Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is a recreation area near Turlock with a large lake and forested shoreline along the Tuolumne River. The grounds include multiple coves and calm water areas, along with camping zones nestled between trees and open spaces.

The area became a recreation site in 1950 when California State Parks acquired it through an agreement with the Turlock Irrigation District. The lake itself was created by a dam, transforming the valley into a water recreation destination.

The park maintains native riparian vegetation representing the original plant communities from before agricultural development changed the San Joaquin Valley. Walking through these areas, you see what the landscape looked like in its natural state.

The grounds are open from early morning through sunset and offer boat launch areas, camping sites, and designated swimming zones for day and overnight visitors. Water access is the main activity here, so visitors should plan accordingly and bring what they need for sun exposure and water activities.

The landscape shows old dredger piles throughout the site, remnants from roughly 50 years of mining activity along the river that shaped the terrain. These mounds stand as physical reminders of the area's mining past and create an unexpected contrast with today's recreation focus.

Location: California

Inception: 1950

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=555

GPS coordinates: 37.62720,-120.58200

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28