Lake guide
Lake Tulloch
Jamestown, Tuolumne County, CA
Overview
Lake Tulloch is a foothill reservoir straddling the Tuolumne and Calaveras county line between Jamestown and Copperopolis. The Tri-Dam Project operates it under a federal (FERC) license. Most of the shoreline is lined with private homes and HOA docks, so public access is limited to a couple of approved launch sites.
Layout and access
The South Shore is the public side: Lake Tulloch Marina & Campground, reached by Tulloch Dam Road off Highway 108, runs the county campground launch along with camping, fuel and rentals. The North Shore, reached by O'Byrne's Ferry Road, is mostly private homeowner facilities and commercial marinas. Drifters Grill and Marina is a Tri-Dam-approved launch site there, and several HOAs run launches for their members only.
Golden mussel rules shape every trip
Since spring 2025 Tulloch has run a strict watercraft program to keep invasive golden mussels out. Motorized boats must arrive clean, drained and dry, launch only from approved sites, and either carry a Tulloch-issued 30-day quarantine band, a Tulloch re-entry band, or a same-day decontamination from New Melones. Bands from other lakes are not accepted. Every boat also needs a Tri-Dam sticker (lakefront owners only) or a day pass.
Good to know
As of July 2, 2026, Tri-Dam reported the South Shore campground launch and decontamination open. Rules have changed several times since 2025, so check Tri-Dam's current operating notices before you tow.
Getting there & access
South Shore (public)
Take Highway 108 to Tulloch Dam Road to reach Lake Tulloch Marina & Campground at 14448 Tulloch Road, Jamestown. Tri-Dam names the Tuolumne County-operated campground launch as the primary public access point for motorized boats. The state facility listing shows 100 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers and 2 boarding floats. Call the campground at (209) 630-1600 for launch fees, hours and camping.
North Shore and Drifters
The North Shore, off O'Byrne's Ferry Road, is mostly private homes and HOA docks. Drifters Grill and Marina is a Tri-Dam-approved public launch site; contact it at (209) 785-9410 for current launch availability and hours. HOA launches (Black Jack Bluff, Calypso Bay, Conner Estates, Copper Cove, Lake Tulloch Shores/Poker Flat, Peninsula Estates) are for members only.
Banding and quarantine
Boats must be clean, drained and dry or they will be turned away. A red band means the boat is in its 30-day quarantine and cannot launch; a green band is a re-entry band that lets a boat return without another 30-day wait. Only Tulloch-issued bands that can be verified in the national banding database are honored. Banding typically takes 15 to 30 minutes per boat.
Coming from New Melones
Tri-Dam honors decontaminations performed at New Melones for same-day entry at Tulloch, one way only. A 30-day quarantine band or re-entry band from New Melones does not qualify for entry at Tulloch.
Kayaks and paddleboards
Non-motorized craft need a completed Tulloch Non-Motorized Watercraft Self-Certification Permit before launching. Self-inspect your gear so it's clean, drained and dry, and display the completed form on your vehicle.
Amenities
- Public launch — South Shore campground launch with 2 boarding floats and about 100 trailer parking spaces
- Decontamination — Reported open at the South Shore campground as of July 2, 2026
- Fuel — Fuel sales listed at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
- Boat rentals — Listed at the South Shore marina
- Camping and lodging — Campsites and lodging at the South Shore campground and marina
- Food and supplies — Convenience store, tackle sales and a restaurant at the South Shore; Drifters Grill and Marina on the North Shore
- Shoreside services — Restrooms, showers, laundry, day-use and swimming areas, plus oil disposal at the South Shore
Rules & official resources
- All motorized boats must arrive clean, drained and dry and launch only from Tri-Dam-approved sites
- Every watercraft launched must display a current Tri-Dam sticker or have an issued day pass; stickers are issued only to eligible lakefront property owners
- Only Tulloch-issued 30-day quarantine bands and Tulloch re-entry bands that can be verified in the national banding database are honored; bands from other waterbodies are not accepted
- New Melones decontaminations are accepted for same-day entry, but New Melones quarantine or re-entry bands are not
- At inspection, present current vessel registration, the DMV-issued mussel sticker and the operator's Boater Card
- For inspection, pull the drain plug and open all compartments; boats that are not clean, drained and dry are turned away
- Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards need a Tulloch Non-Motorized Watercraft Self-Certification Permit before launching
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Pre-launch cleaning
Boats are turned away if they aren't clean, drained and dry, and inspectors open every compartment. A thorough wash and dry-out before banding day, including live wells and bilges, saves a wasted trip.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Engine checks before quarantine
A 30-day quarantine band means the boat sits out of the water for a month before it can launch. That's a good window for impeller, fuel-system and battery service so the boat runs when it finally goes in.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Transport to approved sites
Public launching is limited to the South Shore campground and Drifters, and same-day entry may mean a decon stop at New Melones first. Owners without a tow rig often hire boat transport.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Canvas and sun protection
Lakefront owners keep boats on private docks through hot foothill summers, so covers, Bimini tops and upholstery wear out quickly in the sun.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.