Best Campgrounds near Clearlake, CA

The shores of Clearlake in Northern California draw campers year-round with several good options for overnight stays. Clearlake City Park Campground works well for anyone wanting to stay near town while still having lake access. If you're looking for better hiking, Clearlake Area State Park connects campers with trails while still keeping the lake close by. Some campers head to the national forest land instead, where dispersed sites give you more space but fewer amenities. Clearlake Recreation Area has room for both tents and RVs with decent spacing between sites. Families tend to like Clearlake County Park Campground because of its picnic areas and playgrounds. Most campgrounds have roads that any car can handle, though some of the forest sites need vehicles with better clearance. You should make reservations if camping between May and September when the lake gets busy. Many local campers prefer April-May or September-October when there are fewer people and the weather stays mild. Winter camping works too, but bring rain gear and warm sleeping bags. Different campgrounds have different booking timeframes, so check ahead. The main roads to Clearlake stay in good shape, but sometimes close seasonally. The area has enough camping variety that most people can find something that fits what they want.

Best Camping Sites Near Clearlake, California (160)

    1. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    21 Reviews
    Kelseyville, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 279-4293

    $30 / night

    "Having visited Lake County many times, I wasn't expecting much from this camp ground. I had intended to camp at Boggs Forest - my usual hangout for mountain biking when in the area."

    "Had a nice spot that was semi-shaded in the afternoon, next to a lovely couple who I was able to share some beers with. 

    The place was at capacity, but many people leave during the day."

    2. Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    14 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 934-3316

    "First time camping and going somewhat off road.

    If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly."

    "Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging."

    3. Clear Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lower Lake, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 994-2236

    $55 - $999 / night

    4. Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Rumsey, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 406-4880

    $35 / night

    "There are plenty spots so we had our privacy, toilets were clean and it’s next to a road but there isn’t much traffic. Really calm and nice!"

    "The site in in a valley between a small creek (that runs right next to the roadway) and a small mountain “range” on the opposing side."

    5. Blue Oak Campground

    3 Reviews
    Clearlake Oaks, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    "We went to this campground to hike the San Juan trail and ended up staying the night as well. Such as beautiful campsite. It was a quiet night with not such noise from people."

    6. Calso - Boggs Mountain Demo Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    2 Reviews
    Cobb, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 928-4378

    "None the less, I still come here to enjoy the new growth, the impressive new trails and the new views of the valleys below. 

    It’s Labor Day weekend and I’m one of maybe a half dozen campers."

    7. The Aurora RV Park & Marina

    7 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 274-5531

    $22 - $75 / night

    "A picnic bench behind the RVs and looking out to the water. Large group cooking and gathering areas. The other side is a standard RV park. It’s a medium size park."

    "This park has two parts: most is across the street from the lake but some spots are lakeside. The lakeside spots are very tight together-and require backing in."

    8. Pine Grove Cobb Resort

    2 Reviews
    Cobb, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 928-1006

    $25 - $210 / night

    "We also had access to our own private bathroom and shower a short walk away which was great. Would stay here again, highly recommend!"

    9. Huttopia Wine Country

    1 Review
    Lower Lake, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 461-0740

    $236 - $364 / night

    "You can't ask for a more picturesque place to glamping, surrounded by the fields of the ranch & winery, while also within driving distance of San Francisco, this is a spot to check out!"

    10. High Valley Rd Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    12 miles

    "There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 160 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Clearlake, CA

711 Reviews of 160 Clearlake Campgrounds


  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Salt Point State Park Campground

    Very secluded excellent trail to the ocean with scenic rock views

    Very clean and unkept campground low price for tents($35) . Site 30 was my favorite pick. Lots of nice lots and far spacing!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Lake Solano County Park

    Great campsite, loud road

    I loved staying here for one night and wish I could’ve been there for longer. The bathrooms are accessible, I had a beautiful spot by the water, my neighbors were friendly, the staff were welcoming. The only catch was that the road parallel to the lake is super loud and for me bothersome at night. I did not get good sleep because of this, i recommend bringing ear plugs if you are sensitive to noise and sleeping outside (i was in a tent). I don’t know how noisy it is for other spots farther away, but I would guess the sound still travels but is not as bad as having a spot along the water. Normal site are $30 per night, sites along the water are $40.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Tough sites

    I am reasonably ok at backing in my travel trailer but this place is a mess. I parked in wrong spot, moved to the right one, the power pedestal did not work. Had to walk to office because phone number on check-in sheet did not work. Camp worker in golf cart picked me up and checked pedestal. No good. Drove me around looking for another site but the camp side on most is terrible. My wife has mobility issues so I would not stay here again. Staff was great, area looks nice, but the sites I saw leave something to be desired.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Kyen Campground

    A convenient and good campground

    I liked this tree shaded campground. Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available. Bathrooms were clean but showers not so much but plenty of hot water and does not require quarters. Campground can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially weekends. When I was there on 9/10/25 there were very few campers. Register on recreation.gov. Use your federal discount pass to get half price on the $35 or $65 electrical sites.

