Year Round Day Use:
Sunrise to Sunset
Year Round Camping:
If the kiosk is closed; please check with the Camp Host (site 32 or 66).
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
Update: ( February 1, 2021) With the Regional Stay at Home Order lifted, State Parks is reopening campground sites for existing reservation holders. The department will be using a phased approach to reopen other campground sites for new reservations, starting January 28. The public is advised that not all campground sites are open to the public due to the pandemic, wildfire impacts and other issues. Additionally, group campsites remain closed. Day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public remain open.
As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.
Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for this park unit.
What is open now?
Closed at this park:
Statewide:
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
California State Parks continues to work with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.
Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for this park unit.
What is open now?
- Parking.
- Day-Use Areas.
Closed at this park:
- Campgrounds.
- Boat Launches.
- Special events and public gatherings.
Statewide:
- Some park units and campground sites continue to be temporarily closed due to the pandemic, impacts from wildfires or other issues. Please visit the webpage of your local outdoor destination to find out if it is open.
- High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
- Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
- Stay Local: Stay close to home during this pandemic period. If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time.
- Plan Ahead:
- The ongoing pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. Prior to leaving home, check the webpage of your outdoor destination you plan to visit to find out if it is open, if parking is available, and what visitor guidelines are in effect.
- Learn what safety precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- SNO-PARKS: Make sure your vehicle is snow ready. A permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site. Parking is on a first come, first-serve basis at all SNO-PARK sites. The public is advised that parking lots are filling up early in the day. Illegal parking is prohibited. More information can be found at ohv.parks.ca.gov/SNOPARKS.
- Stay Safer at Six Feet: No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings or parties. If there are too many people to maintain the required physical distance, please visit us on a different day.
- Boating: Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators.
- Off-highway Vehicle Recreation: Do not ride next to others or pull up next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others. Stage 10 feet or more from each other during unloading and loading.
- Keep Clean: Be prepared as not all services may be available. Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities.
- Stay Covered: The state requires you to wear a face covering when you cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times.
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
California State Parks continues to work with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Phone Number
(209) 874-2056
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs must always be on a 6-foot leash in both the campground and Day Use areas.
Driving Directions to Turlock Lake SRA
The area is located about 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River.From Modesto take Highway 132 East 14 miles to Waterford. In Waterford, turn right on Hickman Road (county road J-9) and drive 1 mile to Lake Road. Turn left on Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA.
Address:
22600 Lake Road, La Grange CA 95329
Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites (late March thru mid-September) six months in advance from the current date. For example, on April 1st a visitor will be able to reserve a campsite beginning October 1st through a maximum of 14 days.
Reservations stop and all sites are walk-ins from mid-September thru late March.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boat Ramps
Boating
Boat Ramps
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
Family Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Nestled in the rolling foothills of eastern Stanislaus County, Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is an ideal place for day- or week-long outings.
Open all year and featuring camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, and clean country air, the area offers visitors an opportunity to see the wonderful variety of native plant life that once flourished alongside the rivers of the San Joaquin Valley.
Location/Directions
About 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River. From Modesto take Highway 132 East 14 miles to Waterford; in Waterford turn right on Hickman Road (county road J-9) and drive 1 mile to Lake Road. Turn left on Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA.
Address
22600 Lake Road
La Grange CA 95329
Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
At elevation 250 feet, the recreation area boasts typical San Joaquin Valley weather, with warm summers and mild winters.
During the summer months nighttime temperatures usually drop to the high sixties and are comfortable for sleeping.
Facilities - Activities
Bounded on the north by the Tuolumne River and on the south by Turlock Lake, the recreation area provides an ideal setting for water-oriented outdoor activities. The recreation area features the lake with its 26 miles of shoreline and the foothill country leased from the Turlock Irrigation District in 1950. Picnicking, day-use, and boat launch ramps are offered at the lake. Overnight visitors are welcome at the 60 site campground located on the shady south bank of the Tuolumne River about 1 mile from the lake.
From several lookout point, visitors can view the surrounding savannas and some of the cattle ranches and orchards nearby. And from Lake Road which separates the campground from the day use area, an excellent perspective is shown of the campground, the river and sloughs, and miles of dredger tailing piles-the by product of a half century of gold mining.
Heaviest use period is Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. After Labor Day and through October are perhaps the most ideal times to camp with warm and golden days, cool and comfortable nights, and uncrowded campgrounds.
Additional Feature Information
CAMPING OVERNIGHT FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
- RV Accessible (no hook ups)
- Restrooms & Showers (Not ADA)
- River Access
- Swimming (No Lifeguard)
- Fishing (Barbless, Catch & Release)
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
- Designated Swimming Area (No Lifeguard)
- Parking for vehicles & boat trailers
- Restrooms (Wheelchair Accessible)
BOATING (No Rentals)
- 2 Boat Ramps
- Boats/Jet Skis (2 & 4 cycle motors)
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- Paddleboard
- Windsurfing
VISITOR INFORMATION From Approximately September 25 thru February 15 each year the lake, south of Latitude N 37.37.019, is restricted to Duck Hunters only. We ask that you do not go past our buoy line, to do so is at your own risk.