Dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds surround Clearlake Oaks, California, providing a mix of lakefront and hillside options for campers. Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers free camping with views overlooking Clear Lake, while Clear Lake State Park provides developed options with Kelsey Creek and Cole Creek campgrounds featuring cabin accommodations. The broader area includes both tent and RV sites, with options ranging from primitive dispersed camping to full-hookup facilities at places like The Aurora RV Park & Marina, which also offers glamping and yurt options approximately 20 miles northwest of Clearlake Oaks.
Road conditions to dispersed camping areas can present challenges, particularly at sites like High Valley Road and Lakeview. "The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV," noted one visitor about High Valley Road. Most dispersed sites require careful navigation on steep, dusty roads that may be difficult after rain. While AWD or 4WD vehicles are recommended for backcountry routes, some visitors report making it to Lakeview Dispersed Campground in standard vehicles during dry conditions. Clear Lake's climate typically allows for year-round camping, though summer brings high temperatures and potentially algae issues in the water. Many established campgrounds require reservations, while dispersed sites operate on a first-come basis.
Waterfront access represents a major draw for the region, though water quality varies seasonally. Clear Lake Campground sites along Cache Creek receive mixed reviews, with one camper noting it was "right on Cache Creek with great fishing and lots of wildlife sightings." Dispersed camping areas at higher elevations provide more isolation but require preparation for potentially windy conditions. According to visitor reports, the Lakeview Dispersed area can be particularly windy at night, with one camper reporting they "had to move to another spot around 4am because the wind was just too much." Cell service is generally available at most sites, including dispersed camping areas, making this region suitable for remote workers needing connectivity. Target shooting occurs in some areas, creating periodic noise that may affect the camping experience.
$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."
"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."
$22 - $75 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
$6 / night
"National Forest pulled in officers from surrounding forests and Sheriff Depts. With a 35' Class A our options were limited. A Ranger suggested Letts Lake."
"The campground does not offer very much privacy between sites, but is right on Letts Lake, offering great views."
"There are numerous pull-outs and campsites along this High Ridge Road with absolutely breathtakingly stunning views of the valley to the east and the lake to the west."
"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!"
$30 / night
"We had just bought a motor home and wanted to go somewhere close to home to try it out. Nice clean camp sites close to restrooms and showers. Lots of places to fish, hike and bike."
ScoutWe came with a big group of 11 families and we have had a blast. Floated the river each day, movie night at the theatre, the kids loved the arcade, and the staff was awesome. We will return!
ScoutThis is a wonderful place to camp. Very peaceful and clean.
ScoutAgree with the other poster. Road is in bad condition and cars won't make it through.
GuidePros: Campground is on the beach (although only a few sites are literally on the beach—the others are set back). It’s on the small side, which I consider a big plus. You really can’t beat the location (just north of Jenner). Staff is helpful and friendly. Bathrooms (with flush toilets) are very clean. Beach is huge and beautiful—lots of pelicans and cool rock formations just offshore in the surf.
Cons: Sites are very close together, although privacy is somewhat maintained with thick, tall bushes between campsites. Gets windy, especially if you get one of the sites right on the beach.
TravelerEnjoying this campground a lot. It’s a 10-15 minute walk down to Salt Point Trail head and it is STUN-Ning.
Could hear the sea lions barking from the campsite.
I moved from site 4 to 1.
4 had trees over it which was messing with the starlink.
1 is much better for starlink.
Another commenter mentioned the overflow parking lot and I agree that would be a nice option, I wasn’t able to find a staff member to ask to move there. It would be very cold and windy at night and no fire pits.
What I ended up doing was driving down to the Salt Point trailhead lot for the day to work and look at the view of the ocean then I’d come back up to the campsite for the night.
A very peaceful location!
There is pretty much nothing around here so need to come prepared.
RangerWe had hoped to stay at another campgrpund about an hour west of here, but it was closed. Being from Connecticut, I knew nothing about this place, but I called the campground and was able to make a same-day reservation. We absolutely loved it here. Wish we could have stayed longer. It had all the amenities of most state campgrounds. No cell service at the campsites, but wifi was available at the camp office/store.
GuidePeople here are so friendly. We live a couple of hours away. We come here and do our monthly Costco runs and sometimes stay the night here. On our long vacations, this is our first stop, we stock up on groceries, lots of grocery stores, Costco, Walmart, restaurants in the area. The campground is clean and well maintained. Sites are a little close but for $37.00 with senior discount and full hookups, you can’t complain.
