Visit Information
PARK OVERVIEW
Located in the heart of California, where the San Joaquin River flows out of the Sierra Nevada foothills and into the Central Valley, you’ll find one of the most popular recreational lakes in the San Joaquin Valley. Visitors can enjoy the lake’s 47 miles of shoreline with opportunities for boating, swimming, hiking, and more!
Things to Do:
If you have an hour, take in a quick workout on the Buzzards Roost Trail; an elevation gain of more than 500 feet in less than a mile. An incredible view from the top awaits.
If you have half a day, traverse the remote shorelines of the lake by standup paddleboard or kayak, and catch up on your wildlife viewing.
If you have a full day, populate several folding chairs on the shoreline with your favorite people for a fun day at the lake with the barbecue. Take a few spins on the boat or PWC, and try your luck with a fishing pole. You may have to bring your own shade.
Day-Use Fees*:
Vehicle Day-Use: $10.00
Boat Use: $7.00
Seniors (Age 62 and up): $9.00
*Special Holiday Rates Apply
Millerton Lake is composed of three fee areas with two major entrances. South Shore, North Shore, and South Finegold.
South Shore (Day-Use) – Fresno County Side
The South Shore at Millerton Lake is designated for Day-Use and boat launch facilities. It is host to multiple picnicking sites, restrooms, one multiuse trail, beach access, and a lifeguarded swim beach during the summer months. South Shore kiosk is open for fee collection April-September. Day-use fees may be paid by card via the automated payment machine (APM) or cash using the Self Registration & Fee Payment envelopes located at the entrance kiosk or by phone on the Yodel app.
Group picnic areas are available for reservation. All others, first come, first served.
North Shore (Campgrounds) – Madera County Side
The North Shore is the park’s designated camping area. It is host to six camp loops, two group sites, horse camp, a multiuse trail, hiking trail, and a boat launch facility. Day-Use and picnicking allowed only in designated areas. North Shore kiosk is open for fee collection April-September. In the absence of help at the kiosk, day-use and camping fees may be paid by card via the automated payment machine (APM) or cash using the Self Registration & Fee Payment envelopes located at the entrance kiosk. Please check in with the camp host for availability prior to paying fees. For more information on camping please visit our camping section.
South Finegold Day-Use Area
Open April-September, 8:00AM-8:00PM, South Finegold Day-use area (SFG) offers restrooms and picnicking located upriver from the main body of the lake. An accessible canoe and kayak boat ramp is located adjacent to the restrooms. The ramp is only operational at high water levels. A small swim beach is used along the shore; however, no lifeguards are present. SFG is also the location of the San Joaquin River Trail trailhead, popular amongst locals in the fall and spring.
Day-Use fees are collected via a self-pay station located at the entrance of the parking lot. Vehicles parked in the designated Fire-lane, red curb along Sky Harbor Rd. and cul-de-sac, will be cited. Please obey all posted traffic signs and respect private property.
Wellbarn Area
The easternmost reaches of the park are accessible by Wellbarn Rd. Visitors may enter on foot during regular Park hours. Vehicles may park at the gate and should park off the payment ensuring they do not block traffic or the gate. Wellbarn road may be used as a multi-use trail. Be mindful of your abilities and limitations, as the terrain is steep and must return the way you came. Unauthorized vehicles or off-highway vehicles are not permitted. Do not enter private property where posted.
Big Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is also accessible via Wellbarn road. Big Table Mountain Ecological Reserve was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2007 and is approximately 1,000 acres. Big Table Mountain is a flat-topped volcanic mesa covered with grasslands and northern volcanic vernal pools. The mesa is rimmed by vertical cliffs used for nesting by peregrine and prairie falcons and golden eagles. Visitors should always stay on the trail to protect this delicate ecosystem. Dogs are not allowed in the Reserve.
Park Pass Sales Office
Millerton Lake is an official Park Pass Sales location. The primary pass services provided are application review for the Disabled Discount (DD), Golden Bear (GB) and Limited Use Golden Bear (LUGB) discount passes, and the sale of the annual passes. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00AM – 4:30PM. Office is closed on all major holidays. Address: 5290 Millerton Rd Friant, CA 93626. Only Annual Golden Poppy pass and Annual Boat pass are available for purchase at entrance kiosks, April-September.
Millerton Marina
Millerton Marina is a parks concessionaire offering boat slips, boat and personal watercraft rentals, and a variety of services including valet and boat towing. Although established on the lake, it operates independently of the state park. For more information, visit their website at https://millertonmarina.com
TRAILS
Millerton Lake has five established trails. Most trails are considered multi-use trails, meaning they are open to hiking, biking, and horseback. Class 1 E-bikes are currently allowed on multi-use trails. Dogs and motorized vehicles (such as quads or dirt bikes) are not allowed on trails. Please practice hiking ettiquete, observing right of way for others on the trail. For more information and a map please refer to our park infosheet, found under the brochures tab.
San Joaquin River Trail: 12.7 miles (one-way) from South Finegold to San Joaquin River Gorge Recreation Area (BLM), moderate/stenuous.
Blue Oak Trail: 3.3 miles (one-way) from South Shore to Winchell Cove, moderate.
North Shore Trail: 2.0 miles (one-way) - Mono Campground to Valley Oak Campground, moderate.
Buzzards Roost Trail: 0.6 miles (one-way) from Dumna Creek to Buzzards Roost, strenuous.
Nature Trail: 0.25 miles (loop) – Interpretive trail located in Fort Miller camp loop, Easy.
