Park Ranger Programs:
Ranger programs can be scheduled by calling project headquarters at 209-772-1343.
Day Use:
Picnic sites are located in Fiddleneck Day Use Area, Wrinkle Cove Day Use Area and Observation Point near the project headquarters. There are no designated swim beaches or swimming areas. While Wrinkle Cove is one of the more popular swimming areas, NO lifeguards are provided and all swimming is at your own risk.
Life Jacket Loaner Station:
Life jackets are available to borrow at the Fiddleneck and Wrinkle Cove Day Use Areas. Life jacket loaner stations are self service and all sizes are available. Just borrow, use and return!
Camping:
New Hogan Lake offers a total of 177 campsites in its developed campgrounds. Acorn Campground has hot showers and flush toilets while Oak Knoll is more primitive. Coyote Point group camp is also available. To make reservations call toll free 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov.
Acorn Campground Map
Oak Knoll Campground Map
Boat-in camping is currently unavailable at Deer Flat Boat-In Campground.
Boating:
Whether you prefer waterskiing, fishing, canoeing, sailing, cruising or swimming, New Hogan Lake offers it all! Boat launching is available at four public boat ramps. No marina services or boat fuel are available at this time.
Fees:
Self-pay fee machines have been installed at Observation Point, Fiddleneck and Wrinkle Cove Parks at New Hogan Lake. Please note that the self-pay machines require visitors to pay day-use fees using credit card or debit card only. The machines will issue visitors a receipt to be placed on the vehicle dash as proof of payment.
| Site |
Cost |
Open Dates |
Boat Launch |
Showers |
| Acorn Campground |
$20 |
Year Round |
Included |
Coin activated
|
| Oak Knoll Campground |
$20 |
May 1 - Labor Day Weekend |
Included |
None |
|
Coyote Point Group Campground
|
$130 |
May 1 - September 30 |
Included |
None |
| Deer Flat Boat-In Campground |
$20 |
Closed |
Included |
None |
| Day Use Areas: Fiddleneck, Wrinkle Cove & Observation Point |
$10
|
Year Round |
Included |
N/A |
| Observation Point Picnic Area |
$50 - $2,500 |
Year Round |
N/A |
N/A |
The Corps of Engineers participates in the America the Beautiful-Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. The series includes the; Annual Pass, Every Kid Outdoors Pass available to 4th and 5th graders, Annual Senior Pass, Lifetime Senior Pass, Lifetime Access Pass, Volunteer Pass, and Military Pass. Be sure to pick up your America the Beautiful pass at any of our Corps projects as the money is directly invested back into the facilities to improve your recreational experience. Get more details about the pass series here.
The Annual Pass is $80, and you will have access to all of your favorite Corps recreation areas and participating federal agencies public lands. The Annual Pass is good for one year from the date of purchase.
Individuals 62 years and older have the choice of purchasing an Annual Senior Pass for $20 which is good for one year from the date of purchase, or a Lifetime Senior Pass for $80, which does not expire. Senior and Access Pass holders also receive a 50 percent discount on campsites at Corps-managed campgrounds.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also sells their Corps Annual Pass for $40. The Corps Annual Pass gives unlimited access to day-use areas at any Corps project and is good for one year from the date of purchase.
Fishing:
The lake offers year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish will delight experts and beginners alike. Some of the best fishing is found in protected coves around the lake.
The Calaveras River is open for fishing from the 4th Saturday in May through March 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. The daily bag limit is two hatchery trout or two hatchery steelhead.
Fishing licenses are required for anglers over 16 years old.
Hiking and Equestrian Trails:
The "River of Skulls" nature trail is located below the dam at the Monte Vista Recreation Area. Trail guides are available at the trailhead or at project headquarters. The area is also a staging area for an eight mile equestrian trail on a scenic loop that winds along the lake and through the foothill chaparral.
Equestrian Trail Map
Biking:
Bicycle trails suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced rider are found on the west side of the lake. An easy three and one-half mile trail connects project headquarters with Acorn Campground. A mountain bike trail starting near Coyote Point Group Area is available for those riders whose skill level is intermediate and advanced.
Bike Trail Map
Disc Golf:
Two 18-basket disc golf courses are available in the Fiddleneck Recreation Area. These courses are known for the challenging terrain.
Disc Golf Map
Wildlife:
The New Hogan area supports a wide variety of wildlife. The foothills location is home to fox, blacktail deer, coyote, turkey, mountain lion, bobcat, and rattlesnakes to name just a few of our more common residents. New Hogan is also a wintering home for bald eagles.
The south shore area of the lake has been designated as a wildlife viewing area.
Hunting:
Hunting with bow or shotgun during open season is permitted in certain areas of the lake. Hunting locations are found outside the developed recreation areas on the south and east sides of the lake. The project boundary is marked with white 4-foot paddle markers in most areas. Upland game such as turkey, quail, and dove is available and waterfowl includes a small variety of ducks and geese. Hunters must comply with California Fish and Wildlife regulations with regard to seasons and bag limits.
Hunting Map