Christine L.
Scout
ScoutAustin Creek State Rec Area
Summer 2026 - Closed
Currently the Bull Frog Campground is closed Until Further Notice and there is no Back Country Camping available either. Day Use only.
Camping near Clearlake, CA
168 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Clearlake (168)
1. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park
"This is the perfect time of year to visit Clear Lake. There’s just a few boats on the lake. The campground is less than half full. The bathrooms are clean, and our site is paved and fairly level."
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Lakeview Dispersed Campground
"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
from $58 - $119 / night
Check Availability4. Cache Creek Regional Park Campground
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability5. Hidden Knoll Farm Glamping
"We were close to a small splash pool for floating on in pool rings and pool noodles that the host provided and there is also a galvanized soaking tub for two with an amazing view and we enjoyed it underneath"
"We love to visit Harbin Hot Springs near Middletown after wine tasting in Napa Valley, but Harbin doesn’t allow dogs. We discovered this great campground on private land."
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability6. Blue Oak Campground
"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."
7. Calso - Boggs Mountain Demo Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
"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."
"The trees that were planted are now reaching an impressive height and providing shade on many of the trails. See the pic with the bike against the tree for a sense of scale."
8. The Aurora RV Park & Marina
"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."
"It’s a cute little campground, conveniently located right on the lake. There are a few sites directly at Lake side and Moore across the street. Generally well kept looks a little older."
from $22 - $75 / night
Check Availability9. High Valley Ridge
"The drive up was windy and a bit steep at points but well groomed and manageable in an SUV. I’m sure most cars can do the drive with a responsible person behind the wheel."
"Recent regrading of the southern road up made it a cake walk, it's like a runway."
10. High Valley Rd Dispersed
"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!"
"Lots of little pullouts when you reach the top and then as you head down the north side more with beautiful views of the lake. Some private property on that end but nothing unusual."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 1 hr 14 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 17 min from Napa, CA
- 1 hr 33 min from Vallejo, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Clearlake, CA
222 Photos of 168 Clearlake Campgrounds
Lisa
Clear Lake Campground
Nicole P.
Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park
Chris P.
Cole Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park
Joe S.
Pine Grove Cobb Resort
Gabriella B.
Hidden Knoll Farm Glamping
Julie D.
Harbin Hot Springs
Alexander Mark C.
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Jeremy F.
The Aurora RV Park & Marina
Allyson D.
Cache Creek Regional Park Campground
Summer A.
BLM Sheldon Creek
Rick F.
Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground
william B.
The Wilton on the Russian River
Recent Reviews near Clearlake, CA
792 Reviews of 168 Clearlake Campgrounds
- LLandon R.
TravelerBlue Oak Campground
Very cool views, but a lot of trash
Found a spot on the hill that had a sweet view, but was covered in trash and shotgun shells. A lot of dirt bikers so you hear that most of the day.
Madeleine B.ScoutKoa Cloverdale Camping Resort
Glad I Ignored the Bad Reviews
Abundant bad reviews were available for this campground but we had no major issues. Bathrooms and pool were in good condition.
- H
Heather D.TravelerThousand Trails Russian River
They're trying
So the staff here are really nice and helpful and trying to keep the place up. There is definitely not enough staff for the size of of the grounds here. The river is super low right now but it's mid July inland in California so that's expected. Getting down to the river access is either by being dropped off by a car and then picked back up when you are done OR walking down the windy steep road and then back UP when you are tired and hungry and hot etc. If you have a mobility issue be prepared to get help. My husband has prosthetics and we couldn't be down at the same time without a lot of back and forth with the vehicle. The bathroom/bathhouse in A section of the park is trashed. I don't have a nicer way to put that. We lost water the second night we were there and that lasted most of the next day and then power went out at 11pm three nights later and was off for almost 24 hours. We more than likely won't be staying there again anytime soon. It looks like it used to be a really nice spot but it has just been neglected and abused.
Alan L.
GuideLake Pillsbury Resort and Marina
Nice dirt road drive!
Enjoyed our time at pillsburry. Water was warm, but too much clay and some areas had algae. Camp site was very spacious with fire pit. We fit our vehicles perfectly. Water spigot at camp site and bathrooms were across. There’s a store and token showers
- Alan L.Guide
Upper Bayview Campground — Clear Lake State Park
Spacious camp site!
Very spacious camp site. We got invited here by a relative. Stayed in the upper area, so you had to drive down to the lake. Park rangers were present. Can’t remember the camp site we stayed in but if you don’t mind taking a 5 minute drive,book the upper campground. Lake water was 7/10. Great temperature, but I’m more of a Christal clear water person. There was some algae/ weeds. I heard a lot of negative comments about the water. Overall we had a good time Bathrooms and showers were next to our site.
- CCarley C.Traveler
smittle creek
Definitely not a spot
Tons of signs that say no camping no parking no trespassing. There was a fence and it was locked. Definitely don’t come here
- TTwindaddyGuide
Calso - Boggs Mountain Demo Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Open to camping again!
Finally open again after a couple years of clearing storm damage.
https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/natural-resource-management/demonstration-state-forests/boggs-demonstration-state-forest
I was there the week prior to July 4 and expected a crowd. Instead I was one of only two campers until I left on the 3rd.
