News and Updates
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.
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.
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. Press release can be found 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.
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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.
Inspection & Banding Requirements:
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Appointments are available at both Modesto and Woodward Reservoirs 8:00AM - 3:00PM Tuesday-Thursday
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30-Day Yellow Bands and Daily Blue Bands will be available during these hours only.
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All boats must be Clean, Drained, and Dry to qualify for inspection and banding.
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A valid Quagga Mussel Stamp is required for each vessel.
To schedule an appointment please contact:
Modesto Reservoir (209) 874-9540
Woodward Reservoir (209)847-3304
Please plan accordingly and help protect our water bodies.
Thank you for your cooperation!
PAST PRESS RELEASES:
6/4/2025 Expanded Boat Inspection Hours Begin June 4 at Modesto Reservoir