive lava flow which occurred over nine million years ago.
Facilities
The campground provides modern amenities like flush toilets, showers and drinking water. Visitors will also find a full-service marina, boat launch, day-use areas, barbeque grills and a fish cleaning station. There is an amphitheater for Ranger programs and horseshoe pits in the Ironhorse campground. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each campsite. Recreation Area entrance gates close at 9:00 PM, and open at 4:00 AM. Exit gates are never closed.
Natural Features
New Melones Lake is located in Northern California between the historic gold rush towns of Sonora and Angels Camp. The terrain varies from rolling hills to steep marble cliffs, and the vegetation consists of oaks, Ponderosa pines, chamise and buckbrush shrubs. Visitors can experience the beauty of New Melones by hiking the many trails in the Tuttletown and Glory Hole Recreation Areas. The climate is Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. For those who wish to venture outside the main recreation areas, there are many unique places to visit. Overall, the geography is quite varied and provides many opportunities for all types of recreation.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (209) 459-7290.
Nearby Attractions
Glory Hole Recreation Area is surrounded by many places of natural beauty including Natural Bridges, Camp Nine, Yosemite National Park, Stanislaus National Forest, Moaning Caverns, Big Trees State Park and Columbia State Park. Angels Camp Museum, Calaveras County Museum and Sonora Military Museum also provide great opportunities for learning interesting information about the area. Surrounding communities are popular vacation and retirement destinations and provide necessary services and shopping opportunities. Golfing, snow skiing, river rafting, commercial caves, historical railroad and Native American museums are close by as well.
Charges & Cancellations
All site changes and cancellations need to be done through the Recreation.gov website.
Fee Info
Location
Glory Hole Recreation Area is located in California
Directions
From Sacramento take 99 S, 88 W and 12 E to San Andreas. Take 49 S for approximately 15 miles. Turn right onto Whittle Ranch Road and follow the road 2 miles to the recreation area.From Central California and the Bay Area take 80 E, 580 E then 205 E to 120 E in Manteca. Take the exit for 120 E/99 N. Continue on 120 E, then take 108 E to 49N. Turn left onto Whittle Ranch Road and follow the road 2 miles to the recreation area.
Address
GLORY HOLE RECREATION AREA
6503 Whittle Ranch Road
Angels camp, CA 95222
Coordinates
38.0075 N
120.5402778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 10/4/25- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageLast on 9/11/25
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Stockton
- 1 hr 9 min from Modesto
- 1 hr 11 min from Merced
- 1 hr 26 min from Sacramento
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 10/4/25
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageLast on 9/11/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
