Top Tent Camping near Elk Creek, CA
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Elk Creek? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Elk Creek with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your California camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Elk Creek, CA (40)
1. Snow Mountain Wilderness
1 Review•5 Photos•12 SavesThe Wilderness Act of 1984 established 23 new wilderness areas including the 60,000-acre Snow Mountain Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest. The Snow Mountain Wilderness straddles the summit of the North Coast Range within Colusa, Glenn and Lake counties. The area is less than a four-hour drive from San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento. The central feature of this wilderness is the large broad topped Snow Mountain, which drains water toward the Sacramento River on the east and the Eel River Basin on the west. The wilderness also has the largest known waterfall on the forest. Elevations range from 1,800 feet in the gorge of the Middle Fork of Stony Creek to 7,056 feet on the summit of East Snow Mountain Peak. The deep canyons skirting the Wilderness compress ecological life zones creating a unique biological sky-island. Forty miles of trail are located in the wilderness. This leaves a vast amount of acreage very remote and highly conducive to cross-country exploration. The moderate hike to the top of East Peak affords visitors a magnificent view of the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east, Clear Lake to the southwest, the Coastal Mountains to the west, and the timbered mountains of the Mendocino National Forest to the North. Good drinking water is scarce in the Snow Mountain Wilderness during much of the summer. Plan ahead and refill canteens at every opportunity. Mountain streams may look inviting but they may not be safe for drinking. Treat all water for drinking and cooking by either processing through a portable water filter or by boiling over a portable cook stove.
- Tents
- Drinking Water
3. Surveyor Campground
1 Review•1 Photo•6 SavesDispersed camp site not as developed as the regular campgrounds. No traffic control such as paved loop road and parking spurs that you find in "developed" campgrounds, and no water system. Pack out garbage.
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
4. Penny Pines Campground
2 Reviews•2 Photos•7 SavesNo Day Use Area or General Parking.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
5. Sugarfoot Campground
1 Review•3 SavesSmall creek flows through camp early in the season (dry in late season). Camp is situated amidst oaks and ponderosa pines.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
6. Howard Meadows Campground
1 Review•6 SavesHas 6 developed sites and 1 vault toilet. No water.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground
1 Review•36 SavesDispersed camping. Open May - December. Vault toilet, no other services. Has good hunting access.
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
8. Val G
1 Review•6 Photos•11 SavesOld train Caboose for rent. New queen bamboo bed, hot plate, cold refrigerator. Outdoor hot shower and claw tub. Sweet deck open space. Star studded sky. Artesian well water, drink from the spigot and bring bottles to take some home. Glen Eden hiking trail abuts the land. Camp in a quiet field across the dry creek bed. We have 3 dogs that roam hills, will do our best to keep them away most of the time. Have rooster who does crow up the sun. We are 15 minutes to Safeway in Lakeport, 20 minutes to north side Ukiah and 10 minutes to Upper Lake. We are 2 miles from the pristine Blue Lakes, day pass there for swimming and boating rentals. Also Clear Lake State Park is not far and they also offer swimming and boating. Disney boat rentals will deliver craft to Clearlake for you. My personal favorite is Highland Springs Reservoir about 20 minute drive on country roads, and pass the small aircraft airport and restaurant. Boating, swimming, hiking and BBQ available at Highland Springs.. We are not ADA. Cell phone and wifi won't work in this canyon. Climb the hill maybe. We are not fancy, we are unique. Come for bird watching, the quiet and the stars. We have some coupons for wine tasting from a few of the nearby vineyards We offer a farm stand with fresh eggs and vegetables in season daily. Highland Springs Reservoir offers swimming, BBQ and Disk Golf, all free. Lakeport has a drive in theater, google Lakeport auto movies drive in. New Rule: if you are inviting guests they must be pre approved. PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY AND NOT RAISE DUST IN OUR NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY TO OUR PROPERTY. We also have two big private campsites and one long term area.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$39 - $175 / night
9. Kyen Campground
6 Reviews•13 Photos•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
10. Lower Nye Campground
Be the first to review!•15 SavesDispersed Camping. Open year round but not accessible when creek is too high to ford. No tables, fire rings or services.
- Pets
- Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Elk Creek
218 Reviews of 40 Elk Creek Campgrounds
- K
Kelly S.
