Frequently Asked Questions
NEW MELONES MARINA
Do you have adequate parking for vehicles at your marina?
Yes, we have plenty of parking for all size vehicles and boat trailers.
Please make arrangements with the Bureau of Reclamation prior to your visit if you plan to bring any type of RV or Motorhome.
Are there launch ramps located at New Melones Lake?
- There are three launch ramps at New Melones Lake: Angels Creek, Glory Hole, and Tuttletown. Please call (209) 785-3300 to inquire what launch ramps are open at the time.
Will my cell phone work on the lake?
Yes, most cell phones get reception in the wide-open areas of the lake. Some cells may experience difficulty in the coves. We advise you contact your service provider for a coverage map. You should give family members our office number in case of emergencies.
Are campfires on shore permitted?
No, due to high fire risk campfires are not permitted on shore.
Are personal watercraft allowed on New Melones Lake?
Yes, Contact the Bureau of Reclamation for launch fees and mussel information. If you don’t have your own, they are available to rent at the marina.
Are there restaurants on the lake?
The Marina store has a variety of food options to choose from. The closest restaurants are in Angels Camp.
RENTALS
Do you allow pets?
Domestic pets are permitted aboard specific rental vessels. Pets must be leashed on the premises. There is an additional rental fee of $35.00 per pet (Maximum 2 pets per vessel).
Is there a special operating license required for boat rental?
No, for any vessel rental we only require the driver posses a valid drivers license. It is recommended that you check out California boating safety laws prior to your arrival at www.dbw.ca.gov.
What is the age requirement to rent?
The minimum age is 25 years old to rent any vessel. Must present a valid drivers license at check-in.
How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
To make sure you get the boat model and dates you want, reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. The summer months are increasingly popular, so booking early is recommended.
What charges can be taken from my deposit?
Your deposit can be used pay for boat damage, loss of inventory, additional cleaning or late fees that you incur.
Do we need any experience to drive a boat?
We have many first-time boaters. The captain and co-captain of the boat, as well as a few members of your party, will receive a hands-on orientation.
Do you allow customers to store gasoline-filled containers on board?
No, for many safety reasons, we do not allow any sort of fuel to be stored on our houseboats or other rental vessels. Fuel is available for purchase at our Marina store.
HOUSEBOATS
Pick-Up & Return Times
Pick-Up: 3pm on day of reservation
Return: 10am* – Houseboats must be docked and ready to disembark by return time.
Pet Policy
There is a $150 nonrefundable fee for up to 2 pets going onto the houseboat. Additional pets are $50.00 each.
Smoking Policy
New Melones Lake Marina houseboats feature smoke-free interiors. Guests who wish to smoke are encouraged to do so outside of the cabin.
Payment Policy
Full rental payment is due at time of booking. Security Deposit will be taken at time of check-in.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 46 or more days prior to reservation will incur a $200 processing fee
- Cancellations 0-45 days prior to reservation: 30% of rental fee is forfeited
We will allow a one-time free rebooking during the current or subsequent rental season. Subsequent re-bookings will incur a $200 processing fee
For booking made 46 or more days prior to reservation date, we will allow a five-day grace period from the date of the reservation is made to cancel with no fees
If you have any questions or need to cancel your booking you may email [email protected] with Houseboat Reservation Cancellation in the subject line.
Houseboat Check-in Policy
Whoever’s name the reservation is under will be the only person able to check-in on the day of reservation. Must have valid license, as well as credit card on file with them.
Rental Insurance
- New Melones Lake Marina does not offer any form of renters insurance.
Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit of $1,000 is due at time of check-in. The deposit will be refunded upon return of the vessel seeing there is no damage when inspected.
Park Entrance Fee
Admissions to the lake are managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. There is a daily $10 entrance fee that admits one vehicle and all its passengers. New Melones Lake fee information is available online: https://usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/
Who captains the houseboat?
You do. Our guests typically captain the houseboats, although accommodations can be made under special circumstance.
How much experience is required to drive a houseboat?
Anyone who is 25 years of age or older and has a valid drivers license can operate a houseboat. Our staff will provide you with a thorough orientation before your departure to make you feel more comfortable driving the boat. We also offer complimentary captains services to get you in and out of the marina. Once out of the “No-Wake Zone” you then take over.
