We recently rented a pontoon boat from the Pardee Lake Marina, and enjoyed a wonderful day on the lake and the river. Our day was even more special with the great service provided by Benny at the marina. He was professional, efficient, knowledgeable and very fun! Thank you Benny! read more

Pardee Lake Recreation - Mokelumne River - Fishing Near Me - Ione, California

Plant more fish let the boats go on but they're doing nothing about it. They just close the ramps and that's it. They went from 30,000 fish plant to 3000. That's embarrassing. I'm not gonna pay that kind of money to get skunked. read more

We've been coming here for years, and we were disappointed when the campground had to close last season, so we were really looking forward to coming back. Unfortunately, during our 3 1/2-day stay, the garbage bins weren't emptied until our last day, and the porta potties weren't cleaned at all--they smelled awful the entire time. The woman working the front desk was also extremely rude. When we tried to use the pool shortly after opening time, the gate was still locked. I politely asked at the office if the pool was open, and she became irritated just for asking. We were also really disappointed that we couldn't rent a boat this time due to a new law passed on July 1st requiring a boating safety course before operating one. We were told this campground was enforcing it strictly, even though supposedly no other places around the area are. It felt unnecessarily restrictive and frustrating. We've loved this place in the past, but this visit left us really let down. I hope management improves the cleanliness, customer service, and finds a more flexible solution to the boating policy in the future. read more

We camped here for a week in early March, and had almost the entire campground to ourselves. There are actually two separate campgrounds at Pardee Recreation Area. The one near the Marina (Lake View Campground) was very busy, and quite full; having both an RV Park section and a campsite section. They have seasonal rates in the RV Park section for long-term rentals, with hook ups included. A few sites in the campsite section had hookups, but most sites did not. The Marina has a store, and boat rentals, too. We stayed in the Oaks Campground, which has green manicured lawns and beautiful oak trees everywhere. There are no hookups, but the are some very large sites with a table and fire ring. The staff need to do some tree trimming, though. We have a tall RV, and some sites have low hanging branches, so beware. Our stay was very peaceful and relaxed. Husband fished every day (no luck, unfortunately, but he had fun). No one seemed to be catching much despite the recent fish plants; some were saying the water was still too cold. Our site was $25.00 per night, with a $10.50 reservation fee, which seems reasonable; but then there are all the other fees. $5.00 a day for the kayak, and $7.50 a day to fish. Also, $5.00 per dog per day. So there are a lot of little fees that add up very quickly. The fishing fee, though, goes 100% to stock the lake. This is a very beautiful area, and there is a lovely trail that goes along the shoreline. I don't think I would stay here during the summer, however, just because of the heat. IMPORTANT TO KNOW: no bodily contact allowed with the lake. (There are two swimming pools that open during summer.) read more

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Beautiful recreation area! Friendly staff - especially John - JT Definitely worth stopping, fishing having a picnic at this location read more

It's our home lake and we slay the bass here!!!! A little strict with the invasive muscle problem but the fishing is on point!

I had occasion to visit the recreation area this morning, in order to obtain a hiking permit. The young lady working at the booth was extremely helpful in helping me get my hiking permit. Fisherman come very early to this location. The employee stated that the fishermen are coming in at 5 am! She also explained where the restrooms were located. If you're not familiar with Pardee lake, you are in for a real treat. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in California. The lake is also the water supply for much of the East Bay. Besides the Pardee Recreation Area, there is a set of trails called the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail. That's the trail for which you will need a hiking permit. read more

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We were lied to and told the water level was 90% when it was not even 30% full. They stocked thousands and thousands of pounds of fish and they just dont bite since so many people go there and over pressure the areas. They also open at 7 am and didnt update their hours or nothing i had to wait there since 5 am for them to open. Dead fish surfacing from poor fish loading practices. This place sucks. Awful customer service people here always have a attitude. Game warden consantly checking for the almost none existing "Limit" that you "caught". This place sucks. Go give your money elsewhere. read more

