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Calaveras Lakes Round-Up

Looking to find lakeside trails ot on-the water fun in Calaveras throughout the year?  Here’s a detailed look at 10 of our favorite lakes accessed in and around Calaveras County–in alphabetical order.

Visiting in Winter or early Spring? Check Calaveras winter road conditions or give us a call 7 days a week to find the right water destination for your next Calaveras getaway 1-209-736-0049.

Fast Facts: Lake Camanche, New Hogan, New Melones, and Lake Tulloch all welcome personal watercraft and other towables; and have reservable tent and RV campsites with views of their lakes. They also all offer boating, fishing, day-use hiking, biking, seasonal wildflowers, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. See details below.

Calaveras Area Lakes: Alpine

DID YOU KNOW: (Dog friendly) Lake Alpine is located just within the border of Alpine County, home of Bear Valley Mountain and the least populated county in all of California. Talk about a High Sierra getaway!

FIND SUPPLIES: You can rent SUPs, kayaks, and most anything else you may need across the way at Bear Valley Adventure Company, or on your way up the mountain at the Sierra Nevada Adventure Company in Arnold.

Learn all about Lake Alpine

A post shared by Eric Houck (@a_guy_named_eric) on

Instagrammer @a_guy_named_eric enjoying a star studded view of Lake Alpine.

Calaveras Lakes: Tulloch

(Open and easily accessible year round.)

DID YOU KNOW: You can enjoy shoreline views from cabin and cottage rentals at Lake Tulloch where you’ll savor–not only a roof over your head, but your own personal barbecue and porch to take it all in. Dog friendly!

LOCALS TIPS: Hit Copperopolis Town Square for coffee, ice cream, shopping and food. Looking for a place where you can enjoy killer food, cold drinks, and an awesome view of the shoreline, while you’re at it? Copperopolis’ Drifter’s Marina and Grill is the spot for you!

Learn all about Lake Tulloch

Labor Day, Northern California, Calaveras County, Angels Camp, Arnold CA, Murphys CA, Valley Springs, Lake Tulloch, Copperopolis
Labor Day Family Fun on Calaveras Lakes I Courtesy of Instagrammer @tomandthe_t

Calaveras Lakes: New Hogan

(Open and easily accessible year round.)

LOCATION: Part one of the Valley Springs tri-lake area, 30 miles east of Stockton.

ACTIVITIES: (Dog friendly) New Hogan Lake is the perfect place for camping, water sports, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Note: there is no marina or fuel service, so come fueled and ready to go.

LOCALS TIPS: Grab a bite at one of Valley Spring’s killer restaurants including award winning Mo’s Devil Food. Work up a sweat at La Contenta Golf Club, before you cool down at this luscious lake. Boat-in camping is available at Deer Flat Campground–just one of New Hogan’s three idyllic campgrounds.

Learn all about New Hogan Lake

Attractions: New Hogan Lake in Summer
New Hogan Lake in summer, Valley Springs

Calaveras Lakes: Camanche

Lake Camanche I Courtesy of Local Instagrammer

(Open and easily accessible year round.)

LOCALS TIPS: Get your boat and gear rental at the Marina Stores located on both the North Shore and South Shore of Lake Camanche. Load up on grub in Valley Springs, or right on site at the Cafe on the North Shore. Dog friendly!

DID YOU KNOW: Part two of the Valley Springs tri-lake area, Lake Camanche has 54 miles of shoreline and 7,700 surface acres of water and is a popular destination for outdoor weddings and festivals.

Learn all about Lake Camanche

Calaveras Lakes: New Melones

New Melones Lake, Calaveras County | Lisa Boulton
Spring Flowers at New Melones on the Angels Creek Trail

(Open and easily accessible year round.)

DID YOU KNOW: At 12,500 acres, dog friendly New Melones is one of the largest reservoirs in California! Now that’s BIG! There’s even a hidden cave along the shoreline accessible by boat.

LOCALS TIPS: Grab a meal to go 10 in downtown Angels Camp or killer barbecue right outside of the marina at Glory Hole Sports. Looking for shore-line fishing? Once you’re on Highway 49, head towards the New Melones Visitors Center by turning onto Melones Court. Stay left. If you come to a closed gate, park your vehicle and walk 100 yards to the shoreline.

FIND GEAR: Rent your water craft at New Melones Marina and stock up on camping or fishing gear at Glory Hole Sports.

Learn all about New Melones

Calaveras Lakes: Pardee

(Open and easily accessible year round.)

DID YOU KNOW: Part three of the Valley Springs tri-lake area, Pardee Lake makes for an extra serene fishing experience, as the only lake in Calaveras County that does not allow people or pets to contact or swim in the water.

FEATURES: In addition to their full service marina and wildlife viewing galore, Pardee Lake features fishing, boating, camping, hiking, equestrian trails, picnicking, boat rentals, ten lane boat launch ramp, new state of the art fish cleaning station, developed overnight camping, swimming pools, RV sites with full hook-ups/laundry /hot showers, WiFi, Flush restrooms, a cute little coffee shop, store, and gas station.

Learn all about Pardee Lake

Pardee Lake
Pardee Lake

Spicer Road Reservoirs

(Visiting in Winter or early Spring? Check seasonal access here: Spicer Road Winter Closure

Closed seasonally in winter to vehicular traffic, these seasonal treasures are gorgeous year round. From Spicer, to Union, to Utica–visit them all to determine which reservoir is just right for you. Sup, kayak, or canoe to explore the many islands and wildlife hidden throughout these three rugged reservoirs.

LOCALS TIP: These dog friendly reservoirs are one of the only places in California that you can kayak out to camp on your own private island. Make sure to come early in the morning or midweek to increase the odds of having the lake all to yourself. With no campground services available come prepared to hop lightly and pack out all waste. Free dispersed camping is welcome around the perimeter of the lakes as well as on the islands hidden throughout.

FIND SUPPLIES: Rent kayaks, paddle-boards or other non-motorized lake toys from SNAC.  Check out nearby Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods for fishing supplies and permit Looking to enjoy a nice shady picnic with your feet in the water? Grab some grub from one of Arnold’s many new and iconic restaurants  such as  Giant Burger.

Learn all about Spicer Reservoir.

A post shared by James Forbes (@jforbes1701) on

@Instagrammer @jforbes1701 at Spicer Reservoir.

Learn all about Utica Reservoir.

A post shared by Jackie Arnal (@mountainjacks) on

Instagrammer @mountainjacks camping out at Utica Reservoir.

Learn all about Union Reservoir.

A post shared by Aaron James (@aarxnjames) on

Instagrammer @aarxnjames enjoying having Union Reservoir all to himself.

Calaveras Lakes: White Pines

(Visiting in Winter or early Spring? Check road conditions here: Calaveras Winter Road Conditions)

LOCALS TIP: Dogs welcome on leash outside of the beach. While the Mooselodge bridge is under repair, you can access the beach by following the White Pines Lake trailhead.

FIND SUPPLIES: Pick up disc golf  supplies, rent kayaks, paddle-boards or other non-motorized lake toys from SNAC. Check out nearby Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods for fishing supplies and permit Looking to enjoy a nice shady picnic with your feet in the water? Grab some grub from one of Arnold’s many iconic restaurants such as Giant Burger featuring killer milkshakes!

Learn all About White Pines Lake

Adventurous Instagrammer @h.ciccarelli jumping in at White Pines Lake. 

Looking to find your own favorite Calaveras getaway?

Give us a call 7 days a week to get up-to-date on forest road closures, or to find the right lake, river, restaurants, activities, and/or lodging for you! 1-209-736-0049. See you on the water!

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