Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

3.95

37 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

928 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Standard Area Nonelectric fee is $75 per night. Additional fees like reservation fees ($8 for online bookings) may apply, along with taxes and...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-685-8618

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What Campers Say

3.95

Mixed Reviews

Based on 37 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlake

Some mention

reservation

"Overall, reviews highlight the site's cleanliness, spaciousness, and favorable recreational opportunities at the lake. However, some concerns about campsite foot traffic affecting privacy and shared bathroom cleanliness have been noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

39.5942, -122.5294

Driving directionsExit Interstate-5 at #603 - Willows and proceed west on California Highway 162. Travel approximately 20 miles to the junction of County Road 304. Turn south on the roadway and continue over two cattle guards approximately 2.5 miles. Take the first right at Stony Gorge Reservoir welcome sign and continue on the gravel surface to the end of the road (approximately 1/4 mile) where a locked gate marks the entrance of the group camp.

The campground is accessible via paved roads until County Road 304, after which there is a gravel road leading to the site. The road condition may vary due to cattle guards and seasonal factors.

Nearby places

Fruto (5 miles west), Willows (approx. 20 miles east)

Nearby supplies

Closest groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are likely available in Willows, CA, approximately 20 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

From April through October, Pines Group Site basks in the golden warmth of California's peak camping season. Summer days reach a toasty 97°F, perfect for splashing in the reservoir, while evenings cool to a comfortable 69°F—ideal for gathering around the campfire. The region's signature clear skies and gentle breezes create that quintessential camping atmosphere, with low humidity ensuring comfortable conditions whether you're hiking the hillsides or lounging by the water. These reliable weather patterns make every day an opportunity for outdoor adventure.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open Apr 15–Oct 15; summer (hot) is peak season and ideal for swimming/fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Oct; cooler fall weather still favorable for fishing and scenic visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens Apr 15; spring offers mild weather and wildflowers, good for water activities as season warms.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site closed Oct 15–Apr 15; winter camping/activities not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 15 to October 15 (peak season).

About Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

Nestled along the northwest shores of Stony Gorge Reservoir, Pines Group Site offers an exclusive retreat for groups seeking adventure in California's scenic foothills. This dedicated group campground serves as your basecamp for endless water recreation, where the reservoir's sparkling waters invite you to cast a line, take a refreshing swim, or launch your boat for a day of exploration. With sweeping views of the surrounding hills and ample open spaces for group activities, Pines creates the perfect setting for family reunions, scout troops, and outdoor clubs to gather beneath the California sun.

Pines Group Site specializes in group camping accommodations with no individual tent, RV, or cabin sites explicitly mentioned. It is tailored for larger gatherings.

Historical SignificanceYour camping experience unfolds in the shadow of history at Stony Gorge Dam, an engineering marvel completed in 1928 that transformed this valley into a recreational paradise. As part of the ambitious Orland Project, this significant structure not only created the reservoir you'll enjoy today but also stands as a testament to the region's agricultural heritage and the vision of early water management pioneers who shaped Northern California's landscape.

Weather and SeasonsFrom April through October, Pines Group Site basks in the golden warmth of California's peak camping season. Summer days reach a toasty 97°F, perfect for splashing in the reservoir, while evenings cool to a comfortable 69°F—ideal for gathering around the campfire. The region's signature clear skies and gentle breezes create that quintessential camping atmosphere, with low humidity ensuring comfortable conditions whether you're hiking the hillsides or lounging by the water. These reliable weather patterns make every day an opportunity for outdoor adventure.

ElevationSpecific elevation details are not available for this location.

Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the northwest tip of Stony Gorge Reservoir, the campground offers front-row seats to nature's theater. The reservoir's impressive 18-mile shoreline creates countless coves and inlets to explore, while the surrounding foothills paint a dramatic backdrop of golden grasslands and oak-studded slopes. In spring, wildflowers carpet the hillsides in brilliant splashes of color, and the nearby Mendocino National Forest beckons with its towering pines and hidden trails. This diverse landscape provides endless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and simply soaking in the serene beauty of California's interior.

Geological RegionPines Group Site sits at the convergence of two magnificent landscapes—the rugged foothills that march toward the Coastal Mountain Range and the serene waters of Stony Gorge Reservoir. This unique position in the Mendocino National Forest's gateway offers campers a diverse geological playground, where ancient volcanic formations meet sedimentary hills carved by centuries of wind and water. The reservoir's 18-mile shoreline traces the contours of these hills, creating a stunning interplay between land and water that defines this remarkable corner of Northern California.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not explicitly mentioned.

Check-out

Check-out time is not explicitly mentioned.

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 6 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly mentioned.

Groups

Site accommodates larger groups with suitable facilities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and barbecue areas.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup camping layout with open spaces for recreation. Picnic tables are dispersed, some shaded by trees and others under the sun.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up/first-come-first-served availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival. A $10 fee applies, and late cancellations (within 14 days of the check-in date for group sites) incur an additional penalty, forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityNo details provided about accessibility options for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeGroup area is larger than individual campsites, as noted in user reviews referencing its spaciousness.

PrivacyMixed privacy conditions; while some tables are shaded and secluded, reviews mention occasional foot traffic through campsites.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSite-specific recommendations are not applicable due to the group-only nature of this campground. Users should prepare for communal camping layouts.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Pines Group Site offers diverse recreational activities centered around its lakefront location. Highlights include excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The site is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based activities or hiking in nearby areas.

HikingNearby Red Mountain Trail provides panoramic views of Black Butte Lake, Lassen Peak, and Mount Shasta.

FishingFishing is a major draw at this site with warm-water fishery species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass (up to 10-12 pounds), thriving bluegill and crappie populations (2-3 pounds), and catfish available year-round (up to 20 pounds).

SwimmingThe group area includes access to swimming in the warm, refreshing waters of Stony Gorge Reservoir.

BoatingBoating is highly recommended, with one boat ramp located approximately 1 mile from the campsite. Ramp usability is contingent on water levels.

Wildlife viewingWildflowers and scenic lake views enhance opportunities for observing local flora and fauna.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonally low water levels may limit boat access. Muddy conditions were mentioned in user reviews.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyThe camping area includes a stone fire pit and barbecue facilities. No specific fire rules are provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Willows, CA, approximately 20 miles away, potentially including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities are not provided.

Water FeaturesLocated on the northwest tip of Stony Gorge Reservoir with direct access to the 18-mile shoreline.

Camp HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.

Weather at Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

Reviews

4.0

37 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews highlight the site's cleanliness, spaciousness, and favorable recreational opportunities at the lake. However, some concerns about campsite foot traffic affecting privacy and shared bathroom cleanliness have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Users particularly appreciated the cleanliness of the campgrounds, ample space for group activities, and excellent lake access for swimming and fishing.

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns raised include occasional muddy conditions near the water and shared bathroom areas being left dirty due to foot traffic.

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing alternative water sources as potable water is unavailable and taking precautions to maintain campsite cleanliness.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Warm-weather months between April and October are linked to favorable camping conditions, particularly for fishing and swimming, while cooler off-season months are less reviewed.

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Loved this place! The lake was wonderful and the campgrounds were very clean! First time camping here! Will DEFINITELY come back!" - Pat Wright 2. "Swimming areas were nice, lots of space to...

Based on 37 reviews