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Lake Camanche North Shore

A 7,700-acre reservoir with 54 miles of shoreline offering fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, equestrian trails, and year-round camping on the Amador County North Shore.

Ione, Amador County (209) 763-5121 Website

Lake Camanche is a sprawling 7,700-acre reservoir with 54 miles of shoreline, straddling the border of Amador, Calaveras, and San Joaquin counties. The North Shore — accessible from Ione via Camanche Road — sits in Amador County and is the primary gateway for camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding. The lake is managed by East Bay Municipal Utility District and operated by Camanche Recreation Company, with more than 800 campsites, rental cottages, cabins, and full-hookup RV parks spread across both shores.

Whether you’re bass fishing at dawn, kayaking quiet coves, hiking the China Gulch Trail, or settling into a lakeside campsite for the weekend, Camanche delivers year-round recreation in the Gold Country foothills. The North Shore marina offers boat and watercraft rentals, and summer Saturday nights feature free outdoor movies at the South Shore amphitheater. Reservations for campsites and lodging can be made by calling the toll-free reservation line at (866) 763-5121.

Activities & Experiences

Fishing

Year-round fishing for bass, trout, crappie, catfish, and bluegill from shore or by boat.

Year-round $7.75 fishing access fee per angler per day

Boating & Kayaking

Rent fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, or paddleboards by the hour or day — or launch your own watercraft from the marina.

Year-round (conditions permitting) Day use $12 per vehicle; boat launch $9

Swimming

Sandy beaches and calm coves along both shores, ideal for families.

Summer months Included with day use

Hiking & Equestrian Trails

North Shore's China Gulch Trail offers 10.2 miles of lake-view hiking and horseback riding with an optional 3-mile loop. South Shore connects to over 25 miles of the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail.

Year-round Included with day use

Outdoor Movies

Free Saturday-night movies at the South Shore amphitheater, starting at twilight.

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Free

Where to Stay

Tent Camping

Over 550 tent sites across both shores with fire rings and restroom access, available year-round.

RV Sites

148 full-hookup RV sites at South Shore with water, electric, and sewer connections.

Cottages

One-bedroom duplex cottages at North Shore and individual cottages at South Shore, plus ADA-accessible two-bedroom units.

Tent Cabins

Four elevated tent cabins at North Shore with beds and decks.

Deluxe Cabins

Large vacation cabins sleeping 10–12 with full amenities including washer and dryer.

Equestrian Camping

Turkey Hill facility with seven specialized sites for horse camping.

Hours & Seasons

Gate Hours

5:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily

Reservation Line

Daily 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM · (866) 763-5121

Note

Dry campground May 1 – September 30 (no alcohol)

Website

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