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New Hogan Lake - COE/Oak Knoll
Overview
New Hogan Lake - COE/Oak Knoll offers a serene escape into the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this destination is centered around the expansive New Hogan Lake, which serves as a vital reservoir for the region. Travelers visiting Oak Knoll will find a park that prioritizes a connection with nature, offering a landscape defined by rolling golden hills and scattered valley oaks. It provides a peaceful setting for those looking to trade the noise of the city for the sounds of water and wildlife while enjoying a slower pace of life.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside of Valley Springs, CA, the Oak Knoll campground sits on the southern shore of the lake. The surrounding environment is typical of the California Gold Country, featuring rugged terrain that changes color with the seasons. During the spring, the hills are vibrant green, while the summer brings a classic golden hue. The park’s elevation provides expansive views of the water, making it a picturesque spot for watching the sunset over the horizon while enjoying the gentle breeze coming off the lake, surrounded by mature oak trees.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional COE campground, Oak Knoll focuses on the essentials of the outdoor experience. The sites are designed for dry camping, meaning there are no water or electric hookups at the individual pads, making it perfect for self-contained RVs. However, the park provides well-maintained facilities to ensure comfort, including:
- Flush toilets and hot showers located within the loop.
- Large, paved parking pads that can accommodate a variety of RV sizes.
- Individual fire rings and sturdy picnic tables at every site.
- Access to a sanitary dump station and potable water near the park entrance.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw of New Hogan Lake is its water recreation. Boaters and anglers frequently visit to catch striped bass and catfish, or to enjoy water skiing in the designated zones. For those who prefer land-based activities, the area is home to an impressive network of trails. The eight-mile River Trail is a favorite for both hikers and mountain bikers, offering scenic vistas and moderate challenges. Golfers will appreciate the proximity to local courses, while history buffs can take a short drive to explore the charming historic towns of the California Mother Lode.
Who This Park Is Best For
Oak Knoll is an ideal choice for the self-contained RVer who enjoys rustic, nature-focused camping without the need for full hookups. It is particularly well-suited for families looking for an affordable lakeside vacation and outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to boating and biking. If you value a quiet atmosphere, starry night skies, and a budget-friendly stay in a beautiful natural setting, this park fits your travel style perfectly. It is a true getaway for those who prefer the sounds of the wind through the trees over the hum of a crowded resort.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
F B
Not like it used to be. Once the sun sets random outside vehicles pull up to use the shower facilities, this goes on all night. Caught 1 guy rummaging through items we left on our table at mid night. Got up, shined the light, dog barked at him, he fled, got in a car parked near the showers and he left right away. Was hard to sleep after that. Had a couple pull up and go in the shower together...just saying incase you have kids maybe not the coolest thing to walk into. Durring daylight hrs camp host/ranger are on top of it they pull up and put a parking tag on your vehicle within minutes of you arriving...but after sunset host / ranger have no clue whats going on at the park with the transients at night, staff didnt pass by once. I hope they fix this, i did report it but in CA who knows maybe its supposed to be a homeless camp and im the only one that didnt know.
Amber McConnell
Was last there in Feb of 2024. Only 1 bathroom had barely working shower.(Bathrooms have been updated since we were there.) Park was basically empty for the 2 weeks we stayed. Had neighbor on last night we were there. We ran a predator ultra quiet generator. 56 decibels. Shut it off a couple minutes after 10. Husband walked with me to bathrooms and the neighbors went out of their way to watch us go and come back from the bathroom. We brushed it off to curiosity. We went to bed and I woke up once and had to pee and when I opened the door of our trailer, I heard quick scuffling. Half asleep, I thought it was the deer that are in the park. Got up around 7 am and husband went out to start the generator. Someone had cut the pull start cord right below the handle. The neighbors were already up and sitting at the picnic bench drinking coffee and staring right at my husband. They greeted him with, "good morning" and "Cheshire cat" smiles. He said they stopped smiling when he started the generator with the push button start. This is nothing against the park. It's just a warning to people. We did not break any rules and for whatever reason, we were attacked. The generator was only 3 weeks old too. Still have it. Still runs perfect. Replaced the pull cord
Lazyness300
Spot 13 awesome experience. Tons of fun. Super hot but you have a lake right there that's the perfect temperature to go for a swim, go fishing or even hop on a boat and a ride. They have vault toilets they get pretty hot during the day. We had a picnic table, grill, fire pit with a grill and a canopy for the picnic table.
Tria Behler
This was our firsts camping trip to Oak Knoll. It was a nice campground, some garbage left from the people before but overall very nice. The bathrooms are disgusting… but we did learn there are showers and bathrooms in some locations. The Rangers were super nice and they came by to see if we had any issues with noise. Overall it was a great experience and we will be back! Be warned though the bill frogs are annoying 😆 Oh and the water was lovely!!!
Pierre Griffin
I gave it 4 stars because the bathroom upkeep was a 0. There were spiders on the doors and ceilings before you walk in. Then when you walk in there we’re spiders everywhere. There is hardly a place to use the bathroom outdoors without being seen. If the bathroom wasn’t a problem I’d gave it 5 stars.