Lake guide
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Friant, Fresno County, CA
Overview
Millerton Lake is the reservoir behind Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River, northeast of Fresno, and most of it is managed as Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. The park has more than 40 miles of shoreline and straddles the Fresno and Madera county line. The main park office is at 5290 Millerton Road in Friant.
Launching
The lake has six boat launch facilities. Ramps 1 and 6 are operational at all water levels; ramps 2 through 5 change with lake level, and Ramp 6 is on the North Shore near Meadows campground. The state directory lists six boarding floats and 500 trailer parking spaces at the main recreation area. An accessible canoe and kayak ramp at South Finegold works only at high water. Boating is permitted year-round, and park hours vary by season.
Marina and camping
Millerton Marina (19305 Winchell Cove Road) lists 360 slips and tie-ups with 40 dry storage units and offers rentals and tackle. Boat camps run $15 a night and standard campsites $30, according to the park's info sheet. North Shore has six camp loops, two group sites and a horse camp.
Speeds and mussels
The limit is 5 mph within 200 feet of shorelines where swimmers gather, and 35 mph in the channel east of Finegold Bay, where towing is not allowed. State Parks requires current quagga mussel stickers and a self-inspection form, available at the entrance kiosks, before launching. Ramps 2 through 5 depend on lake level, so check current conditions before you tow.
Getting there & access
South Shore (Fresno County)
Enter from Millerton Road in Friant. The South Shore kiosk is open April through September and has the park's self-inspection sheets. Ramps 2 through 5 are in the main recreation area and change with lake level. The park office and the day-use sales are at 5290 Millerton Road.
North Shore (Madera County)
Ramp 6 is on the North Shore near the Meadows campground, and the North Shore kiosk also holds the self-inspection sheets. North Shore has six camp loops, two group sites and a horse camp.
Mussel self-inspection
Vessels must have current quagga mussel stickers, and owners must complete a self-inspection before launching using forms at the entrance kiosks. Vessels or trailers identified as having mussels must not launch. The park lists (559) 822-2332 for inspection questions.
On the water
Stay within the 5 mph zones near swimmers and the 35 mph limit east of Finegold Bay. No towing in the buoyed 5 mph areas or the channel.
Amenities
- Six launch facilities — Ramps 1 and 6 operate at all water levels; ramps 2–5 depend on lake level
- Boarding floats and parking — Six floats and 500 trailer parking spaces (state directory)
- Millerton Marina — 360 slips and tie-ups, 40 dry storage units, rentals and fishing tackle
- Fuel and pump-out — State directory lists fuel sales and sewage or bilge pump-out
- Boat camps — $15 per night per the park's info sheet
- Campgrounds — North Shore has six camp loops, two group sites and a horse camp
- Accessible kayak ramp — South Finegold Day-Use Area, high water only
- Floating restroom — Listed in the state boating directory
Rules & official resources
- Vessels must have current quagga mussel stickers, and owners must self-inspect before launching using forms at the entrance kiosks
- Maximum 5 mph within 200 feet of shorelines where swimmers frequent; 35 mph maximum in the channel east of Finegold Bay
- No towing in the buoyed 5 mph areas or the channel east of Finegold Bay
- No boats in swimming areas; no person under 16 may operate a boat with a motor over 15 hp; operators of personal watercraft must be 16 or older
- Life jackets are required for children 12 and under, and for personal watercraft operators and towed persons
- Day-use hours vary by season and fees are posted by the park; see the park's visit information
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Cooling system and engine service
Summer heat in the San Joaquin Valley foothills pushes engines hard. Owners schedule impeller changes, cooling-system checks and tune-ups before the season, and mobile mechanics service boats at the marina.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Waterline cleaning and detailing
Fluctuating water levels leave mineral rings and algae on hulls. Washdowns and waxing keep gelcoat in shape in valley sun.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Gelcoat oxidation
Heavy valley sun and long stretches of dry storage oxidize gelcoat quickly, leading to compounding and polishing jobs.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Canvas and upholstery
UV and heat break down covers, seat vinyl and Bimini tops on boats kept at the marina.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Transport and towing
With ramps that vary by lake level, owners sometimes hire transport and trailer services for relocation and storage.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026