This place is perfect for fishing . The sites are a really nice size. The lady's at the front really nice. There is a two pools for water fun with an enormous tree that is go gorgeous and shade giving. I would definitely come again. Bathroom are nice and plenty around l. Showers 8am-10pm 3 stalls .. laundry area. Super nice. We just so happen to go when they have a little hosted tiernamente.. party of 6 and we they loved it . Also there is a Cafe so if you don't feel like cooking it's perfect. No swimming in the Lake. Only in the pool. read more

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After being evacuated from pollock pines due to the caldor fire, my family and I had nowhere to go. With a tent trailer, what we hoped was enough, my daughter, and my dog my bf and I got out. We called lake Pardee just hoping for a spot out of the smoke and willing to pay. They set us up for free with full hook ups and nothing but absolute kindness, compassion and understanding. The little store at the marina is stocked with a little bit of everything for everyone in need. Plus boat rentals! The gentleman behind the counter was welcoming and nice to talk to. We were super stoked to find that while there's no swimming in the lake, they have two pools that you CAN swim in as well as showers! During one of the most scariest times in my adult life, the people here at lake Pardee helped give my family a place where we're safe and have more than we could have hoped for. read more

Review Title: What a HUGE, colossal RACKET this place is running. Gosh, where do I begin with this review.. Our group of ten reserved two camping sites in the Oaks area from Weds-Sunday. Cost up front for the reservation: 260$. Two days later, Friday morning, 2 more cars joined, taking the total amount of cars from 2 to 5. Friday night comes around, and one more car joins, and is also charged as well, plus for their dog, when we weren't charged for our dogs, merely the two adults in the car and the nights we were staying. Now, each site has two cars per, in the cost for renting each site. SO, when all three cars were charged 20$ each to park, and our two female friends were also charged for things we all were not charged for, something was fishy. I'm hedging my bets on this place being run by closed-minded folk, honestly.. Since we are in for ... 320$ now?, I'm looking around for something that makes this spot worth that amount of dough, since we can't swim there at all (it's a week before the pool opens... btw, that pool should be heated and available year round for these prices...) -- steaming hot biffy toilets without a sink to wash your hands in (again, the Ritz-Carlton prices we paid, plus the fact that it's a reservoir campground, you'd think a sink would be included... nope) so -- no swimming, and the shade is just non existent, so if if you don't have an Easy-Up, it is going to be torture.) Let's get to last night: 10:40PM, we are all winding down because we have had it and want to leave early) a huge diesel truck rolls in, high-beams on, through camp.. which is whatever, the site is literally right next to the road (yucky unto itself), and slows down real creepy-like. Then, this monster truck rolls around the loop and drives down the hill looking at the sites, the the beams aimed right at our faces, for at least 5 minutes while they were being schmucks. This group of campers finally settled on a spot directly across from us, and proceeded to "WOOOO!" and cackle into the night while playing loud music. Like, I got maybe 2 hours of sleep due to these jackasses, who are probably still camped out there now.. I could tell they'd recently mowed, and we saw the guy pumping the biffy in 100 degree heat. That is really about it for the "positives" of this place. In summary: These guys inaccurately charge customers, it's possible the persons at the window pockets the cash maybe?; the sites were WAAAY too expensive; the grounds offer too little; no actual security to keep people from coming into the campground at 10:40pm, possible anti-gay (no purple roof here!) and no noise control, at all. Hell, even the ground was painful, I'm used to the freezing hard ground of the Sierras, this was just full of deep gopher holes everywhere that claimed my ankle a few times. Haven't done the RV camping, won't. Will not be coming back, this was probably the worst camping trip I've ever been on. We caught one fish. That was the only good thing. read more

Pardee Lake Recreation - Arid, bleak camping. Dead grass painful for doggies, foot-sized gopher holes everywhere, and vultures waiting for us to die from heatstroke - Fishing Near Me - Ione, California