TravelerThis site is okay. It's fairly full on a Tuesday night in April. I haven't used pay showers before, but $2 for 3 minutes of hot water seems very expensive. I use a Cricket phone, which uses AT&T cell phone towers, and I have absolutely no signal. Luckily, Starlink is working very well in drive-through RV space 15, and I can turn on WiFi calling.
TravelerWe three generations, grandfather, mother and son, only had one night. We wanted awe inspiring and not too far from the Bay Area. Hendy Woods was a perfect match. The campground is well maintained and the sites are smallish but the layout and forest provide a lot of privacy. Trails go directly from the campground and are easy to walk. Take your map because there are a lot of crossings. Little Hendy Grove is a good one: a half mile or so to The Trees. There are some magnificent mature redwoods there.
Camping spots near Clearlake Oaks, California include both primitive sites and established campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 feet, creating microclimates that influence camping conditions. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer daytime temperatures typically reach 90-100°F in lower areas.
Water activities at Cole Creek Campground: Located within Clear Lake State Park, this area offers water access and hiking trails. "Large campground with many great options for activities. This park has lake access from a large sandy beach. Extensive nature trail system throughout the park," notes one visitor to Kelsey Creek Campground.
Stargazing at higher elevations: The dispersed sites above the lake provide excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!" advises a camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground.
Wildlife observation: Camping near water sources provides opportunities for spotting local fauna. At Clear Lake Campground, one visitor reported: "Great birdwatching. Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve."
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer direct access to fishing. "Great camping, hiking, boating. Lots of nature trails. Super friendly staff," mentions a visitor about lake-front sites at Kelsey Creek Campground.
Privacy at Letts Lake: "Plenty of space to stretch out, even when more people showed up later in the evening. Nice walk around the lake, fishing wasn't the best but still fun," notes a camper about Letts Lake Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping at BLM sites provides economical alternatives. "This is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout," reports a visitor to BLM Sheldon Creek.
Road conditions vary significantly: Higher elevation dispersed sites require careful planning. "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," reports a camper about Lakeview Dispersed Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather affects both access and comfort. "We originally were going to Fouts Creek Campground but it was HOV weekend (Presidents). Lots of dirt bikes and law enforcement. National Forest pulled in officers from surrounding forests and Sheriff Depts," notes a camper at Letts Lake Campground.
Bathrooms and facilities: Amenities vary widely across camping areas. "Bathrooms are kept clean and mike, the owner is amazing. Real nice guy and very helpful. Only thing is the road along side of park. People speed way too fast on the corner," reports a visitor to The Aurora RV Park & Marina.
Choose sites with activities: Select campgrounds with built-in recreation options. "Decent facilities. Bring cash and insect repellent. Shower tokens can be purchased at the boat launch facilities. Bathrooms stocked with toilet paper and seat covers. Rangers clean the bathrooms around 8 am," advises a camper at Kelsey Creek Campground.
Consider noise levels: Some areas experience periodic disturbances. "If your going camping here for peace and quiet think again. Popular spot just 1 mile up the road where people go to drink and shoot their firearms. Also constant atv/dirt bike activity," warns a visitor to Blue Oak Campground.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Day-to-night temperature swings can be extreme. "Came back a year later on a whim and still found it to be a nice place, in spite of the heat. Had a nice spot that was semi-shaded in the afternoon," shares a camper at Kelsey Creek Campground.
Site selection matters: RV sites vary in quality and access. "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," advises a visitor to The Aurora RV Park & Marina.
Watch for tight spaces: Many campgrounds have limited turning radius. "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path. Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper," reports a visitor about BLM Sheldon Creek.
Check connectivity: Cell service varies by location. "Decent cell coverage - enough that I was able to stream college football. The upper campgrounds were closed. Not sure how long this has been the case, but it made for a nice quite walk," notes a visitor at Kelsey Creek Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clearlake Oaks, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clearlake Oaks, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 159 campgrounds and RV parks near Clearlake Oaks, CA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clearlake Oaks, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clearlake Oaks, CA is Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clearlake Oaks, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Clearlake Oaks, CA.
What parks are near Clearlake Oaks, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Clearlake Oaks, CA that allow camping, notably Lake Sonoma and Mendocino Lake.
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