As in years past, the "no-see-ems" and bees get a bit thick. The bees absolutely LOVE water, so have a van with a shower on the rear door complicates things. Nonetheless, the stay was nice. The mountain biking, though tough, was super fun. I got lucky with the weather too - only hit about 82 at the warmest.
Vault toilets are reasonably well maintained. Don't be afraid to use them if you need to.
There continues to be a lot of forest recovery after the fire over a decade (wow!) ago.
The trees that were planted are now reaching an impressive height and providing shade on many of the trails. See the pic with the bike against the tree for a sense of scale.
Nice to have the option available again - I'll be back in the fall.
Oh... the pizza parlor in Cobb is also excellent. They have great pizza a great sleection of good beers on tap!
- DDaniel D.Guide
COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground
Unmaintained Free-for-all
Apparently this place has been closed for four years and is just re-opening. It definitely looks like it. Sections of the campground are still closed, and the parts that are open were ROUGH. This places does have potential- views of the lake are good, bathrooms have showers. By far the worst part of camping here is that there was no camp host and no park ranger. Saw unsafe fire practices, and experienced extremely loud music that went to 2:00 am and started again at 6:30 am. Did I ask for it by coming here on Fourth of July weekend? Probably. On the whole, the entire experience felt like trying to camp in a run down city park. Having no one to contact when things get out of control after the sun goes down invites campers to try to regulate other campers, which is always recipe for disaster. I’ve camped in all kinds of place - Nat’l park, state parks, county parks, BLM, National Forests, and have experienced the full range of camping experiences . I will never come back to this place again.
Guide to Clearlake
Clearlake sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation in Northern California's Lake County, surrounded by oak woodlands and rolling hills. The lake itself is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, covering about 68 square miles with 100 miles of shoreline. Camping spots near Clearlake, California range from waterfront sites with boat access to remote dispersed options in the surrounding hills and forests.
What to do
Kayaking on Cache Creek: The waterway connecting to Clearlake offers excellent paddling opportunities. At Clear Lake Campground, "Cute little store and boat rentals. Owners are super nice. Especially loved kayaking on the creek," notes Diane W.
Wildlife observation: The wetlands around the lake support diverse bird populations. "Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve. Great birdwatching," shares a visitor to Clear Lake Campground. Another camper at Kelsey Creek Campground mentions "extensive nature trail system throughout the park" and "a visitors center with many displays of the animals that are found within the park."
Fishing: The lake is known for bass fishing. "Great fishing!" reports one camper, while another at Cache Creek Regional Park Campground shares, "I kept hearing splashing in the creek. I wasn't alone - there was a herd of Elk. Super cool."
What campers like
Uncrowded off-season camping: The less busy periods offer more solitude. At Cache Creek Regional Park, one reviewer noted, "I pulled in here for the night and found I was completely alone." Similarly, at Kelsey Creek Campground, a camper appreciated that "it was great for a mid-week stay. Beautiful campground, good space between sites."
Lake access: Direct water access ranks high for many visitors. The Aurora RV Park offers lakeside spots where "you can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water," according to Tamera J. Another camper mentions the "beautiful lake view" and "FREE canoe/paddle boating" available to guests.
Clean facilities: Many campers comment on bathroom and shower quality. At Lakeview Dispersed Campground, campers found it to be "relatively clean," while at The Aurora RV Park, one guest noted, "Clean bathrooms, club house with games and a kitchen."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires careful planning. Lakeview Dispersed Campground has challenging roads, with one reviewer warning it's "not easy to get to," while another clarifies: "The drive up was full of breathtaking views, and even though the road was quite bumpy, dusty, and steep at times, our AWD Kia made it up no problem."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuation requires proper gear. "It was windy in the evening, but that died down during the night and in the morning we had breakfast in the sun," reports Mo H. Another camper mentions, "can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!"
Shower tokens: Several state park campgrounds use token systems. At Kelsey Creek Campground, one camper explains, "The showers are token operated. Outside the bathrooms is a machine for token exchange. It takes $1 and $5 bills. They are these cute, unique coins specific to the park... one token gets you 2 minutes."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Some campgrounds offer swimming areas. At Pine Grove Cobb Resort, "These serene year round cabins are perfect for everyone," notes Ashley F., and families particularly enjoy the comfortable accommodations.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing areas provide learning experiences. One camper at Kelsey Creek Campground described "a visitors center with many displays of the animals that are found within the park as well the cultural history."
Space between sites: Look for campgrounds with adequate separation for kids. At Kelsey Creek Campground, reviewers appreciated "good space between sites" and "a large sandy beach" for family enjoyment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on rig size and preferences. At The Aurora RV Park, a camper notes, "Aurora has two sites that are across the road from each other. One is on the water with back up sites. It's very nice, certainly beautiful and worth the extra 10 dollars."
Hookup availability: Service levels vary significantly. Clear Lake Campground provides electric, water, and sewer connections, with one camper confirming "all of the hookups worked fine!" while mentioning "the RV park itself was in disrepair and in need of a lot of TLC when it came to some of the amenities."
Accessibility concerns: Road restrictions may limit larger rigs. One camper warns, "To get to clear lake from the west the road is very windy and only allows 34 feet and I think that is pushing it."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times of year to camp at Clear Lake, California?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Keep Exploring