Lake Don Pedro ~ Fleming Meadows Camping Report

So my family and I just completed a few day camping trip @ Lake Don Pedro, Fleming Meadows.  We have camped here MANY times averaging about a week at a time over the past 30 years; including a few houseboat trips.  Like usual, the 2-1/2 hour car ride towing the pontoon boat was fairly typical.  The weather was hot a hell - typical!  Boat problems forced the boating aspect of the trip a day shorter than planned - typical.

My disappointment occurred with the facilities.  Keep in mind, I have camped here nearly yearly for the past 30 years with the last trip having been 2 years ago.  Sign of tough economic times for them.  A number of the vacant camp sites were uncleaned (yes, it did follow a busy Fathers Day weekend so I take that a LITTLE in consideration).  My shock was the total lack of garbage cans; explains why people were leaving large trash in their sites after the move out.  There were dumpsters every 100 yards or so.  Restroom facilities - not high on their priority for cleaning or maintenance.  Several of them were overflowing throughout the F.M campground area and were that way for days on end.  Same was true for the restroom facilities on the marina.

While hanging out at the marine I got to overhear a live aboard houseboater call in on the VHF to ask if he could "pump out" a little earlier than his noon appointment.  Several of the workers were sitting there at the tables and told the lady to reply "we are all booked up" - meanwhile laughing it off that they were doing absolutely nothing till that appointment.  Tried to find Teflon tape at the "Boat Store" @ the marine; don't carry it!  They did, however pull me off a short piece from their personal roll.  Ended up needing a mercury fuel connector or hose barb; none in stock.  Most of the gear "in-stock" comprised of shelf after shelf of used props and a few random boat parts that looked to have been there since I started coming up to the lake 30 years ago.  Maybe 'Vintage' is in these days.....

Asked the guys working the fuel dock how the fishing has been.  No interest level in talking advice or reports of anything.  I got a mumble of "no fish reports for months" and "maybe go try for a catfish".  A Fuel Dock & Tackle Shop with no fishing report?????  Seems the staff attitude has run dry, much the same direction as the lake is flowing.

Moral of the story from our family trip is that things have gone downhill fast over there.  I can't really remember a time when they were "uphill" but they are downhill from many trips of the past.  After 30 years, I guess it's time to find a new place to camp.  It's a sad day.........  There is a LOT of good that can come from their facilities if only someone cared enough to "make it happen".

Wow, so sorry to hear about your lack luster camping trip.

I'd certainly look for some higher ups and copy/paste this in an email because somebody needs to read it - it was very telling.

It's heartbreaking because I lost my dad to Cancer about 2 years ago and this was always the one vacation we took as a family each year.  Despite our terriable luck with boats at that lake -- having blown 2 o/b motors, 1 trailer tire, 1 o/b starter, 1 boat battery, numerous "out of fuels" and coutless amounts of tackle, we still went back year after year to camp and enjoy family time.  Now that I have kids of my own; 6 & 8, it was time to get them enthused about camping and the family traditions.  It's hard to make for a great first/second camping trip there for them when things are that bad.....

New Melones facilities have been in great shape this year and I think it is a prettier lake as well.

I think N.M. might be our next choice.  Otherwise we head for the "Freesno Lakes", Bass or down towards King City.

the problem with Bass lake is it is sooo small. Gets real ruff with the skies and jet skis. They are not allowed on the lake til 8am and then it gets busy quick. Also this year and into next with thedam rebuild the water is dirty and murky at the dam so the usual salmon bite and such is off.