New Melones Dam and Reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - New Melones Unit operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Located 60 miles upstream on the Stanislaus River from the confluence of the San Joaquin River. The reservoir has a capacity of 2.4 million acre feet of water with 100 miles of shoreline, and a
Yes — your pass covers the fee.
One of the few Bureau of Reclamation sites that accept the pass.
- Fee type Standard amenity (day-use) fee — A day-use amenity fee for the developed area.
- Source Official / Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pageterraserver-usa.com ↗
- Contact 209-536-9094 · mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for New Melones Lake — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at New Melones Lake?
Yes — your pass covers the day-use fee here.
Yes Can you fish at New Melones Lake?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at New Melones Lake. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at New Melones Lake?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Carson Creek Trail, Fire access road, South Summit Road. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at New Melones Lake. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Nearby sites
Michael Nevins, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Hogan Lake
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
Stanislaus River Parks
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
