Facilities

Oak Knoll Campground offers a relatively primitive camping experience, but does provide plenty of space at its 49 campsites.

Natural Features

The 4,400 surface-acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River.

The dam was built to provide flood protection to the city of Stockton and water for irrigation, drinking and hydroelectric power, and it now offers recreation opportunities for thousands of visitors each year.

The New Hogan area supports a wide variety of wildlife. The foothills location is home to grey fox, mule deer, coyote, turkey, mountain lion, bobcat and rattlesnakes. New Hogan is also a wintering home for bald eagles. The south shore of the lake has been designated as a wildlife viewing area.

Recreation

Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. The large surface area allows for plenty of water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and more.

Year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish is perfect for experts and beginners alike. Some of the largest fish are found in less than 25 feet of water.

The "River of Skulls" hiking trail is located below the dam at the Monte Vista Recreation Area. There 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. Trail guides are available at the park office.

Bicycle trails suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced rider are found on the west side of the lake and next to the group camping area. An easy 3-mile trail connects the park office with Acorn Campground.

Hunting with bow or shotgun during the open season is permitted in certain areas of the lake. Upland game such as turkey, quail and dove is available and waterfowl includes a variety of duck and geese.

Activities

  • Hunting
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Boating
  • Swimming

Amenities

  • Dump Station
  • Entrance Station
  • Parking Area
  • Vault Toilets
  • Water

Nearby Attractions

A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured.

Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.

Getting Here

Latitude
38° 10' 57.5400" N
Longitude
120° 48' 11.0002" W
From Stockton California, take Highway 26 east for 30 miles. Turn right on Hogan Dam Road and continue for a mile, then follow signs to the campground.

Park Headquarters:
2713 Hogan Dam Road
Valley Springs, CA 95252

Oak Knoll Campground:
2321 South Petersburg Road
Valley Springs, CA 95252

Need to Know

  • Site driveways are asphalt paved and may not be level. There is no guarantee of sites having level driveways. Please bring ample leveling equipment for RV's and trailers. All RV's and trailers must face the direction of travel on the road.

  • All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles parked in designated parking locations only.

  • Gates are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

  • Check-in time is 3:00pm, check-out time is 2:00pm

  • Two vehicles permitted per campsite. Extra vehicles are subject to an additional fee.

  • Maximum of two dogs per campsite. Dogs must remain on leash and under control at all times. Dogs may not be left in camp unattended, and all leads must be 6 feet in length or less.

  • Generator use is permitted only during daytime hours. All generators must be turned off prior to 10:00 pm and cannot be turned back on until 8:00 am. Any abnormally loud generators that disrupt neighboring areas will not be allowed.

  • No electric, water or sewer hookups at this facility. Drinking water is provided through spigots.

  • All trash must be removed from your site upon departure.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

    • Contact Information

    2713 HOGAN DAM ROAD
    VALLEY SPRINGS, CA 95252

    For campground inquiries, please call: 209-772-1343

    Additional Information