Upper Letts Lake
Near Pole Garden, California · on Upper Letts Lake · Mendocino National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $12/night
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Upper Letts Lake
Upper Letts Lake is a 35-acre reservoir-like lake in the Mendocino National Forest, about 19 miles west of Stonyford, California, at roughly 4,500 feet elevation. The U.S. Forest Service designates it for swimming, trout fishing, and non-motorized boating, which makes this mountain swimming hole an officially sanctioned lake to swim in, with the Letts Lake Campground sitting directly on its southern shore.
The lake sits in a forested basin of the Mendocino National Forest's Coast Range, ringed by a one-mile shoreline trail and four campground loops (Main Letts, Saddle Camp, Spillway, Stirrup). The Big Springs Picnic Area is located across the lake from the main campground.
Swimming at Upper Letts Lake
Swimming is an official designated use of the lake alongside fishing and non-motorized boating/kayaking. Camper reviews describe it as good for swimming and suitable for families with kids of all ages, with the surrounding campground noted as cooler than the surrounding area; no specifics on water clarity or depth were found.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Stonyford, California, travel approximately 19 miles west on Letts Valley Road to reach Letts Lake Campground on the lake's southern end.
The hike in
Letts Lake shoreline loop trail
- Time on foot
- 20-30 min to walk the full mile loop
Difficulty: easy (flat shoreline loop, described as accessible)
A roughly one-mile trail circles the entire lake shoreline; it is a recreational loop rather than an access route, swimming areas are reachable directly from the campground loops and the accessible fishing pier without hiking in.
No elevation, surface, or trailhead-signage details were found; treat as a casual lakeside stroll, not a required approach hike.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Camper reviews describe it as 'great for kids of all ages' and mention camping/swimming there with toddlers; it's a small, calm 35-acre lake with no motorized boats and no strong current. No lifeguards are present (unstaffed USFS site) and no source specifies a designated shallow beach area, so supervise young kids as with any unguarded lake.
Parking
Lot
No separate day-use lot is documented; visitors park at their first-come-first-served campsite (max 2 vehicles per site, $5 fee for a 2nd vehicle per californiasbestcamping.com). No day-use-only parking fee or area was found in official sources.
Restrooms
Yes
Vault toilets are provided across the four campground loops (Main Letts, Saddle Camp, Spillway, Stirrup); the USFS and Recreation.gov listings also note accessible restrooms near the wheelchair-accessible fishing pier.
Hours
No gate/hours restriction on the lake itself; campground check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out 11:00 a.m., quiet hours 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. Season runs roughly May through October (snow-dependent); potable water is only turned on May-September.
On the water
Restrictions: Non-motorized vessels only, no motorboats or OHVs; there is a boat ramp/put-in for non-motorized craft on the lake.
Camper reviews mention a put-in spot and note the lake holds fish, but do not mention any no-wake zone or additional restrictions beyond the motor ban.
What regulars say
Visitor reports (TheDyrt camper reviews) describe Letts Lake as a small, calm lake good for swimming and 'great for kids of all ages,' with one family camping there 3 nights with two toddlers and a dog. Waterfront campsites are said to fill up early due to their prime lakeside position, and the campground/lake area is noted as running cooler than the surrounding forest, making spring/fall preferable to peak summer heat.
Upper Letts Lake: FAQ
Does Upper Letts Lake charge a fee?
Campground fee $12/night in peak season (May-September) and $6/night off-season, first-come first-served, paid via on-site kiosk or Recreation.gov app; day-use swimming/lake access fees were not specified.
Is Upper Letts Lake kid friendly?
Camper reviews describe it as 'great for kids of all ages' and mention camping/swimming there with toddlers; it's a small, calm 35-acre lake with no motorized boats and no strong current. No lifeguards are present (unstaffed USFS site) and no source specifies a designated shallow beach area, so supervise young kids as with any unguarded lake.
Do I need to hike to reach Upper Letts Lake?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Upper Letts Lake?
No separate day-use lot is documented; visitors park at their first-come-first-served campsite (max 2 vehicles per site, $5 fee for a 2nd vehicle per californiasbestcamping.com). No day-use-only parking fee or area was found in official sources.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Upper Letts Lake?
Camper reviews mention a put-in spot and note the lake holds fish, but do not mention any no-wake zone or additional restrictions beyond the motor ban.
When is the best time to visit Upper Letts Lake?
Campground and lake access typically run May through October, dependent on snow; reviewers recommend spring or fall over summer due to heat.
What are the rules at Upper Letts Lake?
First-come, first-served campground (no reservations); quiet hours 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; maximum two vehicles per site; only non-motorized boating permitted; OHV riding not allowed in the campground; firewood must be purchased locally rather than brought in.
What water body is Upper Letts Lake on?
Upper Letts Lake is on Upper Letts Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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