Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is a California state park in the foothills of the San Joaquin Valley near La Grange, on the north shore of Turlock Lake and beside the Tuolumne River. Built around the lake’s 26 miles of shoreline, it was made possible when surrounding land was leased from the Turlock Irrigation District in 1950 for public recreation. The area also preserves riparian native plant communities once far more widespread along San Joaquin Valley rivers. It serves as a regional outdoor destination, offering fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, picnicking, birdwatching, bicycling, hiking, camping, and boat access.