Even though they have numerous rank ass porta-potties floating literally floating in the middle of the water, wildlife like deer and geese pissing and shitting in the water, and outboard motors leaking oil and other contaminants into the water HUMANS AND DOGS CAN NOT SWIM IN THIS LAKE AT ALL! this results from some stupid ass law that was made in the 1950s. The staff is nice, they claim that there are "fish as big as a person" in this lake. however we didn't so much as observe perch or bait fish here. this is HIGHLY unusual. FISHING WAS HORRIBLE. 3 experienced fishermen caught nothing in 10 hours. Boat rental was $175 for one day! wtf? the day we went we were at least relieved that there were two swimming pools to cool in the 110 degree heat, when we got to the pools they were filthy and only 3 feet deep, the water was probably 80 degrees. this lake is horrible and should be shut to the public if they are so concerned about protecting the east bay whatever water supply. maybe they should get their own fucking water and let the people that live in calaveras county enjoy OUR water. DO NOT VISIT HERE - unless you hate water don't fish and like being sun burnt and on the verge of heat stroke. I would give this place zero stars but the old people staff members were nice but not very knowledgeable about the lake or it's history for the most part. read more

Stayed at Site 209 on the 4th of July weekend in 2015. Reserved a site about a month before visiting. Once I got to the campgrounds I was not completely happy with the site I had reserved. The staff was very friendly and nice about letting me pick a new site with no hassle at all. The Lake View Campground is the side of the campsite when you first enter the grounds. This area is closer to the pool, general store, marina, is generally more shaded and closer to one of the only flush-able toilets. If you have kids that want to use the pool this is definitely the side you want to stay on. If you might be the less prepared camper that might need a couple runs to the general store this is the side for you. If you can not handle not having shade, this is the side for you. The Oaks Campground is a small drive over the hill once you enter the grounds. This area is not within walking distance of the pool, general store or marina. This area of the grounds is in general a little less shaded by trees. There are no flush-able toilets on this side with everything being a port a potty. If you would like a little more secluded area and might be a little more experienced camper, this is more likely your side. More shade is needed throughout the campground, which it looks like they have started to plant some of the Lake View Campground side. More planting are definitely needed on the Oaks Campground side. Some strategic brush could be cut down to give better views of the lake throughout the campsite. With some work a couple of sites with lake view could possible be created too. A flush-able toilet on the Oaks Campground side would be nice and could take some of the use off of the port a potty's. There were a number of squirrel/rodent holes that would effect a number of campsites and pitching tents. Would be nice if they could tackle this problem to some degree. Ants were also somewhat prolific and could put a large damper on someones party if they ended up in the wrong spot. Good stay overall. read more

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GO TO LAKE CAMANCHE INSTEAD. I repeat GO TO LAKE CAMANCHE. Me and 19 of my friends decided to come here to camp... what a mistake. Camping here does not feel like camping at all, our spots were near the highway and we heard cars zooming by the whole day. There is absolutely no body contact with the water, you cant swim in it, you cant dip your feet in it, you cant even touch it. They have 2 SWIMMING POOLS. What's the point? If you are looking for a CAMP site try Camanche, my friend went camping again a week after we went together and he said it was WAY better - a lot less restrictions. We ended up driving over to Camanche and paying to get in to swim at their lake instead during our stay at Pardee. The one good thing about this place I would say is the fishing. There were a lot of fisherman here and I've heard stories about people catching a lot of fish, but even so my friends were not able to catch any. I guess it was just bad luck for us the whole weekend. read more

