La Grange, CA
Lake Don Pedro Marina
Operated by Don Pedro Recreation Agency
- Houseboat rentals
- Patio boat rentals
- Fuel
- Launch
CA · Verified 2026-07-16
Lake Don Pedro Houseboat Rentals
A long Sierra foothill reservoir in California's Central Valley gateway, a short drive from Yosemite National Park.
About Lake Don Pedro
Lake Don Pedro is a long, narrow Sierra Nevada foothill reservoir on the Tuolumne River, about 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat entrance. Managed by the Don Pedro Recreation Agency under a partnership between Turlock and Modesto irrigation districts, the lake stretches through more than 160 miles of oak-covered shoreline with dozens of side arms, hidden coves, and a mix of open main-lake water and quieter creek fingers. The setting is classic California foothill country — golden hills in summer, green in spring, oak savannah rolling up toward the Sierra crest — and the lake sits below the elevations that see heavy snow, which keeps its houseboat season long. Don Pedro is one of the few California reservoirs with a purpose-built houseboat rental program at the marina, and its geography makes it a natural fit for guests who want to combine time on the water with a Yosemite visit before or after the trip. The lake is a working water-supply reservoir, so pool elevation shifts between years and seasons based on Sierra snowpack and downstream demand; confirming cove access with the marina near your trip date is worth the phone call.
Quick facts
- Waterway
- Reservoir (Tuolumne River)
- States
- CA
- Approx. surface
- 12,960 acres
- Approx. shoreline
- 160 mi
- Time zone
- PST
- Managing agency
- Don Pedro Recreation Agency (Turlock Irrigation District / Modesto Irrigation District)
- Rental season
- Typically April through October, with the marina's fleet operating longest during the warm-water summer window.
Facts sourced from the managing agency and public reference material and last verified 2026-07-16. Water levels, marina operations, and access can change — confirm current conditions before departure.
Available houseboats
Houseboat options for Lake Don Pedro are currently being verified with the marinas listed below. Submit your trip details to request current rental information for your dates, group size, and preferred features.
Departure marinas
Verified 2026-07-16
Best time to visit
Rental season: Typically April through October, with the marina's fleet operating longest during the warm-water summer window.
Peak season: Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hot dry summers with typical highs in the 90s°F, cool nights, and mostly clear skies. Spring is mild with wildflower bloom; fall is warm and often the quietest cruising window of the year.
Weather & water conditions
Don Pedro's pool elevation is managed for agricultural and municipal water supply and varies significantly between drought and wet years. Confirm current elevation, launch-ramp operations, and cove access with the marina before departure.
Conditions can change quickly. Always follow marina, National Weather Service, and local authority guidance while on the water.
Directions & airports
Most guests fly into Sacramento, Oakland, or San Francisco and drive two to three hours to the lake. Lake Don Pedro Marina is off Highway 132 west of Coulterville — follow marina-provided directions for the last few miles.
Nearby cities
- La Grange, CA — Closest town to Lake Don Pedro Marina.
- Sonora, CA
- Modesto, CA — Roughly 40–60 minutes to the lake, depending on the marina.
- Groveland, CA
Airports
- MOD — Modesto City-County (Harry Sham Field) (regional)
- SCK — Stockton Metropolitan (regional)
- SMF — Sacramento International (major)
- SFO — San Francisco International (major)
- OAK — Oakland International (major)
Things to do at Lake Don Pedro
Cove-hopping and swimming
Long, warm summer swim season with dozens of quiet side coves; the lake's shape shelters anchored houseboats from most main-lake wind.
Bass and kokanee fishing
Don Pedro is known for a strong bass fishery (largemouth and smallmouth) along with kokanee salmon and rainbow trout in cooler months. California fishing license required.
Waterskiing and wakeboarding
Wide main-lake reaches produce reliable morning glass and long stretches of open water for tow sports.
Yosemite side trip
The Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park is roughly 30 miles east — a natural add-on day off the water.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
The lake's narrow upper arms and shoreline coves reward small-boat exploration launched from an anchored houseboat.
Star gazing
Don Pedro sits far from major urban light domes, so summer night skies can be genuinely dark once the moon is down.
Fishing at Lake Don Pedro
Common species include: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Spotted bass, Kokanee salmon, Rainbow trout, Crappie, Catfish.
Confirm current California fishing licenses and creel limits with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before your trip.
Groceries & provisioning
Modesto and Sonora have full-scale grocery stores and are the natural provisioning stops before check-in. The marina store stocks ice, bait, and essentials.
Safety & operation
The marina provides a mandatory orientation. Summers are hot and dry — plan shade time, hydrate aggressively, and watch afternoon winds on the main lake. In drought years, pay attention to shoreline hazards where formerly submerged rock and stumps may be exposed.
Where to stay
Sonora and Groveland have small-town hotels and inns for pre- and post-trip stays; Modesto offers a wider range of standard hotels. Yosemite lodging inside and just outside the park is a natural add-on option.
Vacation planning
Related destinations
Lake Don Pedro FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Lake Don Pedro
Answers to the questions people most commonly search before planning a trip here.
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