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 waterskiing.
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 accommodate 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.
| 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 | Ironhorse Campground reservations are available for camping dates whenever campground is open. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations are 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: | Check-in: 3:00 PM Check-out: 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: |
Best Bass Fishing Lures |
New Melones Lake
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.
Ironhorse Campground
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.
Check New Melones Recreation Area for any campground and recreation area updates.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2022 - 2024