Yurt camping at Clearlake Oaks, California provides outdoor enthusiasts with access to Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California. The lake spans approximately 68 square miles with 100 miles of shoreline and maintains a relatively stable warm temperature due to its shallow depth averaging just 27 feet. Seasonal temperature variations can be dramatic, with summer highs reaching 100°F and winter temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing from shore or dock: At Clear Lake Campground, guests can fish directly from the property. "Great fishing! Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve. Great birdwatching," reports Diane W. The campground is located at Cache Creek, providing different fishing options than lakefront properties.
Kayaking on local waterways: Fuller Grove Group Campground offers lake access ideal for paddlers. "The campground beach is beautiful, definitely recommend some late-night stargazing," notes Marc A. The campground provides direct water access with sites spaced further apart than other lake locations.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds provide opportunities to spot local fauna. "We realized that the RV park itself was in disrepair and in need of a lot of TLC when it came to some of the amenities. All of the hookups worked fine! The hour appearance of the facility was one of years of decay like a ghost town," notes Bill M. about Clear Lake Campground, adding that it's "cross from a wilderness and wildlife preserve which is very cool to see all of the wildlife."
What campers like
Secluded lake access: North Fork Campground offers a quieter option away from OHV traffic. "If you drive past all the OHV-filled camps, you'll eventually get to this little gem. No water or trash, but the location is so perfect - you can hear the creek rushing," writes Jessi P. The campground provides a more tranquil experience despite limited amenities.
Spacious campsites: Fuller Grove Group Campground provides larger sites suitable for multiple tents. "Camp sites are spaced out, so you're not on top of one another like some of the other sites around the lake. Also has a nice beach and direct access to the lake," according to Stephanie P., who has been camping there for 20 years.
Free water equipment: The Aurora RV Park & Marina offers complementary boats for guests. "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating. Bathrooms are kept clean and mike, the owner is amazing," reports Melissa C. The park allows campers to explore the lake without additional equipment rental costs.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating challenging roads. "The road to get into the campground is very sketchy. It is extremely narrow and there is no where to pass along it. So make sure you abide by the check in check out times," warns Erika L. about Narrows Lodge Resort.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings more visitors to the area. "It's often very hot in the summer, and there can be lots of rattle snakes sunning themselves on the rocks," notes Scott J. about camping at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, which is within driving distance of Clearlake Oaks.
Water quality variations: Water conditions can change throughout the season. "Cute but older and I mean really old RV camp on what's called a creek. I was told I could pick any Lakefront campsite but this is not the lake!" explains Steve M. about Clear Lake Campground, noting that he "didn't want to go into this nasty water" despite bringing his own inflatable kayak.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Fuller Grove offers suitable swimming areas. "Also has a nice beach and direct access to the lake. Campground hosts change from year to year and have been good people," mentions Stephanie P. The campground tends to attract "generally experienced campers or families on vacation and not 20-somethings looking to party."
Nature activities: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities for children. "Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve. Great birdwatching. Cute little store and boat rentals," says Diane W. about Clear Lake Campground, providing activities beyond swimming.
Safety considerations: Parents should be aware of local hazards. "The traffic noise was noticeable but not annoying. Everyone in the campground was friendly and another tent family came to camp next to us," reports Cecil K. about Clear Lake Campground, noting the proximity to traffic noise that might affect light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for lake views: The Aurora RV Park & Marina offers waterfront options. "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 Ann D. The lakeside spots cost slightly more but provide direct water views.
Space limitations: RV campers should note site dimensions. "The lakeside spots are very tight together-and require backing in. If your neighbor has a slider you are wall to wall," Julie H. mentions about The Aurora RV Park & Marina. Larger rigs may find maneuvering challenging in certain areas.
Hookup options: Clear Lake Campground offers basic utilities for RVs. "This little campground RV park is very quaint and small. Driving into it, you got the impression that it was frozen in time. All of the hookups worked fine!" notes Bill M. The vintage feel comes with functioning essential services despite the dated appearance.
