Lake guide
Success Lake
Porterville, Tulare County, CA
Overview
Success Lake (often called Lake Success) is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Tule River about 8 miles east of Porterville, in the Sierra Nevada foothills at the south end of the Central Valley. When full it holds about 82,000 acre-feet and covers about 2,450 acres. The dam was built between 1958 and 1961. Anglers come for bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill, and warm summers bring out water skiers and families.
Layout
Highway 190 runs along the lake's south side. The Corps runs boat ramps at the Tule and Rocky Hill recreation areas, and a separately run Success Lake Marina sits at 30300 Highway 190. The state lists three boarding floats and 300 trailer spaces for the Tule and Rocky Hill ramps, with fuel, a fish-cleaning station and a sewage pump-out. A 1,499-acre wildlife area on the northwest shore is a well-known birding spot.
What's different here
The lake was drawn down to 28,000 acre-feet in 2004 over dam-safety concerns, and later seismic testing brought more temporary limits that were then eased. Levels vary, so check current lake levels before towing.
Getting there & access
By road
From Porterville, head east on Highway 190 toward Lake Success/Camp Nelson. The Corps office is at 29330 Highway 190. For Tule Campground, turn left on Success Valley Drive/Avenue 160.
Tule and Rocky Hill ramps
The state facility listing shows three boarding floats and 300 parking spaces for cars with trailers, for boats 10 to 27 feet. Fuel, a fish-cleaning station, restrooms, showers and a sewage/bilge pump-out are listed.
Success Lake Marina
Success Lake Marina, 30300 Highway 190, (559) 539-2341, is not run by the Corps. Call ahead for current services.
Lake levels
Water levels vary through the year. Check current lake levels before you tow.
Amenities
- Boat ramps — Tule and Rocky Hill recreation areas: 3 boarding floats, 300 trailer spaces
- Fuel — Fuel sales listed for the Tule/Rocky Hill facility
- Pump-out — Sewage and bilge pump-out listed
- Fish-cleaning station — At the Corps launch areas
- Camping — Tule Campground: 103 sites with showers, flush toilets and a dump station
- Day use — Bartlett Park (not Corps-run), Vista Point, Gill Cove and trails
- Wildlife area — Success Lake Wildlife Area on the northwest shore
Rules & official resources
- Tule Campground gates close from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Pets must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times; no off-road vehicles
- Tule Campground fees rise to $30 (non-electric) and $40 (electric) a night on January 1, 2027
- Tule/Rocky Hill launch is listed for boats 10 to 27 feet
- Boats used in fresh water must display a current California Mussel Fee sticker on the hull next to the registration sticker
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine and cooling service
Central Valley summers run hot, and boats here spend long days towing skiers. Impellers, cooling systems and fuel systems need regular attention.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Gelcoat and oxidation
Intense sun and boats stored outside lead to chalky, faded gelcoat. Compounding and waxing are common seasonal jobs.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Covers and upholstery
UV breaks down vinyl seats and canvas quickly in the San Joaquin Valley. Fitted covers and upholstery repair are steady needs.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Detailing between lakes
Owners who also run Kaweah or other lakes need a thorough wash and dry-out between trips to arrive clean, drained and dry.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026