Best Campgrounds near Clearlake Oaks, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Clearlake Oaks, California (156)

    1. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    21 Reviews
    Kelseyville, CA
    8 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
    7 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
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 994-2236

    $55 - $999 / night

    4. The Aurora RV Park & Marina

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

    $22 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    5. High Valley Rd Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    7 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!"

    6. Blue Oak Campground

    3 Reviews
    Clearlake Oaks, CA
    9 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."

    7. Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Rumsey, CA
    20 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."

    8. Letts Lake Campground — Mendocino National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Stonyford, CA
    20 miles
    Website

    $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."

    9. Cole Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    1 Review
    Kelseyville, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 279-4293

    $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."

    10. BLM Sheldon Creek

    9 Reviews
    Lakeport, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path."

    "Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit."

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Recent Reviews near Clearlake Oaks, CA

575 Reviews of 156 Clearlake Oaks Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Cowboy Camp

    Served its Purpose

    This site served its purpose; spot to sleep after a long day of driving. The disbursed camping area was down a gravel road to the left next to the day use vault toilet through a cattle gate.

    There were several campers already there but plenty of room for more. There were also several vault toilets on the property as well.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

    Nature solace

    I pulled in here for the night and found I was completely alone. Except I kept hearing splashing in the creek. I wasn't alone - there was a herd of Elk. Super cool. This is a great spot for a short stay. No real 'sites' but a pleasant spot in the middle of the Cache Creek Natural Area.

  • Craig B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Gualala Point Regional Park

    Quiet spot

    This is a beautiful and quiet spot to stop at. Although a smaller campsite with just 19 spots, it is beautiful with fishing in the river that runs next to it. The spots are beautiful,each he's a fire pit and picnic table. Coastal access in near by . I highly recommend it as a most see

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    A little piece of paradise

    This is a rustic park with no sewer hookups, so you need to bring a sewer caddy, and also, they have laundry onsite. They are remodeling and repairing and it is coming along very nicely.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    East Park Reservoir

    We had the entire campground to ourselves

    We stayed here on a weekday in early October and we were the only ones in the entire campground. We picked a spot right on the water and got to enjoy the amazing views and sounds from the geese. The views were incredible no matter which way we looked, especially at sunset.

    Porta potties and pit toilets throughout the campground. The road to the campground was a bit bumpy.

    Campground fee can be paid via a QR code.

  • Fighter J.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Russian River

    Place is quiet at night, but seems run down. They are going to assign sights which is what I don’t like in most camp grounds. I like the A section and it not being a choice anymore is my last time here.

  • 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!

  • 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.


Guide to Clearlake Oaks

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 156 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 3.8-star rating from 21 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.