Lake guide
New Hogan Lake
Valley Springs, Calaveras County, CA
Overview
New Hogan Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Calaveras River near Valley Springs, about 30 miles east of Stockton on Highway 26. The lake formed in 1964 when New Hogan Dam was completed. At full pool it covers about 4,400 surface acres with roughly 50 miles of shoreline, stretching some eight miles upstream to where the north and south forks of the Calaveras meet.
Who boats here
It's an open, all-purpose foothill lake. Water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing are all allowed, and anglers fish year-round for striped bass, black bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Four public ramps are spread around the lake, and there's a floating restroom on the water.
Boat-in camping
Deer Flat is a boat-in-only campground reached from the Fiddleneck Day Use Area. You check in at the project headquarters or Acorn Campground before launching, and Fiddleneck closes at 9 p.m., so late arrivals can't get out to their sites. There's no water and only pit toilets, so pack in and pack out.
Mussel inspections and conditions
Because golden mussels were found in nearby Delta waters, the Corps runs random vessel inspections. Bring your Boater Card and current registration with the Mussel Fee sticker, and arrive clean, drained and dry. Check current lake levels before you tow. The south shore is a wildlife viewing area where bald eagles winter.
Getting there & access
By road
From Stockton, take Highway 26 east about 30 miles toward Valley Springs. The project office is at 2713 Hogan Dam Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252, phone (209) 772-1343.
Launch ramps
There are four public boat ramps around the lake. The state facility listings include the Acorn Launch Ramp and the Fiddleneck Launch Ramp, with 250 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers, 3 boarding floats and 3 carry-down walkways listed for the recreation area. Fish cleaning stations are listed near the launch.
Boat-in camping at Deer Flat
Deer Flat is reachable by boat only, launching from the Fiddleneck Day Use Area. Check in first at the Project Headquarters (Monday–Wednesday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or Acorn Campground (Thursday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.). Fiddleneck closes at 9 p.m., which cuts off access to Deer Flat after that time, and there are no refunds for late arrivals.
Inspection at the ramp
Expect a random vessel inspection. Have your California Boater Card and current registration with the Mussel Fee sticker ready, and make sure the boat is clean, drained and dry before you launch. Questions go to the project office at (209) 772-1343.
Amenities
- Public ramps — Four, including Acorn and Fiddleneck
- Trailer parking — 250 spaces listed for the recreation area
- Floating restroom — On the lake, listed as a sanitary facility
- Campgrounds — 207 reservable sites at Acorn, Oak Knoll and Deer Flat, plus a group campground for up to 50 people
- Acorn Campground — 128 sites with showers, accessible flush toilets and drinking water; no hookups
- Deer Flat Boat-In — Boat-only tent sites; no water, pit toilets, pack in and pack out
- Fish cleaning stations — Near the boat ramps
- Trails — River of Skulls trail, an 8-mile equestrian trail and two 18-hole disc golf courses
Rules & official resources
- Golden mussel prevention: vessels are subject to random inspection and must be clean, drained and dry before launching
- Carry a California Boater Card and current vessel registration with the Mussel Fee sticker
- Deer Flat campers must check in at Project Headquarters or Acorn Campground before launching; Fiddleneck Day Use Area closes at 9 p.m.
- Deer Flat is pack-in, pack-out: registered campers must remove all garbage
- Dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash
- Registered boats used in fresh water must display a current Mussel Fee sticker on the hull next to the registration sticker
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Wash and dry before every trip
Random inspections check that boats arrive clean, drained and dry. Owners who move between Delta-area lakes and New Hogan benefit from a full wash, flush and dry-out between trips.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Ski and wake boat engine service
Water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing are popular here, and long summer days in foothill heat are hard on inboards and PWCs. Pre-season service and cooling-system checks are common.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Gelcoat and UV care
Trailer boats spend hot summers in open sun at the ramps and campgrounds. Oxidation and faded gelcoat call for regular compounding and waxing.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Covers and upholstery
Boats left on trailers at campsites or at home in the Valley heat need good covers, and sun-baked seats crack quickly.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026