Lake guide
Camanche Reservoir
Wallace, Calaveras County, CA
Overview
Camanche Reservoir is an East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) reservoir in the Sierra foothills, with about 12 square miles of water and 53 miles of shoreline. Because it's part of a drinking-water system, EBMUD controls boating tightly.
Two shores, one launch
The lake has two recreation areas: North Shore (2000 Camanche Road, Ione) and South Shore (11700 Wade Lane, Valley Springs). For 2026 only South Shore was open for launching; North Shore and nearby Pardee Reservoir stayed closed to boating.
Golden mussel program
EBMUD closed its launches after golden mussels were found in the Delta in late 2024 and reopened Camanche South Shore under a strict program. Trailered boats go through intake screening, inspection and a 30-day quarantine, then get a tamper-proof band. Boats with ballast tanks or live-well systems need full decontamination, and launching is by appointment.
Season
The 2026 boating season ran May 1 to October 1, daily 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Watch EBMUD's announcements for 2027 dates. Rentals, camping and fishing (trout stocked October–June) run year-round.
Getting there & access
South Shore
11700 Wade Lane, Valley Springs; marina (209) 763-5915. This was the only launch open in 2026, with launches by appointment. The state facility listing shows about 165 trailer spaces, two boarding floats and boat lengths of 14–22 ft.
North Shore
2000 Camanche Road, Ione; marina (209) 763-5166. Closed to boating in 2026, though camping, lodging and rentals operate.
Quarantine and bands
A red band marks the 30-day quarantine and must stay intact. A blue band lets you return and launch again without restarting quarantine as long as it stays intact. Broken, missing or tampered bands are invalid and mean denial of launch.
Paddlecraft
Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards need on-site screening before every launch.
Amenities
- South Shore marina — Fuel, rentals, store, snack bar, transient tie-ups, pump-out; (209) 763-5915
- North Shore marina — Rentals, fuel, restaurant, haul-out and repair; (209) 763-5166
- Rental boats — Patio boats, deluxe patio boats, fishing boats, kayaks and paddle boats
- Camping and lodging — 500+ campsites, 200 RV hookups, cottages and motel rooms
- Fish cleaning and tackle — At both shores
- Dry storage — Listed at both shores (about 40 units South, 250 North)
Rules & official resources
- All trailered boats must complete intake screening, inspection and a 30-day quarantine with banding before launching; broken, missing or tampered bands result in denial of launch
- Boats with internal ballast tanks or live-well systems require full decontamination
- Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards need on-site screening before every launch
- Boats must arrive with hull, motor and trailer clean and dry and bilge, ballast and live wells drained and dry
- 2026 boating: South Shore only, May 1–October 1, daily 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; North Shore and Pardee closed (announced November 20, 2025)
- Fishing access fee of $7.75 per angler per day, plus a state fishing license for ages 16+
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Draining and drying for inspection
EBMUD turns away boats that aren't clean and dry, and ballast or live-well boats need full decontamination. Thorough cleaning of bilges, live wells and engine water before your appointment saves a wasted trip.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Inspection-ready fishing boats
Live-well plumbing and pumps hold water that can fail inspection. A mechanic can blow out lines and confirm systems are dry.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Dry storage at the lake
Keeping a banded boat at the lake avoids breaking the band and restarting quarantine.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026