Lake Camanche
Lake Camanche offers a great place for boaters who enjoy waterskiing or wakeboarding. It's also popular with personal watercraft enthusiasts. Like most of the foothill reservoirs in California, Lake Camanche is a good place for bass and trout fishing. The lake is kept well stocked.
Lake Camanche - or Camanche Reservoir, as it is also called - is located on the Mokelumne River, 30 miles northeast of Stockton and just downstream from Pardee Reservoir. It is a public facility owned by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Recreation facilities at the lake are operated by California Parks Company.
Lake Camanche Entry Fees
- Vehicle: Oct. - Apr. $12, May - Sept. $18, after 3:00 PM on non-holiday weekends $12
- Vehicle and Boat: $21
- Fishing Access: $7.25
- 5-Day and Annual Passes available
- Gate Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Day Use: 5:00 AM until one hour after sunset
Boating
Lake Camanche is a great place for a family boating trip, away from the heavy crowds. Although a small lake, Camanche is large enough to allow plenty of room for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. Windsurfers enjoy Lake Camanche's water as do paddlers in kayaks and canoes. The upper end of the lake is reserved for quiet boat activities (20 MPH). Personal watercraft and towables are not allowed there. Also, a 5 MPH speed limit is enforced within 200 feet of shore.
Marinas
There are two marinas at Lake Camanche, both with 8-lane ramps, making it convenient to launch boats from either the north shore or the south shore. Covered slips are available for rent for short or long term. They offer boat rentals, fuel, and supplies.
Fishing
Lake Camanche has good fishing for large and small mouth bass, spotted bass, rainbow trout, catfish, bluegill, kokanee salmon, and catfish. Lake Camanche has produced some monster fish, including a 19-pound trout and a 15-pound bass. A small trout pond next to the south shore is a great place for children to fish.
Campgrounds
Lake Camanche has hundreds of RV and tent campsites, some almost lakefront. With alcohol-free restrictions and well-maintained sites, you can expect a pleasant, family-friendly atmosphere. RV sites have full hookups. There are also an equestrian campgrounds and group campgrounds which can accommodate up to 72 people.
Lodging
Cottages and motel rooms are available at Lake Camanche. For other types of accommodations, you have to spread out. A couple of nice Bed and Breakfasts are located in nearby Clements and Lockeford. For motel type lodging go farther west to Lodi (a 30-minute drive) or east to Jackson (a 34-minute drive).
Scenery
Lake Camanche is set in the low foothills, surrounded by oak-studded and grassy slopes. Much of the shoreline has trees.
Nearby Communities
The small town of Wallace is next to the lake, but it offers few services. A better choice is Clements just a few miles to the West. Every year they put on a great rodeo. Farther west are larger towns, Lockeford and then the city of Lodi. Lodi and Lockeford are in wine country. To the east the nearest town with everything you could need is the gold rush town of Jackson. Not far from Jackson is the Jackson Rancheria Hotel and Casino. To the north of Lake Camanche is the little community of Ione. Slightly farther west and south is the grand city of Stockton.
Stockton is home to beautiful shaded parks, professional sports, the Stockton waterfront, art and music, and the University of the Pacific and Delta College. Discover it all on our sister website Stockton Treasures.
