December 16, 2025 - On Monday, Roger Root, Tuolumne County Administrator provided information on the Lake Tulloch Campground and Marina.

RE: Lake Tulloch Campground and Marina

On 12/12/2025, the Tuolumne County Administrator’s Office received notification through third-party press inquiries of the current Lake Tulloch concessionaire’s intent to close the campground and marina.  The County Administrator’s Office understands the concerns of neighbors and all stakeholders with a vested interest in the shared success of the Lake Tulloch campground and marina. This is why we are working diligently to utilize the off-season to ensure all contracts and permits are handled properly.  

As the new County Administrator, my focus is to keep the public informed while ensuring the least amount of disruption to our local economy.  I am confident our team is prepared to bring meaningful solutions to create sustainability for the future of Lake Tulloch Recreation, and we offer the following information relevant to the current situation as it exists today.

Tuolumne County entered a 30-year lease with the California Department of Fish and Game (Wildlife) in 1993. The lease required Tuolumne County to maintain the premises, conduct regular improvements, and provide public access to the lake. Tuolumne County chose to engage a concessionaire to manage the campground and marina, which operated the facilities for the duration of the lease with the state.

In March 2023, near the end of Tuolumne County’s lease with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the County renewed the concessionaire agreement with the then concessionaire, while simultaneously attempting to renew the lease with CA Fish and Wildlife, the purpose being to prevent disruption to services.  During a public Board of Supervisors’ presentation, the former County administration acknowledged the lease with CA Fish and Wildlife was expiring in April of 2023, and publicly stated County staff were actively working to renew the lease. 

As of Spring of 2025, California declared a Golden Mussel invasion, and the County experienced significant staff turnover, which exacerbated the delay in efforts to renew the lease with CA Fish and Wildlife. Current County staff have been working with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the new concessionaire to renew the agreements with both the State and the new concessionaire. 

Tuolumne County is a recreation destination and resolving the issues on South Shore Lake Tulloch is a priority for County staff. Tuolumne County recognizes this closure has potential for recreational and economic impacts on the County. We are continuing to work with Department of Fish and Wildlife in partnership to resolve the lease issue and minimize impact on recreation services. The County will pursue opportunities for concessionaire services as soon as the state lease is resolved and open the Lake Tulloch Campground and Marina as quickly as possible.  

Source: Tuolumne County