Don Pedro Lake, Fleming Meadows Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape that combines the thrill of water recreation with the tranquility of a lakeside setting, Don Pedro Lake's Fleming Meadows Campground stands out as a prime destination. Nestled in the picturesque Sierra Nevada Foothills near La Grange, this expansive campground offers much more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a vibrant hub for outdoor adventure, particularly for those who love boating, swimming, and fishing.

Fleming Meadows Campground is renowned for its diverse camping options, from spacious lakeside sites that offer stunning views to cozy interior spots. It’s designed to accommodate a wide range of campers, whether you’re planning a spontaneous stopover or a dedicated week-long vacation. The allure of Don Pedro Lake, with its vast surface area and extensive shoreline, is perfectly complemented by the thoughtful amenities found at Fleming Meadows, creating an inviting environment for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

While the lake's water levels can fluctuate, impacting the immediate shoreline, the campground consistently provides excellent access to the water, a popular swimming lagoon, and a full-service marina. This makes Fleming Meadows not just a campground, but a gateway to all the aquatic delights that Don Pedro Lake has to offer, establishing it as a highly recommended spot for locals seeking an active and enjoyable outdoor experience in California's Gold Country.

Fleming Meadows Campground is strategically located at Don Pedro Lake, with its primary address being La Grange, CA 95329, USA. More specifically, it can be found at 11500 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange, CA 95329. This puts it squarely in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, due east of Modesto and accessible from key Central Valley cities, making it a convenient drive for a significant portion of California's population.

The campground's location on the north side of Don Pedro Lake means campers have direct access to one of California's largest recreational reservoirs, boasting 160 miles of shoreline and approximately 13,000 surface acres of water at maximum elevation. Accessibility to Fleming Meadows is straightforward via well-maintained paved roads. From Highway 120 East or Highway 132 East, visitors can easily turn onto Highway J-59 (La Grange Rd.), then proceed to Bonds Flat Rd., which leads directly into the Fleming Meadows Recreation Area. This ensures that even large RVs and vehicles pulling boats can navigate to the campground with ease.

Upon arrival, visitors will find clearly marked signs leading to parking and camping areas, as well as the marina and boat launch ramps. While the area is designed for easy access, a crucial point for visitors, as highlighted by reviews, is the potential for additional per-vehicle fees upon entry, which may not always be prominently displayed online. It’s always advisable to check the official Don Pedro Lake Recreation Agency website or call ahead for the most current fee schedule. Despite this, the overall accessibility and prime lakeside location make Fleming Meadows a desirable and convenient choice for a diverse range of campers.

Fleming Meadows Campground at Don Pedro Lake offers a comprehensive range of services designed to cater to various camping preferences, from full-service RVers to traditional tent campers.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground boasts a large number of sites, including approximately 90 full hookup sites (water, power, and sewer) in Loop H, and 176 standard (non-hookup) and walk-in tent campsites across other loops (A, B, and D). Many sites, particularly in Loop A and H, offer scenic views of the lake, even if the water level has receded, as noted by visitors.

• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Numerous "bathrooms throughout the campground" are provided. A significant highlight, specifically mentioned on the Don Pedro Lake website, is the availability of hot showers with "no additional charge," a welcome amenity for campers after a day of lake activities.

• Swimming Lagoon: A popular feature is the 2-acre swimming lagoon, complete with a sand bottom/beach area and a large grass lawn. This provides a safe and contained swimming environment, particularly appealing for families and children, serving as an alternative to swimming directly in the lake.

• Full-Service Marina: Located within the Fleming Meadows Recreation Area, the Lake Don Pedro Marina offers boat rentals (including houseboats, pontoons, and ski boats), a snack shack, fishing tackle, food, supplies, and even boat motor repair, making it a true "boaters paradise."

• Boat Launch Ramps and Fish Cleaning Station: For those bringing their own vessels, there's a multi-lane boat launch ramp with courtesy docks, along with a convenient fish cleaning station for anglers.

• Sewage Dump Station: An on-site sewage dump station is available for RVers, adding to the convenience for those with self-contained vehicles.

• Camp Store: A general camp store or snack shack is present, providing essential items, snacks, and perhaps firewood, reducing the need to leave the recreation area for supplies.

• Recreational Facilities: Beyond the lake, the campground area offers horseshoe pits, a ball field, and a volleyball court, providing additional recreational opportunities for campers.

