Managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation, this established campground sits within the New Melones Resource Management Area with sites accommodating RVs up to 40 feet. The access road can present challenges, with multiple campers noting rough conditions that require careful navigation.
Sites cluster relatively close together, with reviewers consistently mentioning the compact spacing between neighbors. Hunter P. found the layout "packed in tight" and "def geared for tent camping," though he managed to fit his 27-foot toy hauler during a quiet period. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with water hookups available at select locations. The spacing between hookups varies significantly across different areas of the campground.
New Melones Lake provides the main recreation draw, though water levels fluctuate substantially throughout the year. Swimming remains popular when the lake level allows, while the open water attracts powerboats more than kayakers. Fishing access requires a short drive to designated areas rather than direct waterfront camping. Wildlife sightings include deer and raccoons, with campers advised to secure food properly.
Facilities include both vault toilets and flush restrooms with coin-operated showers, though availability can vary seasonally. Mon M. found the facilities "very nice and clean" during an October visit. The dump station charges an $8 fee, and firewood requires a trip to nearby Lakeridge Inn Gas station. Limited shade makes summer camping challenging, with several reviewers recommending cooler months for more comfortable stays.
For those wanting additional space, the nearby Tuttletown Recreation Area offers a different campground layout within the same recreation area.
Description
Overview
Tuttletown 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 Foothill Oak Woodlands hug the 100 miles of shoreline. Popular activities on and around the large lake include fishing, boating, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, and picknicking. The New Melones Visitor Center offers year-round interpretive events and a museum highlighting natural and cultural resources. *COMING APRIL 2021: A new disc-golf course is being constructed and will be available for play!
Recreation
Hiking, fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, boating, sailing and biking are just some of the activities available in Tuttletown Recreation Area. Equestrian trails are also present in the Peoria Wildlife Mitigation Area and open for the general public. Camping is also permitted in designated campsites. Other interesting sites include Natural Bridges, which can be accessed from Parrott's Ferry Road. It has a hiking trail and creek that flow 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 conveniences like flush toilets, showers and water spigots. Visitors will also find a fish cleaning station and electric vehicle charging station in the Lupine day use area. 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
Tuttletown Recreation Area is surrounded by countless 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 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 also located nearby.
Charges & Cancellations
All site changes and cancellations need to be done through the Recreation.gov website.
Fee Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTuttletown 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 20 miles. Turn right onto Reynolds Ferry 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. Take 108 E to 49N. Turn left onto Reynolds Ferry Road and follow the road 2 miles to the recreation area.
Address
TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA
7200 REYNOLDS FERRY ROAD
Sonora, CA 95370
Coordinates
37.9838889 N
120.5080556 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/16/26
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/16/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 7 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 9 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Sacramento, CA
