Stony Gorge Reservoir
Elk Creek, California
| GPS: |
39°35'14.9"N 122°31'31.2"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
Camp, Canoe, Hike, and Swim
Stony Gorge Reservoir is a warm, welcoming lake in the oak-and-chaparral foothills of Glenn County, California, on the eastern edge of the Mendocino National Forest near Elk Creek. With sandy beaches, 18 miles of shoreline, and water that warms into the 70s in summer, this mid-sized Bureau of Reclamation reservoir is a low-key favorite for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping away from the crowds.
The swimming is excellent: the low-elevation lake heats up nicely in summer (up to around 75 degrees), and its sandy beaches make for easy, family-friendly access to the water. It's a fine spot to swim, float, paddle a kayak or canoe, or launch a boat (a boat ramp is usable most of the summer, depending on lake level). Anglers do well too, casting for warm-water species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, and there's even a disc golf course on site.
Camping is a bargain here — individual sites are free, with only the group area carrying a fee — making it a great budget-friendly getaway. Peak season runs roughly mid-April through mid-October.
To get there, exit Interstate 5 at Willows and head west on Highway 162 about 20 miles toward Elk Creek and the reservoir. Summer is prime for swimming and water sports; as with any reservoir, water levels change through the season, so mind the depth and footing and keep an eye on kids. Bring sun protection (the foothills get hot), plenty of water, and pack out your trash. Easygoing and affordable, Stony Gorge Reservoir is a quintessential Northern California summer lake.
More Information
“Kayaking at Stony Gorge Reservoir-The Best Places Where to Go Kayaking, Paddle Boarding (SUP), Kaya
Stony Gorge Reservoir offers a scenic natural setting, with sandy beaches nestled against a backdrop of low oak-covered foothills. Surrounded by brushy hills and wooded areas, this mid-sized reservoir is popular for all types of boating, thanks to its warm, calm waters that are ideal for waterskiing, jet skiing, and paddling.
https://www.paddlingcalifornia.com/Stony_Gorge_Reservoir.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Elk Creek, California
- Head east on Elm St toward Church St (20 ft)
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Church St (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Sanhedrin Rd (0.2 mi)
- Turn left onto Rd 306/Sanhedrin Rd (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto CA-162 E (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Rd 304 (1.7 mi)
- Turn rightDestination will be on the left(0.2 mi)
From the town of Willows, off of Interstate 5, exit onto Highway 162 heading west about twenty-one miles. Turn left on Road 304 and drive about two miles to reach the lake entrance.
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