Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir
4.357 reviewsPines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir
$75.00 - $75.00 / 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$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Area Nonelectric fee is $75 per night. Additional fees like reservation fees ($8 for online bookings) may apply, along with taxes and incremental charges.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details provided about accessibility options for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeGroup area is larger than individual campsites, as noted in user reviews referencing its spaciousness.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy conditions; while some tables are shaded and secluded, reviews mention occasional foot traffic through campsites.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite-specific recommendations are not applicable due to the group-only nature of this campground. Users should prepare for communal camping layouts.
Best CampsitesThe campground is group-specific, with no individual campsites.
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 15 to October 15 (peak season).
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
Hiking
Nearby Red Mountain Trail provides panoramic views of Black Butte Lake, Lassen Peak, and Mount Shasta.Fishing
Fishing 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).Swimming
The group area includes access to swimming in the warm, refreshing waters of Stony Gorge Reservoir.Boating
Boating is highly recommended, with one boat ramp located approximately 1 mile from the campsite. Ramp usability is contingent on water levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildflowers and scenic lake views enhance opportunities for observing local flora and fauna.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned, likely due to seasonal availability.Water Sports
All water sports are highly recommended, including swimming and boating.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- The camping area includes a stone fire pit and barbecue facilities. No specific fire rules are provided.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonally low water levels may limit boat access. Muddy conditions were mentioned in user reviews.
Weather forecast
101
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Closest emergency services are likely in Willows, CA, approximately 20 miles away, potentially including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 - October 15.
Trash and recyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the northwest tip of Stony Gorge Reservoir with direct access to the 18-mile shoreline.
Common complaintsIssues with cleanliness due to people using the bathrooms and leaving them filthy. Another complaint mentioned difficulty with making reservations via Recreation.gov.
HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.4
7 reviews
Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 7 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 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Concerns raised include occasional muddy conditions near the water and shared bathroom areas being left dirty due to foot traffic.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors suggest bringing alternative water sources as potable water is unavailable and taking precautions to maintain campsite cleanliness.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal 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 7 reviewsCamper 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 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 (Pines Group Camp) received mixed reviews, including complaints about issues with Recreation.gov rather than the campground itself.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user feedback available regarding pet-friendly policies or experiences.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025