Frequently Asked Questions

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.

• 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.

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.

No, due to high fire risk campfires are not permitted on shore.

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.

The Marina store has a variety of food options to choose from. The closest restaurants are in Angels Camp.

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).

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.

The minimum age is 25 years old to rent any vessel. Must present a valid drivers license at check-in.

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.

Your deposit can be used pay for boat damage, loss of inventory, additional cleaning or late fees that you incur.

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.

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.

Pick-Up: 3pm on day of reservation

Return: 10am* – Houseboats must be docked and ready to disembark by return time.

There is a $150 nonrefundable fee for up to 2 pets going onto the houseboat. Additional pets are $50.00 each.

New Melones Lake Marina houseboats feature smoke-free interiors. Guests who wish to smoke are encouraged to do so outside of the cabin.

Full rental payment is due at time of booking. Security Deposit will be taken at time of check-in.

• 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.

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.

• New Melones Lake Marina does not offer any form of renters insurance.

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.

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/

You do. Our guests typically captain the houseboats, although accommodations can be made under special circumstance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We recommend moving your houseboat daily to accommodate the fluctuating water levels.

No. All houseboats must be beached and securely tied-off by sundown.

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.

No, washers and dryers are not included on the houseboats.

The Marina store has fuel and propane available for purchase.

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

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

The Marina does not supply any fishing equipment rentals.

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

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.

We recommend using night crawlers.

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.