New Hogan Lake provides several established campground options for campers in California's Sierra foothills, located approximately 30 miles east of Stockton. Acorn Campground features tent and RV sites without hookups, while COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground offers boat-in access and accommodates both tent and RV camping. The surrounding area includes Lake Amador Resort and Lake Camanche, which provide a wider range of accommodation types including cabins, yurts, and glamping options with more amenities such as electric hookups and sewer connections.
Facilities at most campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and some offer showers, though quality varies by location. "The bathrooms could use some TLC. No soap or towels and not all the showers were functional," noted one visitor about Acorn Campground. Water spigots are available throughout most sites, but hookups are limited primarily to the private resorts. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot with limited shade at some locations, particularly Acorn Campground, where the terrain often includes sloped sites challenging for tent campers. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, but recreational opportunities are best when lake levels are high.
Campers report mixed experiences with site quality and privacy levels throughout the area. While lakefront sites are popular, many have become less appealing as drought conditions have affected water levels. A reviewer mentioned, "The lake has receded quite a bit that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now." Wildlife encounters, including deer families, enhance the camping experience for many visitors. Weekend crowding and noise can be issues during peak season, with several reviews noting loud parties at Acorn Campground. Fishing and boating represent primary activities at these campgrounds, with boat ramps available but sometimes far from the water depending on seasonal conditions. The mixed-use campgrounds around New Hogan Lake typically charge between $10-$20 per night for basic sites, with higher rates at private resorts offering more amenities.
$20 / night
"General: 132-site Corps of Engineers campground on New Hogan Lake. No hookups. Site Quality: Varies. Most are back-in, but some are pull-through."
"A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."
$50 / night
"Easy access to the lake. Campground is well maintained. Bathrooms are always clean and with hot water. No shower at this site. But there’s one close by at the Riverview, walking distance."
"I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that.
The water level really varies on the year."
$25 - $45 / night
"Fabulous lakeside camping.... We’ve been in March, May, July and September..... July, just too hot but we love being able to just get up and fish... The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish."
"We had a couple of trees behind us to filter some of the sunlight. It was hot but cooled down nicely during the evening. We had some debris from previous campers but the campsite was pretty clean."
$50 - $70 / night
"We wanted a close to home location with all the hookups to make sure we knew how to use everything. We were shocked at how clean and beautiful this park was!"
"Spacious , clean, very friendly staff, beautiful walking trail around the park. The views are so beautiful we will definitely come back!"
"The campsites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you. It's pet friendly."
"I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."
"This campground is located in Lake Pardee. Some sites have a beautiful view of the lake. Lake View also has several RV sites but reservations go quickly. The lake is for fishing and boating only."
"We did a lot of kayak fishing and relaxing by the lake. We were able to walk the kayaks down with no problem."
"There is a fishing pond directly next to the campground and access to the lake just a few minutes away."
"Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!"
"Out in Central valley is Woodward Lake. Great for a day trip if you live in the Bay area and want to get away. They have boat access to the lake."
"Woodward Reservoir is a great place to camp with or without all the amenities...They have primitive camping for the folks that like roughing it as well as people that like the home away from home experience"
TravelerThe campsites are so big and it's right on the river. The bathrooms are clean, hiking is forever and it's 8 miles up from the highway so most people don't know about it. It's quiet and there is a big sandy beach.
TravelerI had a great time! I definately went on an off time as I think there were only a few other people at the campground. Some sites would be really close together if it was full.
It was a great retreat out in nature! Many bathrooms and they were all clean. No cell service however a five minute drive down the hill can have you at full bars if needed. There was lots of shade as every campsite was absolutely surrounded by trees.
ScoutEasy to find campsite, we arrived after hours on a Monday so drove around to find a spot and then paid using the collection box and envelopes, we couldn't get the QR code to work. Phone reception here is good. There is a constant hum of traffic but it is not loud and it is quiet around camp. Toilets and showers are clean and well stocked with toilet paper. We didn't stay long but saw some wildlife, coyote and squirrels mostly. A little bit of rubbish around from campers but overall very tidy. The sites are flat pull-in or reverse-in style, there are also some campsites marked with wheel chair access.
ScoutThis place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
TravelerWe timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
ScoutThis park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
TravelerOnly a couple people here dispersed camping on a weekend. Arrived on Friday around 2 PM and the best spot was taken, but there were several others that were very good. It’s an unusual place as it is in abandoned ski resort. Lots of wide open spaces, but to the west there are two spots that are fairly secluded, but still open space and allow for good son for solar and great mountain and Sunset views. Very spotty cell service make sure you bring Starlink. It is a little close to the road so there’s slight road noise and on the weekend you can hear gunfire far away in the distance as people are in the forest taking target practice. No big deal though, very safe place. The sites are about 7500 feet above sea level. So even on the hottest days, it’s relatively cool and very comfortable at night (50s to 60s).
ScoutBeware of camp 212 it’s very isolated and out on the edge, we had a bear encounter and there are no bear boxes so it makes it very dangerous, not only that the host that night of 8/1/26 was useless and pretty much an a-hole he did nothing and just yelled at us in the morning that we couldn’t have two cars parked in our reservation when it specifically states that we can. The maintenance is terrible the bathrooms had no functioning lights, would not recommend especially if you have kids
ScoutBeware of camp 212 it’s very isolated and out on the edge, we had a bear encounter, but not only that the host that night of 8/1 was useless and pretty much an a-hole he did nothing and just yelled at us in the morning that we couldn’t have two cars parked in our reservation when it specifically states that we can.