Great day this April 7th 2019 on the Lake,me and my son rented the 16 foot boat for the day.Our favorite spot on the lake is at the Mokelumne river Inlet. Sun was shinning and wind was calm today,just perfect.Hills were green and what a delight to see. We have rented the 16 foot boat for the 3rd time this Season and it is near brand new and is very nice for 130.00 weekend day 7am-4pm Had and issue to return at 4 pm as we were delayed near the Inlet of the Lake bye a LOG Jamb...we had to turn off the out board and push through the log jamb with the provided 1 Oar.Thus taking away from our return time to the boat dock...to my surprise after telling the young counter man what happened,he still charged us 1.00 dollar a Minute for arriving to the store at 4:30pm Instead of 4:00pm...he was all Smiles and said Have A Nice Day Fellas!!! read more

Have to agree with Alexandra on this. No end to the fees you will encounter here. Camp site? Charge (expected, of course). Each car? Charge. Each dog? Charge. Kayaks? Have to use ours, charge. We left a day early. Place is beautiful, but hotter than heck, and all the upcharges made us want to find somewhere welcoming and nice. Just...say...no. read more

Great place from all the staff to the floating toilets clean well maintained. Stunning scenery a special place read more

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Great customer service!! at Marina by Richard! Thanks Richard for wanting people to have a fun filled day!!

I've been here a few times now to fish with my boys at Lake Pardee. I make the hour something drive from Sacramento for a good 3 hours of fishing. The max out on trout is 5 per fisher a day. The entrance fee is $10 per car and $6 per fisher. While supplies last, you can buy ice and wood at the entrance. The employee will also give you cards to mark down what what you caught and the amount. This is how Pardee keeps inventory of how much fish is in the lake. They usually plant fish every Friday unless there are plenty in the lake still. Pardee will keep stocking trout in the lake until June so grab your fishing gear and go grab you some! read more

Too expensive for no attractions, staff was kinda rude. We came at night no staff at that time was on duty had no clue where to go and if it wasn't for other campers we would never have found our spot. Nothing is numbered where you can see it, no map was given prior to checkin. Definitely won't be staying here again. And they nickel and dime you on everything. I'm surprised they didn't charge for using the showers. read more

I have been coming to Lake Pardee for many many years. I took my family here for our kids first camping trip. We got in late Saturday afternoon got the tent and camp set up and then hit the lake for some late afternoon fishing. 2 hours and 2 limits of Kokanee later we were back at the campsite making dinner. Lake Pardee has some of the cleanest facilities you will find. I have never used a cleaner blue porta potty than the ones I have used at Pardee, even the floating ones are cleaned multiple times a day on the weekends. The morning bite was great too with 2 more limits of Kokanee before 10 AM. The one weird thing was the local cows there, I was woken up by this crazy noise that I thought could have been a bear but figured out it was a couple of cows. Who knew that cows could growl and howl. Minus one star because half of our campsite was infested with fire ants. We just stayed away from those areas and we were fine. Lake Pardee I will always come back to you!!! That's my story read more

