Campers arrive at this Bureau of Reclamation campground via multiple access options, including drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in approaches along New Melones Lake. The facility provides full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections for RVs, plus amenities like showers and a dump station. Sites spread across open terrain with limited tree cover, as one visitor notes the lack of shade for hammocks or privacy.
Lake access varies significantly depending on water levels and specific camping areas within the facility. Tabitha found "there is no lake access from the campground" during her August visit, while another camper described their site as "right on the lake." Bathrooms receive mixed feedback, described as both "clean" and "basic" by different visitors. The campground tends to stay busy during peak season, though site spacing helps reduce noise levels even for tent campers.
Staff assistance gets positive mentions from guests, and a gas station with firewood and ice sits about eight minutes away. Summer temperatures run high in this exposed location. For those seeking nearby alternatives, Chamise - Tuttletown Area - New Melones Lake offers another lakeside option just over a mile east.
Description
Glory Hole 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 diverse and resource-abundant Foothill Oak Woodlands hug the 100 miles of shoreline. Popular activities on and around the large, yet uncrowded lake include fishing, boating, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and picknicking. The New Melones Visitor Center offers year-round interpretive events and a museum highlighting natural and cultural resources. New Melones Lake camping provides outstanding access to the Sierra Nevada.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundIronhorse- Glory Hole Area - New Melones Lake is located in California
Coordinates
37.98500045 N
120.53500028 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 22 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 28 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 36 min from Sacramento, CA

