NEWS & UPDATES
Woodward Reservoir Operations Update - 9.11.2026
As we begin our transition of Woodward Reservoir operations to South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) effective October 15, 2026, camping reservations will be limited during this period.
Areas A through DD are closed for the season.
Camping reservations available through September 14, 2026 for the following areas and will be closed thereafter:
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Mountain View Point
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Charlie’s Point
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Fischer Point
Camping reservations available through October 11, 2026 for the following areas and will be closed thereafter:
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Hackberry Flat
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Muir Point
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T-Island
All camping areas will be closed effective October 11, 2026 at 2 p.m.
We appreciate the community’s understanding during this operational transition and will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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Public Notice - Body-to-Water Contact- South San Joaquin Irrigation District has notified us that effective Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 body-to-water contact will not be permitted at Woodward Reservoir. You can find more information about this restriction HERE.
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Current Boating Requirements: Motorized Vessel (includes Jet skis) inspections, banding and 30-day quarantine at both Modesto and Woodward Reservoirs are available by appointment only, Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
To make an appointment, please call:
Modesto Reservoir (209) 874-9540
Woodward Reservoir (209) 847-3304
Please plan accordingly and schedule your appointments in advance to accommodate your boating plans.
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March 3, 2026 - Stanislaus County, Turlock Irrigation District, and California State Parks today announced the approval of an agreement to operate Turlock Lake State Recreation Area (SRA). Future recreation at Turlock Lake SRA will offer family-friendly recreation with a waterpark, picnicking, fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating such as kayaking and canoeing, small engine motorized boating, and seasonal waterfowl hunting. The park may reopen as soon as summer 2027. For more details, see press release HERE.
February 24, 2026 - Notice of Bridge Closures. Effective immediately, both Basso and Old La Grange Pedestrian Bridges are closed to the public. Recent inspections identified critical maintenance needs at both locations. Due to potential safety risks, the bridges will remain closed until necessary repairs are completed. Thank you for your understanding.
February 2, 2026 - OHV Grant Public Comment. The Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Department will be submitting grants for the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Division for Frank Raines and La Grange OHV Parks. We would like to give the public an opportunity to review the grants and provide comments.
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Public comments shall be submitted to the Applicant and the OHMVR Division.
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Public comments shall be received no later than 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the first Monday in May.
Please visit: www.ohv.parks.ca.gov for more details.
October 30, 2025 - Updated Boat Launch Hours for Modesto and Woodward Reservoirs now open 6:00AM - 4:30PM
PAST PRESS RELEASES:
6/4/2025 Expanded Boat Inspection Hours Begin June 4 at Modesto Reservoir
Modesto and Woodward Reservoirs Win
Best in Modesto had over 2,000 businesses, organizations, and individuals competing to be named in the top three spots of 247 categories. The Modesto Bee Readers voted Modesto Reservoir (GOLD) and Woodward Reservoir (SILVER) for best RV Park & Campground.
Kiwanis Youth Camp Closed
Kiwanis Youth Camp is closed until further notice.
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