Traveler
Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park
Lake Front Sites
Great camping, hiking, boating. Lots of nature trails. Super friendly staff
- bbill T.
Scout
Loveys Landing RV Park and Marina
Don’t waste your time
Long drive on a narrow bumpy levy road to find a full time trailer park. NOT A RV RESORT!
Catherine L.
Guide
Cowboy Camp
Quiet
Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.
Cathy E.Traveler
Kyen Campground
Loud, Dirty, and Poorly Maintained
This is the worst campground I’ve ever seen. There was trash throughout the campground - including a used condom and condom wrappers in our campsite - bathrooms were dirty and had no soap, and there were several loud groups well after the posted quiet hours. We stayed one night and left early. If you’re into obnoxious parties, then this place is for you. The “potable” water is brown out of the tap.
- Denise G.Guide
Parkway RV Resort & Campground
Stopover served its purpose well
We stopped here on our way back from Oregon. Unfortunately, we arrived late and left early so we didn’t really get to enjoy the amenities. We were in site A10 which we found a little difficult to connect the sewer hose without two hoses. The family room was handicap accessible and included a shower, sink, changing table and a toilet. Even though we were far from the office the internet access was strong. Overall, the stopover served its purpose well, providing a restful break before the last leg of our trip home.
- JJeff A.Guide
Kyen Campground
Sketchy
Hot weather looking for a cool, on lake CG. We didn’t camp there. Thought we might but, instead just drove through. Day-use area close. Parking lot for boaters open. CG host said full; grounds not well maintained. Open sites with expired occupancy dates on them. Large groups with extra vehicles. Some sites looked like long term occupancy. Pleased there was no room. Don’t think would’ve been comfortable experience.
Laura M.
Legend
Orland Buttes
2nd review, by me!
Heh, well, there's only one other review for this place, and it's from me from 2 years ago. So I won't repeat it all, because basically everything is the same except:
- The showers were fine this time, not gross
- There was no host on site
- The water fill station at the dump station was functional and we filled our tanks no problem
We arrived mid week with no reservations and the place was practically empty. It filled up on the weekend with loud partiers but overall it was a quiet and pleasant experience.
Great place to camp! Read my last review for more details!
- Sadie J.Scout
20 Oaks Cottages and Resort
My experience
I tried to call and the number is disconnected and when I emailed it came back as not found.
- AAllisonGuide
Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park
So disappointed
Pros: If you are a person who likes to either stay all day at your campsite or are a water sport/water toy type person this campground is for you. Cons: Bathroom near our campsite wasn’t working. Campsites were overgrown with foxtails, not good for my dogs. Trash in our fire pit. A few campsites away from ours had a huge poison oak plant at the back where you park your rig. A walkway near the campground popular for fishing had a tree fall on it, instead of clearing the tree, the park rangers closed it off. Not much hiking in the park, and if you decide to walk the couple short hikes, don’t bring your dogs, NO DOGS ALLOWED. For the number of workers this park employs you would think these things would be dealt with, but no. I guess this is typical of State Parks in California, so much potential but sadly California parks slowly deteriorate.
- TTanner P.Scout
Buckhorn Recreation Area
Spacious, Good views
We just spent one night in sight 6 with our 24’ camper and we had a good experience. Didn’t really have neighbors too close and had a great view of the lake. It only took a couple minutes to get down to the water, however, there aren’t a lot of places to sit and relax for the day (i.e. not many beach spots) close by. The site itself was mostly level side to side but our back stabilizers were nearly fully extended (with blocks) and the front ones we barely had to put out. The water spigot is close-by but in an awkward spot where other folks were skirting the boundary of our campsite to get to. It’s close to the bathrooms/showers which we didn’t use much, they were mostly clean but were inundated with insects. Note: there were LOTS of bugs everywhere when in late May and early June.
Partha S G.Traveler
Atchison Campground
Solitude
Nice camp ground, if you want solitude. Lots of birds chirping around. There is a small creek flowing. Clean toilets.
- SSuzanne H.Scout
Loveys Landing RV Park and Marina
Remote on river
Parking spot was good and level. Hosts were very nice and helpful. Bathrooms were horribly maintained. We ended up going to Truck Stop for a shower.