  • Leafe Z.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Johnson's Beach

    Perfext location for river

    Russian River is right out front of the campground. They offer kayaks canoes, and whatever else you want to rent however, if you have a dog, they don’t allow the dog on the beach or in the boat with you and they’re not allowed to stay behind in the tent, so you’re kind of stuck if you have a dog

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful *on weekdays*

    Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays. All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends. We finally learned our lesson after every Friday and/or Saturday over the years has been disrupted by people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash, and then (last trip) racing dirt bikes through the campground until 1 am.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Great area, safe, kid friendly

    I planned to stay here just one night and stayed like 4. Great spot, I loved downtown Petaluma and enjoyed the safe feeling and convenience of this location. Great amenities for children too.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    Feels much more remote than it is

    Great campsite, awesome staff. Tucked away off highway 12 in wine country it feels much more remote than it actually is. It's a great fast getaway from the northbay, but it can be hard to reserve a site ahead of time but they do have first-come first serve sites too. Excellent hiking with both fairly flat trails, to challenging trails with lots of elevation change. It's often very hot in the summer, and there can be lots of rattle snakes sunning themselves on the rocks. This is one of my favorite camping spots.


Guide to Clearlake

Camping near Clearlake, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park enjoyed the "nice walk" to the beach, which is easy to follow and leads to beautiful views.
  • Beach Access: Spend time at the beach! One reviewer mentioned that the beach was "quiet and only a few folks were out there after the storm," making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Wine Tasting: If you're into wine, head to nearby wineries. Campers at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground appreciated the campground's proximity to many wineries, saying it "feels more remote than it is."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hendy Woods State Park Campground noted, "The restrooms are clean and the showers are a nice amenity."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the spacious sites that provide a sense of privacy. One reviewer at Gualala Point Regional Park mentioned, "The campsite we got was pretty big as well."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. A visitor at Doran Regional Park said, "Helpful hosts" made their stay more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • No Hookups: Many campgrounds in the area do not offer electric hookups. A camper at Bodega Dunes Campground mentioned, "This location has no hookups but does have a dump station."
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. Campers at Gualala Point Regional Park reported seeing raccoons and were warned about mountain lions, so keep an eye on your food and belongings.
  • Busy Seasons: Some campgrounds can get crowded, especially during holidays. A visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA noted, "It sucks that so many people go here now."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One reviewer at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children, such as petting zoos and jumping pillows."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground appreciated the "large meadow in the center, which is great for frisbee or other games."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A family at Hendy Woods State Park Campground enjoyed the "firewood available from the camp host."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Lawson's Landing mentioned, "They also will typically let you get creative with your layout if you're with a group."
  • Be Prepared for No Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have electric hookups, so plan accordingly. A camper at Skyline Wilderness Park noted, "It’s good for an RV park type setting, but it’s still an RV Park."
  • Bring Firewood: Some campgrounds don’t provide firewood. A visitor at Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park advised, "Bring firewood; there’s none available on site."

Camping near Clearlake, California, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best times of year to camp at Clear Lake, California?

The ideal camping season at Clear Lake runs from late spring through early fall (April to October). Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while summer provides perfect conditions for water activities. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Deer Valley Campground, about 45 minutes from Nice, CA near Clear Lake, makes a great alternative when seeking solitude during peak summer months. For those seeking year-round options, Stony Gorge Reservoir - USBR provides accessible camping with fewer restrictions during off-peak seasons. Be aware that some campgrounds may have seasonal closures, particularly in winter.

Is tent camping available at Clear Lake?

Yes, tent camping is widely available at Clear Lake. Spring Lake Regional Park offers tent camping with newer bathroom and shower facilities, plus easy access to water activities and hiking trails. While tent camping is possible at Clear Lake Campground, sites are quite close together, so RVs might be more suitable there. Clear Lake State Park also welcomes tent campers across its multiple campgrounds. For more secluded tent camping options, Blue Oak Campground near Clearlake Oaks offers tent sites with more privacy. Most tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though be aware of seasonal fire restrictions that may be in place.

Where are the best campgrounds in Clearlake, CA?

Clear Lake offers several excellent camping options. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park is a popular choice with level paved pads and access to water activities. The park actually contains four campgrounds: Upper Bayview, Lower Bayview, Cole Creek, and Kelsey Creek. For a smaller, family-owned option, Clear Lake Campground offers a quaint setting with friendly management and convenient location as you enter Clearlake. For those seeking more solitude, consider venturing to nearby areas like Cache Creek Regional Park Campground which offers more secluded sites while still being within driving distance of Clear Lake.

What RV facilities are available at Clear Lake?

The Aurora RV Park & Marina offers premium RV facilities with two distinct areas - one directly on the water with back-in sites (for an additional fee) featuring picnic benches overlooking the lake, and another across the road with standard amenities. The waterfront section includes large group cooking and gathering areas. Kelsey Creek Campground in Clear Lake State Park provides level sites with paved pads suitable for RVs. Most RV parks around Clear Lake offer water and electric hookups, with some providing full hookups including sewer. Dump stations are available at several locations. Many sites accommodate larger rigs, though it's always advisable to check specific length restrictions when booking.