The New Melones Resource Management Area encompasses Glory Hole Recreation Area, a Bureau of Reclamation campground that accommodates RVs up to 90 feet alongside tent campers. Sites feature water hookups and picnic tables, with both drive-in and walk-in options available across forested and open terrain. The campground operates year-round with rates from $18-$22 per night, though reviewers note access roads can be rough.
Campers overlook New Melones Lake from hillside sites, with fishing, kayaking, and swimming available when water levels permit. Ryan D. found his site "nice and large" with room for multiple tents and two vehicles on level ground. Wildlife sightings include deer, turkeys, and occasional mountain lions according to recent reports. Summer temperatures can reach 110°F, making shade selection important for comfort.
Restroom facilities receive mixed reviews, with some campers reporting maintenance issues and lukewarm showers. The campground serves as a base for exploring [campgrounds around New Melones Resource Management Area], though visitors should pack accordingly for temperature extremes and potential wildlife encounters. Nearby USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground provides an alternative within the same recreation area.
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (209) 459-7290.
Charges & Cancellations
All site changes and cancellations need to be done through the Recreation.gov website.
Fee Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGlory Hole Recreation Area is located in California near Angels
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 16 usersLast on 6/10/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 6/10/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 6/10/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 6/10/26
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
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
