Letts Lake Campground
4.489 reviewsLetts Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $3 in person up to $9 via contact centers.
Share this campground
Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Letts Lake Campground beckons with the promise of tranquil waters and pristine wilderness. This hidden gem centers around a sparkling 35-acre lake where paddle boats glide silently across mirror-like surfaces and anglers cast for trout in the early morning mist. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with nature, featuring fully accessible restrooms and a thoughtfully designed fishing pier that ensures everyone can experience the magic of lakeside living. Whether you're seeking a refreshing swim on a warm afternoon or the gentle splash of oars at sunset, this campground delivers an authentic outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort.
Letts Lake Campground offers a variety of camping options including traditional campsites suitable for families and group gatherings.
Historical SignificanceLike many treasured landscapes in California, Letts Lake bears the scars and stories of wildfire—nature's powerful force of renewal. Recent restoration efforts have transformed this area into a testament to resilience, where new growth mingles with established forest to create a landscape of remarkable beauty. Visitors often remark on the area's stunning transformation 'post-fire,' witnessing firsthand how nature rebounds with vigor and grace. This cycle of fire and rebirth has shaped not just the landscape but the very character of the campground, creating a place where the past and future of the forest converge.
Weather and SeasonsLetts Lake reveals its finest character during those perfect windows when nature aligns—clear skies stretch endlessly above, gentle temperatures invite exploration, and dry conditions create ideal camping weather. While each season brings its own charm to this mountain retreat, savvy campers know to watch for those magical periods of mild temperatures and minimal precipitation that transform the campground into an outdoor paradise. The lake's elevation creates its own microclimate, offering refreshing relief during warmer months and crisp, star-filled nights that remind you why you came to the wilderness.
ElevationPerched at a mountain elevation that delivers cool nights and warm days, Letts Lake occupies that sweet spot where the air feels crisp and clean, and every breath reminds you that you've escaped the lowlands. While specific elevation details await discovery, campers consistently note the refreshing mountain atmosphere that defines this high-country retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines create a natural cathedral around Letts Lake, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The centerpiece 35-acre lake reflects the surrounding forest like nature's mirror, its calm waters inviting swimmers to take a refreshing dip and creating the perfect stage for memorable sunset paddles. Lucky visitors might spot playful river otters diving for fish or gliding through the shallows—a reminder that this pristine ecosystem supports abundant wildlife. From the gentle lapping of waves against the shore to the whisper of wind through pine boughs, every element combines to create a sensory experience that defines mountain lake camping at its finest.
Geological RegionMendocino National Forest serves as the dramatic backdrop for Letts Lake, encompassing a landscape where rolling hills meet dense forests and hidden lakes sparkle like jewels. This remarkable region showcases Northern California's geological diversity, from ancient volcanic formations to glacier-carved valleys that now cradle pristine mountain lakes. The forest's varied terrain supports an impressive array of flora and fauna, creating distinct ecosystems that change with elevation and exposure. Here, the 35-acre Letts Lake sits as a natural centerpiece, formed by geological forces that created the perfect basin for this mountain oasis—a testament to the powerful forces that shaped California's iconic landscapes over millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible restrooms and a fully-accessible fishing pier, making it suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews recommend Letts Lake Campground for families and describe it as easy to access with numerous campsite options.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers or locations are not highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe layout of the campground is not described.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen and closed seasons are not mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed via Recreation.gov website or app, contact center, and in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityLetts Lake Campground is not reservable in advance; it relies on walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee may apply if canceled before the day of reservation; later cancellations forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can enjoy activities such as trout fishing, swimming, and exploring the one-mile trail around the 35-acre lake. A fully-accessible fishing pier is also available. User reviews indicate additional activities like dirt biking and kayaking. One user shared, 'Beautiful campsite next to a lake good for kayaking' and another noted 'awesome camping and the most insanely fun dirt biking.'
Hiking
A one-mile trail loops around the 35-acre lake, providing an easy and scenic hike for campers.Fishing
Trout fishing is a popular activity at the lake, which features a fully-accessible fishing pier. However, some reviews noted mixed success with fishing: 'We didn't see them catch any fish and we didn't either after a few casts.'Swimming
The lake is suitable for swimming, as highlighted by user reviews like 'The lake is great for swimming and fishing.'Boating
The lake accommodates non-motorized vessels like kayaks, as noted by a user: 'Beautiful campsite next to a lake good for kayaking.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as river otters can be observed, as one review states: 'We saw river otters swimming in the lake.'Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are supported on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not detailed in the source materials.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground has experienced fires in the past and may have burned areas. No other hazards are mentioned.
Active alertsNo active alerts are provided.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Details about the nearest emergency services are missing.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not specified.
Trash and recyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities are not provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Letts Lake, a 35-acre water body suitable for non-motorized boating and swimming.
Common complaintsSome users mention a lack of fish despite fishing attempts. Another review notes that portions of the campground are burned.
HostRangers are reportedly on duty, but detailed host information is missing.
Campground Map
Driving directionsLocated 19 miles west of Stonyford. GPS Coordinates: Latitude 39° 18' 10.238399" N, Longitude 122° 42' 27.6948" W.
Accessibility information is missing from both user reviews and authoritative sources. Nearby places
Stonyford, CA is 19 miles west. Additional nearby locations are missing from the source materials.
Nearby supplies
Details about the closest supplies or supply stores are missing.
Camper Reviews
4.5
9 reviews
Letts Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews express an overall positive sentiment towards the campground, with an average sentiment score of 4.48. Highlights include the scenic beauty of the lake, accessible facilities, and diverse activities available.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the ease of access, scenic location, well-maintained campsites, and family-friendly environment. Activities like fishing, swimming, and dirt biking were frequently highlighted. One user...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted fire damage in the area: 'It's a little burned but the campground is still beautiful.' Additionally, mixed success with fishing was mentioned: 'We didn't see them catch any fish and...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Consider visiting during less crowded times. A user noted, 'In late December we had the campsite all to ourselves.' Families may find the site particularly appealing given its accessibility and range...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter visits offer solitude as campsites tend to be less crowded, as noted in reviews from late December. However, weather conditions may vary, as summarized in weather data.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'An easy campsite to get to with a large selection of campsites to choose from.' 2. 'Beautiful campsite next to a lake good for kayaking.' 3. 'We saw river otters swimming in the lake.' 4. 'Pit...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The accessible restrooms and fully-accessible fishing pier were appreciated, reflecting efforts to make the campground inclusive.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025