Round Valley Reservoir Day Use

For Californians seeking a quiet retreat into nature, where the focus is truly on the natural environment and water-based leisure, **Round Valley Reservoir Day Use** in Greenville, CA, offers a unique opportunity. This location is designed primarily for day-time enjoyment of the reservoir and its surroundings, providing a tranquil escape from the everyday. As professional content writers specializing in local business SEO, we aim to provide you with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Round Valley Reservoir Day Use a distinctive destination for locals looking to connect with the outdoors.

Round Valley Reservoir is known for its beautiful, brisk blue waters and its secluded atmosphere. While some recent reviews highlight challenges, such as signs of past fire damage and vandalism to facilities, the fundamental appeal of being "close to water" remains strong for many visitors. This area is celebrated for its potential for "great fishing" and its peaceful setting, free from the noise of motorized boats, as such vessels are not allowed on the reservoir. This policy helps maintain the calm and serene environment that many seek in a natural escape.

It's important for prospective visitors to approach Round Valley Reservoir Day Use with realistic expectations, acknowledging the rustic nature of the facilities and the impact of past events. However, for those who value solitude, a connection with nature, and opportunities for quiet recreation like fishing and non-motorized boating, this location still holds significant appeal. This article will delve into its precise location and accessibility, discuss the limited but essential services offered, highlight its key natural features, and provide contact information where available. Join us as we explore the unique charm of Round Valley Reservoir Day Use and why, despite its challenges, it continues to draw those who "love being close to water" in the heart of Plumas County.

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Round Valley Reservoir Day Use is located in **Greenville, CA 95947, USA**. This places it within Plumas County, a region in Northern California renowned for its vast national forests, numerous lakes, and scenic mountain landscapes. Greenville itself is a small, historic town nestled in Indian Valley, offering a sense of rural charm and serving as a local hub for the surrounding outdoor areas. The reservoir is reportedly "about a fifteen minute drive from the nearest town," which is Greenville, making it relatively secluded yet still accessible for supplies if needed.

Accessibility to Round Valley Reservoir is generally straightforward, as it's often described as "very easy to get to" being "three miles above Greenville." However, visitors should be aware of conditions that might affect access. Recent reviews indicate that the area has been impacted by past wildfires, specifically mentioning that "fires have burned many trees around the lake" and that the "drive between Greenville and Round Valley Reservoir has considerable damage from the Dixie Fire." While the "recreation side of the reservoir is open and still has breathtaking views," this indicates a landscape in recovery, which might affect the immediate surroundings of the day-use area.

It's also important to note that access to the lake can be seasonal. While the reservoir is "usually accessible year-round," the road leading up to the lake is "occasionally closed due to snow" during winter months. This emphasizes the need for visitors to check current road and weather conditions, especially outside of summer. Despite these considerations, the easy drive from Greenville makes it a convenient option for a day trip for those seeking a secluded water-based experience. For those who enjoy a truly natural setting, even with visible signs of environmental impact, the allure of the water and the relative solitude remain strong.

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• **Day Use Area:** As the name suggests, the primary service is providing a designated area for day-time recreational activities, rather than overnight camping.
• **Pit Toilets:** Basic restroom facilities in the form of "pit toilets" are available. However, it is crucial to note that recent reviews indicate these facilities "have been severely vandalized," suggesting they may not be in optimal condition or usable. Visitors should prepare for very primitive or no functional restroom facilities.
• **Water Access:** Provides direct access to Round Valley Reservoir for water-based activities.

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• **Proximity to Water:** A key highlight is the direct and close access to Round Valley Reservoir, appealing greatly to those who "love being close to water."
• **Great Fishing:** The reservoir is known for "great fishing," particularly for warm water species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. It is a favorite spot for locals to introduce children to fishing.
• **Swim Holes:** While swimming is generally not allowed in the main reservoir (as it's a drinking water source for Greenville), the mention of "nice swim holes" in reviews suggests there may be designated or informal areas where visitors can enjoy the water. However, it's essential to respect any posted signs regarding water use, as the reservoir is a source of drinking water for Greenville.
• **Non-Motorized Boating Allowed:** The lake permits non-motorized boats and kayaking, creating a peaceful environment free from the noise and disruption of motorized vessels. This makes it ideal for quiet paddling and enjoying the scenery.
• **Secluded Location:** Despite being a relatively short drive from Greenville, the area offers a sense of being "secluded," providing a quiet escape from more crowded recreational spots.
• **Bird Watching Paradise:** With over 100 species of birds spotted on or near the reservoir and no motorized boats, it offers an "extremely peaceful setting for bird watching."
• **Scenic Views:** Even with areas impacted by past fires, the "recreation side of the reservoir is open and still has breathtaking views," particularly of the colorful, pine-covered mountains and foothills.
• **Warm Water Fishery:** It's specifically a warm water fishery, teeming with bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, making it attractive for a specific type of angling.
• **Hiking Opportunities:** While not explicitly a highlight from the provided reviews, the presence of a "Round Valley Lake Loop" which is a "relatively level walk around the lake" suggests opportunities for scenic strolls.

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Address: Greenville, CA 95947, USA

While direct phone contact information for Round Valley Reservoir Day Use is not provided in the supplied data, inquiries regarding the area, including current conditions, fire impacts, and accessibility, would typically be directed to the managing authority, which is often the Plumas National Forest or a similar local land management office. For the Greenville area, the Mt. Hough Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest (phone: 530-283-0555) would likely be the most appropriate contact for up-to-date information.

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For Californians seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path, serene, and nature-focused day trip, **Round Valley Reservoir Day Use** in Greenville, CA, offers a unique and compelling experience. While recent reviews highlight challenges such as post-fire landscape impacts and vandalized facilities, these factors, paradoxically, contribute to its "nearly abandoned" and "secluded" charm. For locals who prioritize solitude and an unfiltered connection with the natural environment over manicured facilities, this spot remains highly appealing.

The core draw for Californians is its direct and intimate relationship with water. The reservoir is a "warm water fishery" renowned for "great fishing" opportunities, making it a favorite for local anglers, especially those introducing children to the sport. The allowance of only non-motorized boats further enhances the peaceful atmosphere, creating ideal conditions for quiet kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and undisturbed bird watching, with over 100 species frequently spotted. This aligns perfectly with the desire of many Californians to escape crowded tourist spots and immerse themselves in tranquil outdoor activities.

Despite the "lots of trash" and damaged pit toilets mentioned in one review, those with a prepared mindset—bringing their own waste disposal solutions and being self-sufficient regarding restrooms—can still find immense value here. The "breathtaking views" that persist despite the burned trees emphasize the resilience of nature and the enduring beauty of the Plumas County landscape. For Californians who appreciate a rustic, less-developed natural setting, who are drawn to the quiet allure of fishing and paddling on a pristine lake, and who are willing to embrace a truly secluded experience within a short drive from a local town, Round Valley Reservoir Day Use offers a profound opportunity to reconnect with the wild heart of their state.

Round Valley Reservoir Day Use

Greenville, CA 95947, USA