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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
