Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Updated (May 13, 2021): California State Parks today announced the temporary full closure of Turlock Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), effective tomorrow, May 14 at 5 p.m. The closure will remain in effect as State Parks and the Turlock Irrigation District work through the process of securing a new operator for the park. The public is advised to adhere to all closure notices to maintain safety and lessen the burden on emergency services in the area. For more information, read our press release here.

Phone Number

(559) 822-2332

Park Hours

Temporarily Closed

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

View on Map

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.

Online Reservations

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

BOATING
Boating
Boat Ramps
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
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
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
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.