Cherry Lake
- Type
- Reservoir
- Size
- Largest lake in the Stanislaus NF
- Launch
- Forest Service ramp, day use
- Water sports
- Waterskiing, windsurfing, swimming
.jpg?width=1280 "Photo: Pacific Southwest Region 5 (USDA Forest Service), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons")
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Camping
- Restrooms
About this lake
Cherry Lake is the largest lake in the Stanislaus National Forest, north of Highway 120 near Groveland.
On the water
The Forest Service boat launch is day use only. It lists motorized and non-motorized boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, swimming and fishing. No parking, camping or swimming is allowed on the ramp itself; park in the gravel lots, not on the dam. Water levels drop late in the season.
Getting there
The lake is about 20 miles up Cherry Lake Road from Highway 120. That road is narrow and steep, so the Forest Service recommends the Tuolumne route (Buchanan Road to Cottonwood Road) for RVs and trailers. There's no cell service, fuel, groceries or drinking water. Winter snow can close road access.
Camping
Lakeshore camping must be at least 100 feet above the high water line. Cherry Valley Campground is nearby.
Golden mussels
The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry, and to check launching rules before visiting.
Getting there & access
Getting there
From Groveland, drive east on Highway 120 and turn left on Cherry Lake Road. RVs and trailers should use the Tuolumne route (Buchanan Road to Cottonwood Road, about 30 miles).
Late season
Water levels drop late in the season, and snow can close road access in winter. Call 209-962-7825 for conditions.
Golden mussels
The Forest Service asks every boater to clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and gear, never drain bilge or ballast into the lake, and check the lake's launching rules before visiting. California also requires a Mussel Fee Sticker on motorized boats used in fresh water.
- Services
- None: no fuel, water or cell
- Launch info line
- 209-962-7825
What's here
Launch
Forest Service boat launch, day use
Swimming
Swimming away from the ramp
Waterskiing
Waterskiing and windsurfing
Kayaking
Non-motorized boating
Fishing
Lake fishing
Camping
Lakeshore camping above the high water line; Cherry Valley Campground
Restrooms
Vault toilets; no drinking water
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- No parking, camping or swimming on the boat ramp; don't park on the damfs.usda.gov ↗
- Lakeshore camping only 100 feet or more above the high water linefs.usda.gov ↗
- The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry boats and gear and to contact each lake's managing agency for its launching and inspection rules before visiting; it lists no inspection station for this lakefs.usda.gov ↗
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