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.