Where do I start. We were looking for a new place to camp at, so we decided to go up before hand and check the place out. The drive up there was wonderful. There were many beautiful hills with grapes and cows, large beautiful farms and cute small towns. When we got to the gate, we were greeted by a very nice lady who gave us a 30 minute pass to go in and see the place. We drove in and saw the little restaurant next to two mid size pools. There, they also had bathrooms with showers along with a big mulberry tree that you could sit under and picnic. We drove forward and saw a very nice Trailer Park next to a huge parking lot where you could fish at behind a small rock fence. There they also have the boat ramps for those of you who have boats and for those that don't, there is a small store that is very well stocked with groceries and snacks and very friendly and helpful clerks that can rent you a boat, a kayak or even a paddle boat. We drove back and noticed that there were few hook- ups sites and that the regular camping sites were actually very spacious. We loved it and decided to leave and book a space for the holiday weekend. We were shocked that the place was not totally full like other camp sites we had tried to book at weeks before, but we thought maybe we were just early. People did start showing up, but not as many as I thought. Our neighbors told us that his family had been coming here for about 20 years and that the people that USED to run the place were not very nice at all, well that explains it, but that the new management team were very nice. Which I can say is so true. We were treated by two new ladies at the gate and they too were very nice and helpful. Our first night was very peaceful and quiet, That was a very nice change compared to other camps we have been to where people stay up partying and screaming past the 10 pm curfew. The following morning we decided to go have breakfast at the small restaurant and we did have to wait a while for our food, but we didn't mind. I don't think that they realized how busy they would be. I noticed that "regular" where there because they would just greet other as they would come in through the door. The food was actually pretty good and inexpensive. We then decided to drive to the three areas where you can park and walk down the hill to fishing sites and we were pleasantly surprised with many benches where you could sit at. We also found another part of the camp that had many more sites available, especially like for multiple families camping together. Those site are not walking distance from the entrance but those too where very clean with multiple CLEAN bathrooms. I think I'm just going on and on, but I really hope that the customers come back to this place because I kept thinking what a waste of beautiful un used spaces. I feel like someone set up for an awesome party and no one showed up. But that being said. We will definitely come back and if you want a nice quiet place to camp at and fish this is definitely the place to come to. We loved it. The lake is only for boating and fishing. No swimming is allowed in the lake or Sea Do's. It's just a very quite and peaceful place. ALL of the staff we came in contact with were awesome. So give this place a chance, you can tell they put slot of effort into making this place a wonderful place to relax at. read more

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Aside from the the fact that you can't get into the lake, this was an excellent recreation are for family or casual camping. I'll definitely be back. read more

This is a gem of a lake nestled in the Sierra Foothills outside the town of Ione. It is mainly for trout and kokanee fishermen, but there are some huge bass in this lake as well. The campsites are clean and spacious. The restrooms and showers are well-kept and clean. Most of the campsites are shaded, some more than others. The launching facilities are nice and easy access ramps. This looks to be a great kokanee year at Pardee. In the past the kokanee have been small, but those fish are starting to mature. The early spring trout fishing has gotten off to a great start. According to what I have heard and read, boats from Santa Clara County will be allowed this season, though boats will be inspected for the Zebra Mussel prior to launching. read more

Nice park with friendly and informative employees. The downside - you have to pay for every little thing per day ( dogs, car, fishing, etc.) Cell phone service is limited, and after 11 you get locked in. So if you go anywhere or are coming in after 11 be prepared to park outside the gates and walk to your site. read more

Went camping for the weekend of September 24, 2016 and we had a blast. Clean campground, nice people and a little wild life roaming around. The site was full hook up and close to the water. They had a swimming pool but it was closed. We saw deer and turkey walking around the campground. Take your bikes to ride around. read more

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Most awesome place to camp. Quiet and well maintained. But the best part is the employees! We had a radiator hose blow as we were parking and were 20 miles from Jackson. The camp employees were great and stepped in to help. One even brought the much needed parts and radiator fluids to us the next day. I can't tell you how much it was appreciated and every employee stopped by to check on us! A big shout out and thanks to Sylva, Denise, Steve, and the guys at the marina store - don't know all the names but a special thanks to Brad and the management team. We will definitely will become frequent campers at this site. read more

I personally disliked this location. There are usually a fair amount of RV and Boats in season. It is also has good curb appeal and lots of wildlife. My reasons for not enjoying my stay: Can't go in the lake (Since its a reservoir you can't even dip your feet in the water) but they do have good fishing. But the thing that took away 2 * was the lack of WiFi and Cellular signals. Pardee reservoir does not have their own WiFi so you have to pay an additional $39 monthly. If you stay for a week or less it might be free. read more

This place is clean and organized water in each site is good clean portable bathroom BUT there is a problem to many insects omg they came from everywhere l am here already and l don't know if l will sleep because l have kids and l am scare about the insects omg terrible and the guy who pick up the garbage was so rude. I will not recommend this place. And about fishing there is a lot of fishes but they feed then so they will not bite the bites we try different bites but a person there toll us that is hard to fish cause they feeds them. read more

