Acorn Campground
New Melones Lake

New Melones Lake, California
New Melones Lake, California

Acorn Campground
New Melones Lake


Acorn Campground

Acorn Campground is spread along a peninsula in the Tuttletown Recreation Area of New Melones Lake. Visitors to the campground enjoy the close proximity of a marina with boat rentals and a boat launch ramp. Trails meander along the shore of the lake, and fish cleaning stations are available nearby. New Melones is popular for fishing, boating, and water skiing.

RV Camping and Tent Camping at Acorn Campgroud

Acorn Campground has 69 campsites on a low hill overlooking the lake. All of the campsites are available for RVs camping, trailers camping, and tent camping. Shade is limited in many sites. Like most foothill reservoirs, New Melones can be quite hot in the summer. While most campsites can be reserved, some are available first-come, first-served. None of the sites has hook-ups.

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Acorn Campground Basics
Acorn Campground Location: Reynolds Ferry Road off Highway 49, eight miles northwest of Sonora
Elevation: 1,200 feet
Mileage from gateway city: Stockton - 65 miles
Number of Sites: 69
Camping Season: Usually open during peak season, but may close for the winter in October
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle (fee for additional vehicle)
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Bureau of Reclamation
Information: (209) 536-9094
Weekends: (209) 536-9543

Reservations at Acorn Campground
Reservations available Reservations are available whenever campground is open;
3 sites are first-come, first-served (#46, 50, 54).
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 35 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: #5, 9, 16, 22, 27, 54, 64
Fees: $22 per night
Reservations: Tuttletown Recreation Area Campgrounds Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Acorn 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 Acorn 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.




Acorn Campground, New Melones Lake, CA

Acorn Campground

New Melones Lake
Attractions and Activities

New Melones Lake has over 12,000 surface acres and 100 miles of shoreline. Visitors to Acorn Campground find a variety 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 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 Acorn Campground Regulations

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

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