Don Pedro Lake swimming pond
La Grange, California · on Big Creek
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- reservoir
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $20/day
- SEASON
- May
About Don Pedro Lake swimming pond
This spot is the designated swimming lagoon at Fleming Meadows, a developed recreation area on Don Pedro Reservoir near La Grange, California, operated by the Don Pedro Recreation Agency (Turlock/Modesto Irrigation Districts). The swimming hole is a fenced-off, sand-bottom 2-acre lagoon with an adjoining lawn, distinct from the open reservoir and built for families who want a contained lake to swim in, with camping, picnicking, and boating facilities alongside.
Fleming Meadows sits on the shoreline of Don Pedro Reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Tuolumne County, a few miles from the small community of La Grange. The recreation area combines campground loops, a marina, and a day-use zone with a grass lawn and sandy beach fronting the swimming lagoon, set among the oak-studded foothill terrain typical of the reservoir's 160 miles of shoreline.
Swimming at Don Pedro Lake swimming pond
Swimming takes place in a purpose-built 2-acre lagoon with a sand bottom and beach, separated from the main body of the reservoir and its boat traffic, backed by a large grass lawn, snack shack, and picnic area, geared toward families and casual day-use swimmers rather than open-water or backcountry swimming.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located within the Fleming Meadows Recreation Area at 11500/10201 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange, CA 95329, reached by vehicle off Bonds Flat Road; the Don Pedro Recreation Agency visitor center at that address (phone 209-852-2396) serves as the entrance point.
Parking: Day-use vehicle access is via the Fleming Meadows entrance station; a per-day vehicle fee applies (see fees) rather than free roadside parking.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up day-use facility inside Fleming Meadows Recreation Area; visitors park at the developed lot/entrance area and walk a short distance across the lawn to the lagoon and beach, no trail or hike involved.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The swimming lagoon is a purpose-built, sand-bottom, fenced-off area separated from the main reservoir and boat traffic, with a lawn/beach setup that suits families. However, official sources name no lifeguard on duty and state that use of the recreation area/facilities is at the visitor's own risk, and the surrounding reservoir has fluctuating water levels, so supervision is still advised.
Parking
Paid, $20/day per vehicle (2025-2026 fee schedule; separate $15/day vessel/PWC fee and $10/day dog fee)
Access is through the Fleming Meadows entrance/gate station off Bonds Flat Rd, La Grange, CA; day-use is first-come, first-served with a per-vehicle gate fee rather than free roadside parking.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms and hot showers (no extra charge) are provided throughout the Fleming Meadows recreation area that contains the swimming lagoon, alongside the snack shack and picnic grounds.
Hours
Fleming Meadows day-use/visitor center hours: daily 8am-4pm during peak season (May 15-Sept 15); Monday-Friday 8am-4pm the rest of the year, per the Don Pedro Recreation Agency.
On the water
Restrictions: The 2-acre swimming lagoon itself is a fenced, swim-only sand-bottom area kept separate from boat traffic. Human- and motor-powered watercraft (canoes, kayaks, sailboats, ski/watersport/fishing boats, houseboats, personal watercraft) are permitted on the main body of Don Pedro Reservoir, launched from the paved ramps at Fleming Meadows, Blue Oaks, or Moccasin Point, not inside the lagoon.
All vessels must be certified 'cleaned, drained, and dry' before launch for invasive mussel prevention; a $15/day vessel or PWC fee applies.
Rentals nearby
Powerboat rentals at the Fleming Meadows marina: tritoons (Aloha 22/23/25, Princecraft 25), double-decker pontoons with slides, a party pontoon, a deck boat, a fishing boat, and houseboats (50'-70' models); no kayaks/canoes/paddleboards listed.
At Fleming Meadows, the same developed complex as the swimming lagoon, 11500 Bonds Flat Rd, La Grange, CA 95329; phone (209) 852-2369 ext. 108 for rentals.
Watercraft rentals including tritoons, wave runners, ski boats, kayaks, paddleboards, center-console and fishing boats.
Moccasin Point, a separate developed area of Don Pedro Reservoir at 11405 Jacksonville Rd, Jamestown, CA 95327 (a different arm of the lake from Fleming Meadows, roughly a 20+ minute drive away); phone (209) 989-2206.
Don Pedro Lake swimming pond: FAQ
Does Don Pedro Lake swimming pond charge a fee?
Per the 2025-2026 official fee schedule: $20/day per vehicle, $15/day per vessel or PWC, $10/day per dog for day use (discounted rates for veterans/seniors). Camping fees are separate and apply at Blue Oaks/Moccasin Point.
Is Don Pedro Lake swimming pond kid friendly?
The swimming lagoon is a purpose-built, sand-bottom, fenced-off area separated from the main reservoir and boat traffic, with a lawn/beach setup that suits families. However, official sources name no lifeguard on duty and state that use of the recreation area/facilities is at the visitor's own risk, and the surrounding reservoir has fluctuating water levels, so supervision is still advised.
Do I need to hike to reach Don Pedro Lake swimming pond?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Don Pedro Lake swimming pond?
Access is through the Fleming Meadows entrance/gate station off Bonds Flat Rd, La Grange, CA; day-use is first-come, first-served with a per-vehicle gate fee rather than free roadside parking.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Don Pedro Lake swimming pond?
All vessels must be certified 'cleaned, drained, and dry' before launch for invasive mussel prevention; a $15/day vessel or PWC fee applies.
When is the best time to visit Don Pedro Lake swimming pond?
Peak recreation season, when the visitor center and presumably swim facilities operate daily, runs May 15 through September 15, per the official site.
What are the rules at Don Pedro Lake swimming pond?
Governed by the Don Pedro Recreation Agency's 2026 Rules & Ordinances, which specifically regulate the 'Swimming Lagoon': no pets permitted in the lagoon or adjacent picnic areas, no leaving day-use furnishings overnight, and day-use hours apply (visitor center hours: daily 8am-4pm May 15-Sept 15, weekdays only rest of year). General park rule: use of the recreation area and facilities is at the visitor's own risk.
What water body is Don Pedro Lake swimming pond on?
Don Pedro Lake swimming pond is on Big Creek, a natural reservoir verified in USGS hydrography data.
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