Camping options near Clearlake Oaks, California range from basic dispersed sites to developed facilities with amenities. The region sits at approximately 1,350 feet elevation with hot, dry summers reaching 90-100°F and mild winters. Autumn brings ideal camping weather with temperatures between 65-80°F during the day and cooler nights, though fly activity increases at some campgrounds due to seasonal patterns.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Several equestrian-friendly campgrounds provide access to miles of riding trails throughout the surrounding hills. At Middle Creek Campground, campers appreciate the peaceful setting and trail access. One visitor noted, "There must be over 15 different species of birds as well. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire pit as well as a bbq grill."
Swimming spots: The local lakes and streams offer swimming options during warmer months. At Oak Flat Campground, visitors can enjoy water activities when levels are high. As one camper mentioned, "When the water level is high great fishing from this camp ground."
Target practice: For those interested in shooting sports, some areas provide designated shooting zones. According to a reviewer at Oak Flat, "Target shooting is available at the end of the airstrip which you will pass over on the way to the campground."
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts numerous wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during weekdays when areas are quieter. A visitor at Oak Flat shared, "Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays."
What campers like
Free camping options: While some horse campgrounds near Clearlake Oaks charge fees, others offer no-cost alternatives. Stony Gorge Reservoir provides free camping with basic amenities. As one camper noted, "This campground is free!!! It has lots of vault toilets and trash cans, but there is no running water. There are fire pits with grills and picnic tables at all the sites."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature generous spacing between sites. At Bu-Shay Campground, visitors appreciate the room to spread out: "The sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites."
Proximity to towns: Despite the rural setting, several campgrounds offer relatively easy access to nearby communities for supplies. As one Bu-Shay camper mentioned, "The town of Ukiah is pretty close as well, so you can get food or supplies easily."
Weekday tranquility: Many campers note the significant difference between weekend and weekday camping experiences. As one Oak Flat visitor advised, "All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds close temporarily due to weather conditions or maintenance issues. At Cowboy Camp, a recent visitor reported, "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell."
Insect activity: Beyond the flies mentioned in the existing description, other insects can be problematic. A Cowboy Camp reviewer warned, "No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were."
Road conditions: The roads to some equestrian campgrounds near Clearlake Oaks require careful navigation, particularly with trailers. A Middle Creek visitor cautioned, "Elk mountain road, especially the part leading up to the top of the mountain right as you leave the campground is an absolutely terrible road, it needs a lot of maintenance."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. One Bu-Shay camper reported, "We had OK cell coverage with Verizon- we could usually browse the internet but streaming videos were difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Bu-Shay Campground, one family noted, "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus."
Stream crossings: When planning hikes or rides with children, be aware of water crossings that may present challenges. The streams can have varying water levels throughout the year.
Poison oak awareness: Several campgrounds in the region have poison oak. At Ritchey Creek Campground, a visitor warned, "Beautiful and close to downtown Calistoga however the campgrounds were infested with poison oak. Maybe just the time of year and because of so much rain this year?"
Weekend noise levels: For families with young children, weekday visits may be preferable. An Oak Flat camper shared, "Every Friday and/or Saturday over the years has been disrupted by people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash, and then (last trip) racing dirt bikes through the campground until 1 am."
Tips from RVers
Water access limitations: Many campgrounds lack RV hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. A Middle Creek visitor explained, "This campground is dry and built primarily for HOV people. The spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up."
Leveling challenges: The terrain at some campgrounds requires careful positioning for larger rigs. At Cowboy Camp, while the ground is generally level in the main area, RVers should bring leveling blocks for uneven spots.
Dump station availability: While many campgrounds lack sewer hookups, some have dump stations nearby. Bu-Shay Campground offers a sanitary dump station for RVers to use before departing.
Campsite selection timing: Arriving early improves chances of securing suitable sites for larger vehicles. A visitor at Liberty Glen advised, "Better to get there on the early side. Some sites aren't great, so you dont want to be stuck with those!"
Traveler