- DDerek D.Scout
Cowboy Camp
2/9/2024 —- closed
The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website.
- MMichael F.Scout
Blue Oak Campground
Cool but extremely noisy.
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. Not any firewood available so bring some. Every site has a little fire pit and a bench. Pit toilet bathroom in the middle of the site. Other than the noise it’s a great little site! Only 6 spots. So first come first serve! 8 mile unpaved road no need for 4wd but would help.
pdurkee@fastmail.fmScoutHeritage RV Park
Great place very quiet
Quiet great people everything g bear buy. Walked to bakery and the Olive Pit store and Restaurant
Jorg F.TravelerCowboy Camp
Cowboy Camp
Great free campground! We've stayed here many times. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes. It's a hot spot for horses which of course have no stream problems, so the only negative is fly's sometimes. But just keep your screen door closed (& fly swatter handy). We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding. There is a rural road near by but traffic noise isn't a problem. Perhaps I should say it's awful so fewer people come and it's not discovered.
lori E.Traveler
Red Bluff RV Park
No bad!
We travel with 2 dogs in a 38’ class A with a tow. We did not make reservations just took a chance, success! The woman at the counter was very nice and cheerful they did have a spot that we would fit without unhitching. This is an older park so we were somewhat squished together but not bad. Very nice dog area (not fenced). Seemed to be mostly long term river’s here. Not bad for a one night stay. Those with longer rigs 40+ may want to think twice because of the tight turns and narrow lanes
- AAllisonGuide
Sycamore Grove (red Bluff) Campground
Nice overnight stop on my way home
It is a nice campground for a one night stop. Easy access right off hwy 5 and surprisingly quiet being so close. The camp hosts were nice, I would like to see the hosts do a little more maintenance around the CG. Clean up would be nice. Cigarette butts in the bbq, trash in the fire pit. Didn’t use the showers but the bathroom was average, needed a code to access which was emailed when we registered online. Not a more than one night place for me but nice enough.
Patricia Y.GuideCowboy Camp
FLIES!
No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were. An almost dry creek runs alongside the open field of camping pads. To close to the road and way to exposed to feel comfortable to stay. If I needed a place to get some shut eye before heading onward, then maybe. I had a car full of flies that went to the coast with us. It was crazy.
- Cecil K.Guide
Old Mill Campground
Great secluded camp with views
Nice relaxing camp, 5 - 10 sites. No water, 1 pit toilet. Quiet and beautiful area. Follow the M5 route from M10 coming from Stonyford. Don't rely on Google maps or you'll spend hours trying to reroute after trying to drive up a ATV trail. Beautiful single lane dirt road up the mountain once on M5, steep drop offs. Dusty with mild bumps and some wash boarding. 2wd truck easily. Maybe if your adventurous in a civic. Must obtain a permit to have a fire, easily obtained online or through local forest service office.
- JJessica R.Scout
Narrows Lodge Resort
Quiet, fun, relaxing
We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower! They had a sink to was dishes in and a place to clean our fish. We rented a motor boat for a few hours to explore the beautiful lake. Pet friendly. Great little beach. A dock to fish from. Everything you need to have a great time! They also have bigger yurts and cabins to rent. Also, RV parking .We have already booked another visit.
traci R.Traveler
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
Lovely oaks, no river access
Reservations.gov implied campground was full, we took a chance for the night and MANY SPOTS WERE AVAILABLE! But river access has been eroded in this last year so access is down the way at the county park (under the busy roadway, meh). But beautiful oaks, and a fine spot for the night. Friendly staff and campground hosts
Tamera J.Scout
The Aurora RV Park & Marina
On the Lake
This place is clean. We were greeted by the camp host with a smile! Very friendly! She answered all our questions and showed us around. We feel in love with this place! 💕 You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water. Clean bathrooms, club house with games and a kitchen. Fire pits and BBQ's. Green grass in the BBQ area with a beautiful gazebo that has grapes growing on it! Felt very nice and cool since it was very hot in Aug. I highly recommend this place! 😉😎
Jake C.Legend
Cannabis Friendly Camping
A Great Spot for Anyone to Stay
Jake from the Dyrt here! We are happy to welcome this new property to the Dyrt, they have 2 spots to pick from based on your needs. Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!