I can't believe my own eyes there is only 1 review =[[.. i love Pardee Recreation Area its like my second home.. It's so relaxing i enjoy every minute that I'm there.. Very clean.. great for the whole family.. Whether its fishing. swimming at their pools.. or maybe camping.. its the place to be when the weather gets hot.. And they have restrooms on every corner so no worries there.. =]].. read more

I'm so impressed how neat and well maintained. Used to go Lake Camanche but we like this campground way better. It's nice and quiet and the price is reasonable. We'll go back again. read more

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Friends of ours decided to have a family camping trip. We thought by the area and views; we would have a positive camping experience. That was not the case on this trip. As a group we had a good time. But a member of the staff was rude and impatient. A white male staff continuously harass our campsite about misc scattered debris on the ground; which was going to be cleaned up as we were cooking. He voluntarily went near our dog that was chained up to the tree and made false allegations about dog to other staff members. The worse part of the trip was infront of the Pardee Cafe witnessing the same unruly staff member speaking nasty and using bad words to describe our friends and other non-white campers at the pool swimming and camp site to another staff member that was agreeing with him. I was more afraid this particular staff, then the spiders and snakes biting me. I will not be returning. read more

Pardee Lake Recreation - A road near our campsite #221. - Fishing Near Me - Ione, California

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The lake is absolutely beautiful, but that's not what we're reviewing here. First off these people will charge you for any little thing they can and they genuinely don't care about customer satisfaction. Let's talk about the Marina store! The owner is the most arrogant, inconsiderate, heartless person I have come across. New flash, you don't own the lake. We placed a deposit on a fishing boat at about 9AM, and told them we won't be returning until around 12:30. At no point had they mentioned that there was a cut off time for taking the boat out. So 1:45 rolls around(we were waiting for the rest of our family), and the guy tells us "it's too late" but the boats have to return by 4. So you're telling me you'd rather be stubborn and rude than get 2-3 hours of pay? He then proceeds to tell my mother to "take her business elsewhere" and that he really doesn't care. I'm sorry but I thought the purpose of owning a store was to keep business? We've been coming here for 5+ years, but no longer. Shout out to you, guy. read more

Terrific experience. We camped here first time - 4 families with kids. 2 days of fishing trouts in the lake, fire cooking them and eating. Life couldn't get any better than this. Nice, clean facilities. We picked up our fishing permits and ice, firewood, propane from Marina. All of us wanted to stay there longer. read more

We went here last minute on a friends suggestion, and so happy we did. The people there were friendly and helpful, and even though you can't swim in the lake, the amenities and camp sites are nice and clean. We rented a boat to go fishing which was great and affordable. I would recommend coming here to anyone who likes camping and or fishing read more

They didn't put the paper work down for the boat to inspect , they didn't know anything FUCKING pull shit . This place is absolutely trash

It is a very nice and clean place! Like other, I am impressed with how clean the place is. We camped there two weeks ago. Check-in was easy. They asked us to pick any available site that we like, then come back to finalize the check-in process. It was close to 100 degrees for the weekend, so the kids enjoyed the pools a lot. Too bad, we can't swim in the lake. It looks very nice. There are portable toilets next to the camp sites, plus clean restroom and shower room within walking distance. We plan to go back soon. read more

If you like fishing with your family without all the BS from the partiers this is the lake for you, Not that expensive, plenty of fish and the staff there is very friendly. if all night partying is what your into then I would go down the road to Camanche. read more

Beautiful setting, wonderful lake, Terrible management, Staff and rules. Fees for every little thing. Camping 'police' to make sure you are abiding by the non-posted rules at very regular intervals. Would not Camp here again unless life depended on it. read more

This place is very over priced. Day use is $10 per car. Not bad. But $5 per person fish fee ( so they can restock the fish) $8 to launch your boat. I made it to the gate & won't ever be back read more