How long does the houseboat orientation take?
Our houseboat orientations are tailored for each guests based on their vessel. Instructions take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour to ensure that our instructors cover all functions and operating procedures and that our guests feel comfortable enough before leaving the dock.
How many people can join me on the houseboat?
Each houseboat permits passenger capacity based on its size. Coast Guard Regulations mandate that all parties abide by the stated maximum capacity for each vessel.
What is provided with the houseboat?
Our houseboats include fully equipped kitchens, stocked with plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, pots, pans, and utensils. You will need to bring bedding, towels and any toiletries you prefer. Paper products (toilet paper and paper towels) will be stocked on board but is recommended to bring your own with regard to your party size and length of stay.
Do I need a powerboat?
Yes, we recommend that you either rent or bring a powerboat or additional personal watercraft. Smaller watercraft will act as your transportation from the marina and other places on the lake to your houseboat. Houseboats must leave our service dock for the duration of your stay and beaching any boat near the launch ramps is prohibited.
Can I tow small boats?
Yes, you can tow personal watercraft behind your houseboat, although it is not advised. Rental boats cannot be towed. Boat fenders will not be provided, please bring your own.
Are firearms allowed at New Melones Lake?
Firearms are not prohibited on any New Melones Lake Marina rental vessel. Please refer to the United States Federal Bureau of Reclamation website for more information.
How much fuel will I use?
The amount of fuel you use depends on the type of houseboat you rent, how far and how fast you travel. Calculating the expense varies, though most gas charges average around $200 for moderate houseboat usage.
Can I arrange for a pre-board of my houseboat?
Tight scheduling makes availability of pre-boarding unlikely, however if you wish to do so please call 209.785.3300 or email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate arrangements.
Can I camp anywhere on the lake?
You may beach your houseboat anywhere on the lake that is not potentially harmful to the integrity of the vessel (sharp rocks, shallow water, etc.). Camping on the shore with tents or other equipment as well as campfires is strictly prohibited. Please keep in mind that rules and regulations are enforced by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation.
Do I have to move my houseboat everyday?
We recommend moving your houseboat daily to accommodate the fluctuating water levels.
Can we drive your houseboat at night?
No. All houseboats must be beached and securely tied-off by sundown.
What do I do with trash and sewage while on the lake?
Trash and sewage can be removed at our service docks during your stay if necessary. Please call the Marina store in advance to ensure our employees can bring your houseboat in safely to our docks.
Are there washers & dryers on the houseboats?
No, washers and dryers are not included on the houseboats.
Where can I get fuel on the lake?
The Marina store has fuel and propane available for purchase.
What happens if there is mechanical trouble while out on the lake?
If you experience any mechanical trouble while on the lake you can contact the Marina store or call the after hours phone for assistance.
- Marina Store: 209-785-3300
- After Hours: 209-743-8083
What should we do if we have an emergency out on the lake?
In the event of an emergency please phone 911 first and then call the Marina store. Proceed to the nearest dock with caution.
- Marina Store: 209-785-3300
- After Hours: 209-743-8083
FISHING
Can I rent fishing equipment from New Melones Lake Marina?
The Marina does not supply any fishing equipment rentals.
Where can I buy fishing equipment, tackle, and bait?
We offer a variety of fishing equipment at our Marina store! We recommend you plan ahead, and bring whatever fishing supplies you are wanting to use on the lake with you since we are the only store on the water
Can I buy a fishing license at the marina?
No, we do not sell fishing licenses. Please plan to purchase your license prior to arriving at the lake, as you will need one to fish at New Melones. Fishing licenses can be obtained at Altaville Market in Angels Camp.
What is the best bait or tackle for fishing at New Melones Lake?
We recommend using night crawlers.
Are there guided fishing excursions at New Melones Lake?
Neither the Marina nor the Bureau of Reclamation offers any organized fishing excursions. However, New Melones Lake Marina does offer a variety of rental vessels to suit your fishing needs.
CAMPING
There are various tent and trailer campsites within the park, however, New Melones Lake Marina remains unaffiliated. ALL campgrounds are operated, maintained, and hosted by the Bureau of Reclamation. Campsites are available by reservation through Recreation.gov and on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make a reservation visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.