- Jena F.Traveler
Sycamore Grove (red Bluff) Campground
Red Bluff Hwy 5 Easy Access
Can book same day online. However bathrooms require a code and I arrived too late to get the code. Otherwise was quiet, campsites were clean and spacious. Super easy access to and from the highway.
- CCarmen F.Guide
Konocti Vista RV Park
Quick get away
It’s a small RV park, but not crowed. It’s quiet around here. The casino is within walking distance. There’s a restaurant and a snack shop in the casino. There’s also a club in the casino. There’s a little general store as well.
- TTwindaddyGuide
Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park
Pleasantly surprised - clean, well kept and nice features
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. Turns out it's closed to camping now, so I took a flyer and looked at this park. I managed to grab what appeared to be the last spot available for the Friday and Saturday night stay I had planned. And it was a spot next to the water!
The spots are a bit close, but there are many options available - from waters edge on the creek or lake, to hilltops with views of the lake.
The bathrooms were clean, but I showered at the back of my van and didn't need to obtain any tokens to use theirs.
There are hiking trails, a boat launch, bbq pits, food storage lockers and a pretty good amount of trees to shade the camp sites.
I think next time I'd opt for a spot along the creek instead of the lake. They look to be better shaded, but may get more drive by traffic.
I did happen to be here during a heat spell - 104 was the high yesterday. The shade definitely helped!
I will be back since it's a convenient location for me - 20 mins from my father in Lakeport, 30 mins from Highland Springs and 40 from Boggs Forest. Oh… and the bugs are not at Al what you might expect. At least for me. They weren’t bad at all. I didn’t even need the screens on my van, but the zapper was busy at dusk. Update as I’m still here: for some reason the toilets no longer flush. After all those beers I figured it’d be polite to use a toilet to return them to their maker, but the first bathroom had a large deposit waiting for me. I tried to flush it, but nothing. Went next door. Only per in this one, and it wouldn’t flush either. Oh well. I added to the color of the bowl. Oddly, the faucet worked. At least I was able to wash my hands.
Guide to Elk Creek
Camping near Elk Creek, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake or explore the outdoors, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at Letts Lake Campground. One visitor shared, "Great camping and fishing. Lots of smaller bass and trout." This lake is perfect for those who love to cast a line.
- Swimming: At Parkway RV Resort & Campground, there's a refreshing pool to cool off in after a long day. A reviewer mentioned, "The best grassy, clean dog run and a refreshing pool to cool off in after a long day of driving."
- Hiking: Explore the trails around Sunset Point Campground. One camper noted, "Nice walk around the lake, fishing wasn’t the best but still fun."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot. A visitor said, "Super clean and well-kept property from the grounds to the toilets."
- Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of staff. At The Aurora RV Park & Marina, one camper mentioned, "We were greeted by the camp host with a smile! Very friendly!"
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Buckhorn Recreation Area. A reviewer stated, "We had a good experience. Didn’t really have neighbors too close and had a great view of the lake."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Letts Lake Campground, have minimal services. A visitor noted, "There is no water or trash service there was no fee."
- Access Issues: At Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, river access has been eroded. One camper mentioned, "But river access has been eroded in this last year so access is down the way at the county park."
- Crowded During Peak Times: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Sunset Point Campground said, "It can get a bit rowdy at this campground, with lots of large groups."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Campgrounds with Pools: Kids love to swim, so look for places like Parkway RV Resort & Campground that have pools. One parent said, "We really appreciated the pool, the very friendly staff and clean restrooms."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to bring fishing gear for lakes like Letts Lake Campground. A family shared, "Great lake to go camping with a family. Had great swimming and a nice little hiking trail."
- Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot mentioned, "There are also amazing views at sunset and sunrise."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at The Aurora RV Park & Marina noted, "The lakeside spots are very tight together—and require backing in."
- Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Woodson Bridge Mobile Home & RV Park offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One visitor said, "Full hookups (30 amp), with very clean bathhouse."
- Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be near busy roads. A camper at Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area mentioned, "Instead of waking up to birds and nature it was loud cars and honking."
Camping near Elk Creek, California, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to check the amenities and plan your activities for a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elk Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elk Creek, CA is Snow Mountain Wilderness with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Elk Creek, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Elk Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.