01
Closest to town
East Park Reservoir Swim Areas
Just North Of Stonyford • Lively Reservoir Shoreline • Closest True Beach To Town
A classic Stonyford beach day with easy access, warm water, and plenty of space for floaties and coolers.
East Park Reservoir is where Stonyford heads when the temperature climbs, with small sandy and gravelly pockets along the shore that work well for spreading out towels and pop-up shade. Water levels shift through the season, but in summer you can usually wade in gradually or swim out from the coves near the main camp areas. Expect a relaxed, bring-your-own-everything vibe and a mix of families, anglers, and boaters.
02
Best boating hangout
Stony Gorge Reservoir Day-Use Shoreline
Near Elk Creek In The Foothills • Sunny Lakeside Recreation Area • Best For Boating Plus A Swim
A broad, sunbaked lakeshore where you can launch the boat, then cool off with a jump in the reservoir.
Down the road near Elk Creek, Stony Gorge Reservoir offers a bigger-water feel with a wide open basin and long stretches of shoreline to claim for the day. The day-use areas and informal pullouts give you room to park close to the water, set up chairs, and hop in between boat runs. It is less polished than a city beach, but the combination of warm water, big-sky views, and elbow room is hard to beat.
03
Quiet forest escape
Letts Lake Campground Shore
High-Country Mendocino National Forest • Quiet Forest-Fringed Lake • Best For A Peaceful Paddle And Dip
A sheltered little lake ringed by pines where the shoreline doubles as a low-key beach and launch spot for small craft.
Tucked in the forest west of Stonyford, Letts Lake feels like a cool high-country retreat on hot days in the valley. The small pebble and dirt shorelines by the campground and day-use area make easy entries for swimming or slipping in a canoe or paddleboard. Even on summer weekends it tends to stay mellow, with more birdsong and campfire chatter than motor noise.
04
Best family day trip
Clear Lake State Park Swim Beach
South At Clear Lake Near Kelseyville • Family-Friendly Lake Park • Best All-Round Day Trip
A designated swim beach on California's largest natural lake, backed by lawns, shade, and classic state park amenities.
If you are willing to make a longer drive, Clear Lake State Park rewards you with a true beach feel, complete with roped swim areas and gentle lake entry. Grassy picnic spots, trees, and facilities make it easy to spend the whole day while kids splash in the shallows. It has a more structured, park-like atmosphere than the local reservoirs, which many families appreciate for group outings.
05
Best camping-by-the-water pick
Lake Pillsbury East Side Beaches
Remote Upper Eel River Basin • Wide-Open Mountain Reservoir • Best For Rustic Waterfront Camping
Gravelly coves and gentle banks along a big backcountry reservoir, ideal for camping a few steps from the waterline.
Lake Pillsbury sits deeper in the Mendocino backcountry but draws Stonyford regulars looking for a full weekend on the lake. The east side offers informal beachy stretches where you can pull in near the shore, pitch a tent, and swim or float right from camp. It is more rustic and exposed than park run beaches, so come prepared for sun, changing water levels, and a true off-the-grid feel.