New Hogan Lake sits at approximately 713 feet elevation when full, surrounded by the rolling foothills of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The lake spans 4,400 acres with 50 miles of shoreline when at capacity, though water levels can drop significantly during drought years. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, with the lake located in Calaveras County between Valley Springs and San Andreas.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Glory Hole Recreation Area offers connecting trails that let you explore the terrain around New Hogan Lake. "The Carson Creek and Gold Rush trails offer moderate terrain suitable for day rides" and are described by visitors as "really easy and offer great views." One visitor notes both trails are "listed as 'moderate' trails... Don't be dissuaded by that. Both trails are really easy and offer great views."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Amador Resort provides good fishing access just south of New Hogan Lake. A camper reports, "The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish. Tackle Box Cafe is really good, weekends only, and the staff is kind and helpful." Another mentions, "We enjoyed fishing from the bank and had some good luck with power bait."
Swimming and water recreation: Woodward Reservoir offers water-based activities when New Hogan Lake levels are low. A reviewer notes, "Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports. Has paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping." Another camper adds, "Woodward is our family go to place to camp in the summer heat... Water feels good when it's 100+ degrees outside."
What campers like
Lake views and wildlife: USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground offers scenic camping spots with lake vistas. "The campground is quiet and the scenery is amazing this time of year," mentions one camper. Another notes, "Site #142 has great afternoon shade, a nice view, and is very level." Wildlife sightings are common, as one camper explains: "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."
Quiet camping spots: Lake Camanche North Shore provides a more peaceful alternative to busier campgrounds. A visitor describes it as a "Nice place lil shade open and close to water." The campground has spots that offer a balance of sun and shade while maintaining proximity to the water.
Family-friendly amenities: Lake Amador Resort offers activities beyond just camping. "They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at," writes one visitor. "There is also a old school playground for the kids. The staff is super friendly and always there to help."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Late spring is ideal for camping in the New Hogan Lake area before summer heat arrives. "We've been in March, May, July and September... July, just too hot but we love being able to just get up and fish," notes one camper. Another visitor to Beals Point Campground explains, "The Sacramento area gets very hot in the summer, and this campground provides some but not a ton of shade."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can vary dramatically throughout the year. One camper notes, "Lake water level was super low at end of summer & lake is hard to access. Unless you got a boat." Another mentions, "The water levels drastically change due to it being a privately owned lake."
Campground facilities: Bathroom and shower conditions vary widely between campgrounds. At Big Oak campground, "Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked." However, at Glory Hole Recreation Area, some campers report "no bathrooms or working showers" and others mention "Restroom and showers need maintenance."
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly spots: Monument RV Park provides quiet camping close to New Hogan Lake. "It was quiet and the sites were clean. There is no shower and only a couple outhouses so it's definitely only if you want to use your camper/rv bathroom," reports one camper. Another adds, "Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!"
Activities for children: Campgrounds near New Hogan offer diverse activities. "Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. Not a party destination but you can still have a great time! They have a water hole with a fun slide... There is also a old school playground for the kids."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature variations, especially if camping in spring or fall. "I would recommend taking extra blankets and fire wood. It tends to get chilly and windy occasionally. Make sure to bring sunblock!" advises one camper. Another notes, "Be prepared for the heat. It can reach up to 110F in summer. It is toasting even with shade."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: When staying at Monument RV Park, "The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose." This practical advice helps RVers prepare for the specific infrastructure at this campground.
Site selection tips: At Woodward Reservoir, "They have primitive camping for the folks that like roughing it as well as people that like the home away from home experience (electricity, showers & water)." For larger rigs, one visitor notes, "The full hookup rv spots are gravel & very dusty. Whole park is actually. Spots are a little tight for my 37' 5th wheel but it worked out pretty good."
Finding horse-friendly alternatives: While horse campgrounds near New Hogan Lake are limited, equestrians can explore dispersed camping options in nearby forests. Top of Arnold dispersed camping area offers "Deep in the woods surrounded by forests and undergrowth nice flat spots to park and set up camp," though horse-specific amenities aren't mentioned.
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