California / Glenn County

Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

Closed — Closed until further notice due to staffing limitations. Day-use areas and boat launch remain open year-round.

About

Pines Group Site is conveniently located at the Stony Gorge Dam, just 18 miles downstream from East Park Dam and 5 miles west of Fruto in western Glenn County. Stony Gorge Dam, completed in 1928 as part of the Orland Project, is a concrete slab and buttress structure with a height of 139 feet and a crest length of 868 feet. The group campsite area offers views of Stony Gorge Reservoir and the scenic hills beyond, with plenty of open space for group activities and exploration. The reservoir features an 18-mile shoreline and provides excellent boating and shoreline accessibility with one boat ramp useable most of the summer, dependent on water levels. The warm-water fishery is a major draw, featuring largemouth and smallmouth bass of Texan strain that grow faster and mature earlier (10 to 12 pounds), along with a thriving bluegill and crappie population (2 to 3 pounds). Catfishing is good year-round with catches up to 20 pounds. Swimming in the warm waters is popular, though all swimming is at your own risk with no lifeguards present. The area is set on the northwest tip of the reservoir along the foothills beside the Mendocino National Forest, which straddles the Coastal Mountain Range.

Directions

Exit Interstate 5 at exit 603 in Willows and proceed west on California Highway 162. Travel approximately 20 miles to the junction of County Road 304. Turn south and continue over two cattle guards approximately 2.5 miles. Take the first right at the 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 to the group camp.

Nearby Campgrounds