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.