Chamise Campground

California's Best Camping

New Melones Lake, CA
New Melones Lake, CA

Chamise Campground

New Melones Lake


Chamise Campground

Chamise Campground is on a peninsula in the Tuttletown Recreation Area of New Melones Lake. Visitors to the campground enjoy the close proximity of a marina and boat launch ramp, trails along the shore of the lake, and nearby fish cleaning stations. New Melones is popular for fishing, boating, and water skiing.

Chamise Campground has 35 walk-in, tent-only campsites among the trees, close to the boat launch ramps. The farthest campsite distance from parking is about 600 feet; most sites are much closer. Each campsite has a limit of 4 people. Some campsites are available first-come, first-served.

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Chamise Campground Basics
Chamise Campground Location: Reynolds Ferry Road off Highway 49, eight miles northwest of Sonora
Elevation: 1,100 feet
Mileage from gateway city: Stockton - 65 miles
Number of Sites: 35
Camping Season: Usually open year-round
Max. People per Site: 4 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Bureau of Reclamation
Information: (209) 536-9094
Weekends: (209) 536-9543

Reservations at Chamise Campground
Reservations available available whenever campground is open;
2 sites are first-come, first-served (#135, 136)
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Wheelchair accessible Sites: #127, 145, 152, 155
Fees: $18 per night
Reservations: Tuttletown Recreation Area Campgrounds Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Chamise Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: Yes, bring quarters
Dump station: Yes, fee
Campground Map: Tuttletown Campgrounds Map
Area Map: Tuttletown Area Map
Attractions near Chamise Campground: Explore New Melones Lake with waterskiing, boating, and fishing. Enjoy Lupine Day-use area. Take advantage of a nearby boat launch ramp. Hike out to Eagle Point, on the Heron Point Trail, and Cougar Point Trail.




General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, purchase firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




New Melones Lake, CA

Highway 49 Bridge over New Melones Lake

New Melones Lake
Attractions and Activities

New Melones Lake has over 12,000 surface acres and 100 miles of shoreline. Visitors to Chamise Campground enjoy a wide range of attractions and recreation opportunities.

  • Enjoy Water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, cruising, and fishing on the 12-mile long lake.
  • Enjoy hiking and bike riding over miles of trails and roads.
  • Join in ranger-led nature hikes and history hikes.
  • Swim in the comfortable waters of New Melones Lake.
  • Attend summer campfire programs about a variety of topics.
  • Children can participate in the Junior Rangers program.
  • Tour the Visitor Center with displays and exhibits about geology, Mi-Wok Indians, the Gold Rush, and ranching.

Key Chamise Campground Regulations

  1. Recreation area gates are closed at night and vehicle entry is not permitted when gates are closed. Exit is always available.
  2. Generators may only be operated between 10 AM and 8 PM.
  3. Dogs must be on leash and always attended. At night they must be in a tent or vehicle.
  4. Fires may only be lit in provided fire rings.
  5. Help prevent the spread of invasive species by obtaining firewood locally.

    Check New Melones Recreation Area for any campground and recreation area updates.