Big Oak Campground
New Melones Lake

New Melones Lake, CA
New Melones Lake, CA

Big Oak Campground
New Melones Lake


Big Oak Campground

Big Oak Campground is located on a peninsula in the Glory Hole 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 along the shore of the lake to scenic viewpoints. Close by are fish cleaning stations. New Melones is popular for fishing, boating, and water skiing.

RV Camping and Tent Camping at Big Oak Campground

Big Oak Campground has 53 campsites for RV camping, trailer camping, and tent camping. The sites are spread across rolling hills above the lake. Some sites have shade from mature oaks, others are more open. Campers can find a number of sites well separated from one another. Many campsites have nice lake views. None of the sites has hook-ups.

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Big Oak Campground Basics
Big Oak Campground Location: White Ranch Road off Highway 49, nine miles northwest of Sonora
Elevation: 1,150 feet
Mileage from gateway city: Stockton - 66 miles
Number of Sites: 53
Camping Season: Usually open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Bureau of Reclamation
Information: (209) 536-9094
Weekends: (209) 536-9543

Reservations at Big Oak Campground
Reservations available Big Oak Campground reservations are available year-round.
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 40 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: #114, 121, 133, 142
Fees: Standard Sites - $22 per night
Reservations: Glory Hole Recreation Area Campgrounds Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Big Oak Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: Yes, bring quarters
Dump station: Yes, fee
Campground Map: Glory Hole Campgrounds Map
Area Map: Glory Hole Area Map
Attractions near Big Oak Campground:
  • New Melones Lake offers waterskiing, boating, and fishing.
  • Nearby are swim beach, launch ramps, a marina with boat rentals, and an amphitheater.
  • Also find fish cleaning stations and horseshoe pits.
  • Enjoy mountain biking on nearby trails. Try these hiking trails: Angels Creek Trail, Carson Creek Trail, Tower Climb.








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.




Big Oak Campground, New Melones Lake, CA

Big Oak Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

- 2023 - 2024 -

  • Quiet campground and amazing scenery.
  • Friendly, helpful camp host.
  • Lots of wildlife.
  • Campsites 116 and 117 had great views.
  • Clean bathrooms.

New Melones Lake
Attractions and Activities

New Melones Lake has over 12,000 surface acres and 100 miles of shoreline. Campers at Big Oak 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.
  • Equestrian trails are also present in the Peoria Wildlife Mitigation Area and open for the general public.
  • 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 Big Oak 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. Water may still be in short supply after California's drought.
  4. Dogs must be on leash and always attended. At night they must be in a tent or vehicle.
  5. Help prevent the spread of invasive species by obtaining firewood locally.
  6. Fires may only be lit in provided fire rings.

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