New Hogan Lake sits at approximately 713 feet elevation in California's Sierra foothills, surrounded by oak woodlands and grasslands. Water levels at New Hogan Lake campsites fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically offering the highest lake levels for recreation. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F, while winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall.
Kayaking and paddling: Explore the coves and inlets of New Hogan Lake by kayak. Acorn Campground provides easy water access for paddlers. "We got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir. Since the lake level fluctuates there aren't many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch," notes Shari G.
Fishing from shore: Cast for trout, bass, and catfish from multiple access points around the lake. Lake Amador Resort offers good fishing opportunities. "The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish. Tackle Box Cafe is really good, weekends only, and the staff is kind and helpful," explains Debbie R.
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Walk the shoreline trails to spot local wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. "We saw a tarantula near the tee box on 2. I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend," reports Christy L.
Disc golf: Play a round at one of several disc golf courses in the region. "As disc golfers, of course we love camping here, having 3 courses to choose from," says Christy L. about nearby recreation areas.
Spacious lakeside sites: Many campsites offer direct water views and convenient access. Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides prime waterfront camping options. "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place," writes Les S.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons provides a quieter experience. "We've stayed at this campground a couple of times on our way to/from Yosemite National Park, and it is a nice place to spend a couple of nights... during the week in the shoulder season, we pretty much had the place to ourselves," explains Shari G. about Acorn Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting attracts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "The wildlife is RIGHT THERE! We saw a tarantula near the tee box on 2. I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend," shares Christy L.
Convenient amenities: Many sites offer basic facilities for comfortable camping experiences. "Each site has a firepit, grill, picnic table, and a pole to hang lanterns on," notes Darin D. from Acorn Campground.
Shower conditions vary: Bathroom and shower facilities can be inconsistent across campgrounds. "The main bathroom building had clean flush toilets and showers, but there were a few extra vault toilets scattered around. Fresh water taps and recycling/trash bins were plentiful," reports Shari G. about Acorn Campground.
Heat considerations: Summer temperatures can be extreme, requiring proper preparation. "This campground is great if you have a boat or jetski, as you can moor your boat close to your site. I was here in July of 2019, and it was hot! But the lake is fantastic and the campsites are big which provides plenty of room for shade structures," shares Trisha L.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels change significantly throughout the year, affecting water access and beach availability. COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground experiences these changes. "Make sure you get water shoes because the lake does have sharp rocks and the local CVS has them," advises Pamela P.
Weekend crowds: Expect more visitors and potential noise issues during peak times. "This is a small but lovely place. Very quiet," notes Les S. about Rancho Seco Recreation Area, contrasting with busier campgrounds.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas ideal for families with children. Woodward Reservoir provides good swimming conditions. "Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports. Has paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping," explains Russell L.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and recreation areas. "They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole. There is also a old school playground for the kids," shares Moonlit_starrynights about Lake Amador.
Multiday trip planning: The area supports extended family camping trips with various activities. "We have been there three times, twice for day trips when our kids were camping there and one time where our son's and daughter's family and us were camping there for three days weekend," reports Craig & Linda L. about Woodward Reservoir.
Safety considerations: Be aware of potential hazards when camping with children. "We found multiple fish hooks and one happen to pierce my sandal. We have a 3 year old and brought our dog so imagine how dangerous that can be," cautions Angel S. about Rancho Seco Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: Full hookup options vary between campgrounds. "We stayed in the dry camping area which was right on the lake. The showers worked well and didn't require coins, and there was a dump station up front by the fish cleaning station," explains Mike A. about Lake Amador.
Site leveling: Some RV sites require adjustment for comfortable parking. "The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes," notes Shari G. about Acorn Campground.
Sewer connection challenges: Be prepared for unique setup requirements at some campgrounds. "The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose," advises Courtney C. about Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche.
Shade considerations: Look for sites with adequate tree coverage during hot months. "While there were many trees around for shade, we still had enough open sky for good solar gain and Starlink," shares Shari G. about camping at Acorn Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Acorn Campground located at New Hogan Lake?
Acorn Campground is located on New Hogan Reservoir in central California. It's a Corps of Engineers campground situated alongside the lake with easy access to the water. The campground features multiple boat ramps for water recreation. Due to California's drought conditions, the water level fluctuates - in some periods, the lake has receded significantly, with one dock reported about 100 yards from the actual lake. The area is surrounded by wildlife that has become somewhat accustomed to visitors. Each camping section has its own restroom within a short walking distance. For boaters or anyone looking to camp near a lake, Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area is another nearby option with similar lake access.
What RV camping facilities are available at New Hogan Lake?
New Hogan Lake offers RV camping facilities with varying accommodations. The campgrounds are primarily geared for smaller trailers and tents, but some sites can accommodate larger RVs. Most sites at COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground are back-in, though some pull-through sites are available. No hookups are provided at the Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Sites are generally generous in size, providing some privacy, but be aware that some are not level. Each site typically includes a fire pit and picnic table. For full hookups and more extensive RV facilities, nearby Miner's Camp RV Park offers additional amenities for larger rigs.
How do I make reservations for camping at New Hogan Lake?
Reservations for camping at New Hogan Lake can be made through Recreation.gov. Acorn Campground at New Hogan Lake is a 132-site Corps of Engineers campground with reservable sites. The campground costs $20 per night, with discounts available for Golden Age passes that reduce the nightly expense to $10 (maximum 15-day stay per month). For peak seasons and holidays, it's advisable to book well in advance as the campground is popular in central California. Some campgrounds in the region like Lake Camanche recommend booking months ahead for busy holidays like 4th of July.
Keep Exploring
