Lake guide
Don Pedro Lake
La Grange, Tuolumne County, CA
Overview
Don Pedro Lake is a large Tuolumne River reservoir in the Sierra foothills between La Grange and Moccasin, with nearly 160 miles of shoreline and about 13,000 surface acres. The Don Pedro Recreation Agency runs the recreation area; the reservoir itself was formed by New Don Pedro Dam, completed in 1971.
Layout
There are three public launch ramps, each with multiple paved lanes and boarding floats: Fleming Meadows and Blue Oaks on Bonds Flat Road at the south end, and Moccasin Point off Highway 120/49 at the north end. Two full-service marinas sit beside the Fleming Meadows and Moccasin Point ramps. Restrooms are on shore and on floating facilities around the lake.
Houseboat country
Don Pedro is one of the foothills' big houseboat lakes. The Agency authorizes 257 private houseboat permits, which transfer to a new owner on sale, and both marinas rent houseboats.
Water level and mussels
Lake level swings a lot. Blue Oaks closed in both June 2024 (falling water) and May 2025 (rising water), so check the Agency's news page before you go. Every boater must certify the boat is cleaned, drained and dry, and a self-inspection permit goes on the dashboard while you're parked with an empty trailer.
Getting there & access
South end (La Grange)
Fleming Meadows and Blue Oaks ramps are off Bonds Flat Road. Agency headquarters and the visitor center are at 10201 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange. Lake Don Pedro Marina is at Fleming Meadows.
North end (Moccasin)
Moccasin Point ramp is off Highway 120/49 near Moccasin, at 11405 Jacksonville Road, Jamestown. The state facility listing shows about 734 trailer parking spaces there.
Ramp closures
Blue Oaks closes when water is too low or too high. The upper ramp closed June 28, 2024, and the ramp closed again May 21, 2025 because of rising water, with overnight parking banned. Check the Agency's news page for current status.
Mussel self-inspection
All boaters certify that their boats are cleaned, drained and dry. The regional self-inspection permit asks whether the boat was in infested water in the last 30 days and requires drying of at least 5 days in hot weather or 30 days in cool, damp weather. Display the signed permit on the dashboard while parked with an empty trailer.
Amenities
- Three launch ramps — Fleming Meadows, Blue Oaks and Moccasin Point, each with multiple paved lanes and boarding floats
- Lake Don Pedro Marina — Fleming Meadows, 11500 Bonds Flat Rd, La Grange; (209) 852-2369; rentals, cafe and repair shop
- Moccasin Point Marina — 11405 Jacksonville Rd, Jamestown; (209) 989-2206
- Houseboat rentals — Available through both marinas
- Floating restrooms — Restrooms on shore and on floating facilities around the lake
- Visitor center — 10201 Bonds Flat Rd, La Grange; (209) 852-2396
Rules & official resources
- All boaters must certify that their boats are cleaned, drained and dry (free of quagga and zebra mussels)
- Display the signed mussel self-inspection permit on the dashboard while parked with an empty boat trailer, or risk a citation; don't clean or drain your boat by the lake or at the ramp
- 5 mph within 100 feet of swimmers and within 200 feet of beaches, diving platforms and boat landings; no towing activities in areas marked No Ski
- Day use 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; quiet hours 10 p.m.–7 a.m.; vessels may not be left beached or moored outside assigned facilities more than 12 consecutive hours
- No vessel 10 feet or wider (on land) may be brought in other than an Agency-permitted houseboat; houseboat wastewater must be pump-out only
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Registered boats used in fresh water must display a current Mussel Fee Sticker on the hull next to the registration sticker; failure to display it can mean denial of access or a citation
Common boat service needs here
Houseboat holding tanks and systems
With hundreds of private houseboats and a pump-out-only wastewater rule, owners need regular pump-out, plumbing and generator service.
Find Yacht Management & Concierge providers →Engine and generator service
Long runs between the north and south ends of the lake and hot summer use put load on engines and generators. Mobile mechanics who reach marina slips are in demand.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Hull cleaning for slip boats
Boats kept in slips through a warm foothill summer pick up growth and waterline staining that needs regular cleaning.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Canvas and UV care
Strong sun on open water wears out covers, Bimini tops and houseboat upholstery quickly.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026