Ironhorse Campground

California's Best Camping

New Melones Lake, CA
New Melones Lake, CA

Ironhorse Campground

New Melones Lake


Ironhorse Campground

Ironhorse Campground is on a peninsula in the Glory Hole 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 fish cleaning stations. New Melones is popular for fishing, boating, and water skiing.

Ironhorse Campground has 87 campsites spread across rolling hills. Most can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents, while 20 campsites are designated as walk-in, tents-only. Each of the walk-in, tents-only sites accommodates up to 4 people. They are located on the tips of two peninsulas, close to the water. No RVs, trailers, or boat are allowed at the walk-in sites. Some campsites have at least partial shade from mature oaks, but others have limited or no shade.

Shop Amazon: Camping Essentials



Ironhorse Campground Basics
Ironhorse Campground Location: Glory Hole Road off Highway 49, nine miles northwest of Sonora
Elevation: 1,150 feet
Mileage from gateway city: Stockton - 66 miles
Number of Sites: 87
Camping Season: Open during peak season, usually closing for the winter in October
Max. People per Site: Walk-in Sites - 4
Standard Sites - 8
Vehicles per Site: 1-2
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Bureau of Reclamation
Information: (209) 536-9094
Weekends: (209) 536-9543

Reservations for Ironhorse Campground
Reservations available available whenever campground is open
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 40+ feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: #23, 24, 27, 28, 34, 35
Fees: Walk-in Sites - $18 per night
Standard Sites - $22
Reservations: Glory Hole Recreation Area Campgrounds Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Ironhorse Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, amphitheater
Showers: Yes, bring quarters
Dump station: Yes, fee
Campground Map: Glory Hole Campgrounds Map
Area Map: Glory Hole Area Map
Attractions near Ironhorse Campground: Enjoy New Melones Lake with waterskiing, boating, and fishing. Cool off at the Swim beach Take advantage of the launch ramps and marina. Enjoy campfire programs at the amphitheater. Find convenient fish cleaning stations, horseshoe pits, and mountain biking roads. Choose great hiking trails such as Angels Creek Trail, Carson Creek Trail, and Tower Climb.




New Melones  Lake, CA

New Melones Lake


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.




Ironhorse Campground, New Melones  Lake, CA

Ironhorse Campground

New Melones Lake
Attractions and Activities

New Melones Lake has over 12,000 surface acres and 100 miles of shoreline. Visitors to Ironhorse Campground enjoy both the lake and shore-side activities.

  • 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 Ironhorse 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. Water may still be in short supply after California's drought.

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