• Cell Service & Wi-Fi: While cell service can be spotty around Don Pedro Lake, some areas, including Fleming Meadows, offer fair cell service and Wi-Fi, which can be a valuable amenity for those needing to stay connected.

Fleming Meadows Campground at Don Pedro Lake boasts several key features and highlights that enhance the overall camping experience and attract visitors from across California.

• Stunning Lake Views: Even with fluctuating water levels, many campsites, especially those on the "lake side" or interior loops, offer "great views of the lake," providing picturesque backdrops for your camping experience.

• Abundant Water Recreation: Don Pedro Lake is a true water recreation haven. Campers can enjoy boating, fishing (known for trout, bass, salmon, crappie, catfish), swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. The direct access to the lake and the on-site marina facilitate all these activities.

• Dedicated Swimming Lagoon: The 2-acre swimming lagoon is a significant highlight, offering a safe, sand-bottomed beach area perfect for families with children. It provides a popular alternative to swimming in the open lake, especially during peak seasons when the main lake can be busy with boats.

• Houseboat Rentals: The option to rent houseboats directly from Lake Don Pedro Marina, located within Fleming Meadows, is a unique and exciting feature. This allows for an extended, luxurious stay directly on the water, turning a camping trip into a floating vacation.

• Budget-Friendly Off-Season Rates: As highlighted by a reviewer, visiting during the mid-week or off-season (e.g., mid-March) can mean having "the whole park to ourselves" and enjoying "very budget friendly" rates, offering a peaceful and economical way to experience the lake.

• Spacious and Well-Maintained Sites: Reviewers note "lots of good campsites" with paved parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers, indicating a comfortable and well-equipped camping setup.

• Convenient Amenities for Boaters: With multiple boat launch ramps, courtesy docks, and a fish cleaning station, the campground is exceptionally well-equipped for those bringing their own boats, solidifying its reputation as a "boaters paradise."

• Family and Group Friendly: Beyond individual sites, Fleming Meadows offers group camping areas and various sports fields (horseshoe pits, ball field, volleyball court), making it suitable for larger gatherings and family reunions.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Don Pedro Lake, Fleming Meadows Campground, visitors can utilize the following contact details. It's always recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on fees, availability, and specific regulations.

• Address:

  Don Pedro Lake, Fleming Meadows Campground

  11500 Bonds Flat Road

  La Grange, CA 95329, USA

• Phone:

  (209) 852-2396 ext. 3

  Mobile Phone: +1 209-852-2396 ext. 3

  This number typically connects to the Don Pedro Recreation Agency Visitor Center or the main reservation line for the recreation area.

• Official Website:

  The primary official website for information and potentially reservations is DonPedroLake.com (specifically the Fleming Meadows section: donpedrolake.com/fleming-meadows/). This site provides details on fees, amenities, maps, and important alerts (e.g., lake levels, fire restrictions). Reservations can often be made directly through this site or linked platforms.

For Californians, Don Pedro Lake's Fleming Meadows Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing outdoor escape, perfectly blending convenience with a wealth of recreational opportunities. Its suitability for local users stems from its accessible location, diverse offerings, and the ability to cater to a wide range of outdoor interests.

Firstly, its prime location in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, a manageable drive from many major Central Valley cities and even the Bay Area, makes it an ideal destination for weekend getaways or spontaneous trips. Locals don't need to embark on a cross-state journey to find high-quality camping and robust water recreation. This ease of access encourages more frequent visits and allows for flexible trip planning, a significant advantage for busy Californian families.

Secondly, Fleming Meadows truly excels as a "boaters paradise," a highly valued attribute in a state with a strong affinity for water sports. The on-site marina, boat rentals (including exciting houseboats), and ample launch ramps mean that locals with boats or those wishing to rent can fully immerse themselves in the lake's expansive waters. Beyond boating, the popular swimming lagoon provides a safe and family-friendly alternative to open water, catering to all ages and comfort levels. The excellent fishing opportunities further broaden its appeal, making it a comprehensive destination for aquatic enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the campground's comprehensive amenities, including full hookup sites, clean restrooms with hot showers (at no extra charge), and various recreational facilities, ensure a comfortable stay. While some minor updates to facilities may be desired, the overall positive experience, spacious sites, and friendly atmosphere consistently draw "friends and family" back, as noted by local reviewers. This combination of accessibility, abundant water-based recreation, and robust amenities solidifies Fleming Meadows Campground as a top choice for Californians seeking an active and memorable lakeside adventure close to home.

Don Pedro Lake, Fleming Meadows Campground

La Grange, CA 95329, USA