- Millerton Lake offers a number of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Sierras
- Yosemite National Park is not far away
- Hike the south shore of the lake and view the wildlife
- Bring your boat and enjoy the sun and water
- Visit the Millerton County Courthouse’s interpretive displays
Overview
Millerton Lake CA is a man-made lake in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with over 40 miles of shoreline, providing plenty of fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. The lake is three miles wide at its widest and extends 16 miles into the river canyon. South of Yosemite National Park, it’s a great place to come to camp out and enjoy water and land recreation.
Location & Information
Millerton Lake California is south of Yosemite National Park. Go south on Highway 41, and at the junction of Highway 145, go left on Road 145. Turn right when you come to Road 206 and follow the signs.
Millerton Lake is accessible all year.
Contact information:
Acting San Joaquin
Sector Superintendent
Millerton Lake SRA
5290 Millerton Rd.
Friant, CA 93626
559-822-2332 ext. 107
Activities
- Hiking
Hiking the South Shore Trail is wonderful in this mild climate. It’s only 4 miles out-and-back and with minimal elevation gain. You’ll find parking at the Blue Oak Picnic Area or two miles further on at the South Bay Picnic Area. - Fishing
Enjoy some profitable Millerton Lake fishing while you’re here. Many rainbow and brown trout are caught both in the upper portion of the lake, but more consistently below the dam. You’ll also pull in stripers, crappies, catfish, bluegill and various species of bass. - Boating
Bring your boat to Millerton Lake for some scenic boating. There’s one marina to service you, with supplies, bait and tackle and snacks. You’ll need your fishing license before you arrive, however, as they don’t sell them here. - Wildlife Viewing
Dozens of bird species populate the area around the lake, as well as cottontail rabbits, deer, badgers and ground squirrels. In the winter, you can take boat tours to view bald eagles. - Visit the Attractions
Check out the Millerton County Courthouse on Mariner’s Point. This was the original courthouse from 1867, moved to this spot from old Millerton when Lake Millerton was filling. You’ll see interpretive exhibits and learn something of the area’s history. - Camping
You’ll often find a spot to camp here when other campgrounds are full. There are lots of advantages to Millerton Lake camping, with access to the beach, private and clean sites, and sleeping under the stars in the Sierra.
Fun Facts
Friant Dam was built across the San Joaquin River in 1944, thus Millerton Lake was created. The lake supplies water to the Central Valley.
