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Central Coast & Central Valley Region
Turlock Lake State Park
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TURLOCK LAKE STATE PARK
TURLOCK LAKE STATE PARK
22600 Lake Road
La Grange, California   95329

Phone: 209-874-2056
Reservations: 800-444-7275
Bounded on the north by the Tuolumne River and on the south by Turlock Lake, the recreation area provides an ideal setting for water-oriented outdoor activities. The recreation area features the 3500-surface-acre lake with its 26 miles of shoreline and some 228 acres of foothill country leased from the Turlock Irrigation District in 1950. Picnicking, day-use, and boat launch ramps are offered at the lake. Overnight visitors are welcome at the 66 site campground located on the shady south bank of the Tuolumne River about 1 mile from the lake.

From several lookout point, visitors can view the surrounding savannas and some of the cattle ranches and orchards nearby. And from Lake Road which separates the campground from the day use area, an excellent perspective is shown of the campground, the river and sloughs, and miles of dredger tailing piles-the by product of a half century of gold mining.

Heaviest use period is Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. After Labor Day and through October are perhaps the most ideal times to camp with warm and golden days, cool and comfortable nights, and uncrowded campgrounds.
History of the Area
The park was established in 1955. It covers an area of approximately 3,766 acres and includes Turlock Lake. The lake itself is a reservoir created by the construction of New Don Pedro Dam on Tuolumne River.

The dam's completion took place in 1924 as part of Modesto Irrigation District's efforts to provide water for local agriculture. This resulted not only in irrigation benefits but also recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing which led to its designation as a state recreation area.

In addition to aquatic activities, visitors can enjoy camping with over sixty campsites available within the grounds along with picnic areas offering scenic views across the landscape.

Despite facing closure due to budget cuts back during financial crisis around early-2010s , it remained open thanks largely due community support rallying against this decision ensuring continued public access today.

Camping
- Turlock Lake State Recreation Area: Offers 66 campsites for tents and RVs with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
- Boat-in Camping: Allows visitors to camp on the shores of the lake after a day of boating.
- Group Campsites: Available for larger parties or family reunions; reservations required in advance.
- Day-use Picnic Areas: For those who prefer not to stay overnight but still want to enjoy outdoor activities.


Location
Turlock Lake State Park is located near Delhi, Modesto and Oakdale
Nearby Parks

Trails
- Turlock Lake Loop Trail: A 3.1-mile loop trail featuring a lake, primarily used for hiking and nature trips.

- Eastside Hiking Trail: This is an easy to moderate difficulty level trail that stretches about 2 miles along the eastern side of the park.

- West Shoreline Pathway: An approximately one mile long path offering stunning views of Turlock Lake; suitable for all skill levels.

- River Viewpoint Track: Short but scenic route leading towards river viewpoints with bird-watching opportunities; less than half a mile in length.

- Oak Woodland Nature Walk : About two-thirds of a mile walk through dense oak woodland area providing ample shade during summer months

- Wildlife Observation Route : Less defined pathway stretching around three-quarters of a mile ideal for wildlife spotting particularly birds

- Picnic Area Trails : Several short trails connecting various picnic areas within the state park ; distances vary from few hundred yards to over quarter-mile

- Campground Paths : Network paths interconnecting different campgrounds , each varying between tenth-of-a-mile up-to-half-a-mile depending on campground location

Note that some routes may not be officially marked as trails by California State Parks Department yet are commonly used by visitors.

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Directions
About 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River. From Modesto take Highway 132 East 14 miles to Waterford; in Waterford turn right on Hickman Road (county road J-9) and drive 1 mile to Lake Road. Turn left on Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA. Address:

22600 Lake Road

La Grange CA 95329
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California
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