New Melones Lake

New Melones Lake is a large reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, located in Calaveras County and Tuolumne County. The reservoir was created in 1980 by the construction of the New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River. The lake is a popular recreational destination for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. The lake has four main recreation areas: Tuttletown Recreation Area, Glory Hole Recreation Area, Angels Creek Recreation Area, and Carson Creek Recreation Area. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for hunting, wildlife watching, and scenic drives.