Within New Melones Resource Management Area, this Bureau of Reclamation campground sits near both river and lake access points. The facility provides drinking water, restrooms, showers, and a dump station for RVs, with both drive-in and walk-in sites available through reservations.
One returning visitor notes the campground maintains clean bathrooms and showers year-round, with spring visits offering particularly favorable conditions. Summer temperatures can be warm according to campers. For additional camping choices, visitors can explore places to camp around Jamestown or check out nearby Tuttletown Recreation Area just half a mile away.
Description
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.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundChamise - Tuttletown Area - New Melones Lake 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. If the entrance station is closed, please proceed to your reserved campsite. There will be a reservation tag and 1 or 2 green hangable car tags clipped to your campsite's post. Please leave the reservation tag on the post and put the other(s) inside your vehicle(s). Please find a Camp Host or Park Ranger if you have questions.
Coordinates
37.98200098 N
120.51600097 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/16/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/16/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
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
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 8 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 10 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 28 min from Sacramento, CA
