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Acorn Campground is a sunny campground in the brush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.
With sites just a short walk from the shores of the popular New Hogan Lake, visitors will have no problem finding relief in the comfortable clear waters.
Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. The large surface area allows for plenty of water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and more.
Year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish is perfect for experts and beginners alike. Some of the largest fish are found in less than 25 feet of water.
The "River of Skulls" hiking trail is located below the dam at the Monte Vista Recreation Area. There is also a staging area for an eight mile equestrian trail on a scenic loop that winds along the lake and through the foothill chaparral. Trail guides are available at the park office.
Bicycle trails suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced rider are found on the west side of the lake and next to the group camping area. An easy 3-mile trail connects the park office with Acorn Campground.
Hunting with bow or shotgun during the open season is permitted in certain areas of the lake. Upland game such as turkey, quail and dove is available and waterfowl includes a variety of duck and geese.
Acorn Campground offers 128 spacious campsites with modern amenities such as coin-operated showers and accessible flush toilets, as well as drinking water, an important part of staying hydrated in the summer sun.
The 4,400 surface-acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River.
The dam was built to provide flood protection to the city of Stockton and water for irrigation, drinking and hydroelectric power, and it now offers recreation opportunities for thousands of visitors each year.
The New Hogan area supports a wide variety of wildlife. The foothills location is home to grey fox, mule deer, coyote, turkey, mountain lion, bobcat and rattlesnakes. New Hogan is also a wintering home for bald eagles. The south shore of the lake has been designated as a wildlife viewing area.
A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured.
Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.
From Stockton California, take Highway 26 east for 30 miles. Turn right on Hogan Dam Road and continue for a mile, then follow signs to the campground. Park Headquarters: 2713 Hogan Dam Road Valley Springs, CA 95252 Acorn Campground: 3027 South Petersburg Road Valley Springs, CA 95252
Stayed for only one night on a weekday in early October. The campground was mostly empty. Many of the camp sights were not level and some were very unlevel actually on a hilside.there were flush toilets but the sinks did not have running water in the men's room that I used. There was a shower but I did not realize it was there until I was about to leave and did not use it. The shower was either coin or token opperated. I do not know which. There is a huge lake or reservoir but the water level was so low that it effectively ma as well not have existed. Just a big dry place where a lake used to be. Reservations is through recreation.gov, $20 per night. There was a water faucet near my campsite withe running water. It is very near another campground called Oak knoll but that campground was closed and gated. Cell service was very sketchy to none and I use at&t. It is dry camping with no power hookups. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. We found one of the few pull through sites or maybe the only one and it was good fou our small teardrop camper. We went the wrong way on the one way loop in order to park such that we could open our awning canopy. The restrooms were passable but I would not ldiscribe them as being very clean. i will add photos. There were several small deer wandering the campground. We probably will not stay here again but if I were stuck for a place to be for the night and were relatively near, this would be fine. See the photos for a better sense of the place and happy camping.
Great place to go camping. There is quite a deer population all around the campgrounds and it adds beauty to the scenery. There are trees around the campground which I love, it adds a lot of shade and you do not end up feeling like your in a dessert.
I like the spacing between camping spots, it does not feel crowded and you can enjoy your privacy.
The green metal poles on each site are quite useful, I have a magnetic LED work light and it can easily light up my whole area; it also has a hook to hang a fly trap or other things.
Water acces is an actual running faucet and not one of those limited time faucet type which can get frustrating.
Going to the lake is a bit of a hike from our spot to the water but its ok; sad fact is that if there was no drought problem, the lake woud have been just a few yards away from many sites.
I ended up driving over to a different spot where we can launch our kayaks.
Rangers were very friendly and the people in this area have that country hospitality. Plenty of stores just a few miles from camsite for any items you might run out of or need to have.
This was my first time camping and it was awesome. Liked it very much because of my campsite location. Coming out of the tent and having this view in front of you, always stays in ur mind. Must of the campsites are shaded. The restrooms are cleaned, some of the showers were not working. Other than that was happy with the campsite.
The campsite is situated by the lake, which adds to the overall allure. However, as with most outdoor locations, it's important to bring bug spray for mosquitoes during the night. If you happen to have a clear evening, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity for some spectacular star gazing as well. Although the scenic view at this campsite is truly breathtaking and deserving of full points, one drawback we experienced was the inadequate maintenance of the restrooms.
