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.
| 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.
Best Bass Fishing Lures |
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.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Highway 49 Bridge over New Melones Lake
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.
Check New Melones Recreation Area for any campground and recreation area updates.
