Middletown, California sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in Lake County, surrounded by volcanic mountains and thermal features. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with cool winters that rarely drop below freezing. Camping options range from creek-side platforms to lakefront sites with varying levels of shade and access to water recreation.
What to do
Hiking at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: Explore extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "There are nice hiking trails in the park though they are closed currently (Dec 2020) due to the fire in the area. There was no damage to the campground even though the fire burned into the grounds," reports one visitor at Ritchey Creek Campground.
Wine country exploration: Many campgrounds serve as affordable bases for vineyard visits. "Camping here leaves lots of money for food and wine splurges!" notes Susan H. about Ritchey Creek Campground. Another camper mentions, "Small, cozy campground located in the heart of wine country... Good option if you're doing Napa on a budget!"
Swimming opportunities: Cool off during hot summer months at select campgrounds. "There's a pool for warm summer days and some awesome trails," explains a visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. The park also features seasonal water features: "Wish I got more hiking done on our first day since it rained the rest of our trip... I wish I got to do was the Bald Mountain hike and the Waterfall hike."
Astronomy and night sky viewing: Several parks offer stargazing opportunities. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" shares a camper about their experience at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. The Robert Ferguson Observatory within the park hosts regular astronomy events.
What campers like
Natural wildlife encounters: Campgrounds often provide close access to wildlife viewing. "We're listening to the bullfrogs singing and wondering why they don't eat all of the mosquitoes," notes one camper at Kelsey Creek Campground. Another mentions, "Very peaceful, good birdwatching, and abundant deer life."
Proximity to towns: Many sites offer convenient access to nearby communities. "It's close enough to the wine country aspects of Napa to be an easy overnight without the excruciating Napa Valley hotel prices," writes a visitor to Ritchey Creek Campground. Similarly, Clear Lake Campground is "right as you come into clear lake, nice and convenient."
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds feature water-adjacent sites. "There are platforms that are right on the creek where you can pitch your tent," explains a visitor to Harbin Hot Springs. "Lots of shade and decent space between platforms. Close to the parking area, though the creek is between the parking and the camping platforms."
Hot springs access: Some camping areas include natural thermal features. At Harbin Hot Springs, "The camping fee includes use of the hot springs too, which are amazing... The trail to the hot springs is right by the camping area, and a nice little hike."
What you should know
Fire impacts: Many campgrounds show evidence of previous wildfires. "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? Not sure but it was thick and lush everywhere," reports a camper at Ritchey Creek Campground.
Poison oak awareness: This hazard appears frequently in visitor reviews. "Be careful of the poison oak, it is prevalent there as it is so anywhere in Northern California," warns another Ritchey Creek visitor.
Insect preparation: Depending on season, insects can affect camping comfort. "Be prepared for bugs in Spring! We had to pull out our bug screen! Dawn and dusk is their most active time," notes a camper at Kelsey Creek Campground.
Varied site quality: Campsite conditions differ significantly within the same campground. "I haven't actually been there for 3 years, but the reason for that is that we felt like we were being hemmed in by other campers and swarms of screaming children on every side.... we left after the 1st night," shares one visitor to Ritchey Creek Campground.
Limited cooking options: Some campgrounds restrict cooking methods. At Pine Grove Cobb Resort, tent sites include electric hookups for alternative cooking methods, while at Harbin Hot Springs, "One downfall (though very understandable) is not being able to have campfires or camp stoves, even in the winter. You cant really cook any food, BUT the cafe onsite had very tasty food if you want a hot meal or coffee."
Tips for camping with families
Campground amenities: Select sites with appropriate facilities for children. "We have rented at this campground many times. Never had any trouble getting a reservation in spring or fall," notes a visitor about Ritchey Creek Campground. Another family camper mentions, "Traditional campground, yurts and a seasonal pool make this a fun place to go with the kids."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many camping areas offer child-friendly nature experiences. "We saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails! Seems they have lots of hikes available," reports a visitor to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. "I was awoken (as is the norm in NorCal) to gobbling turkeys at dawn," mentions a Ritchey Creek camper. Another notes about Clear Lake Campground, "The traffic noise was noticeable but not annoying. Everyone in the campground was friendly and another tent family came to camp next to us."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. "This place had many sites and super family friendly. Very easy to find. There was lots of deer/wildlife which was cool to see up close," says a visitor about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. For Clear Lake Campground, "This friendly locally owned campground is right as you come into clear lake, nice and convenient."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted space for larger vehicles. "The ground is volcanic rock and super hard in the dry weather. I broke a couple tent poles and couldn't pull the rest out of the ground," notes a camper at Ritchey Creek Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather affects camping comfort throughout the year. "The weekends usually are full, it clears out Sunday evening so during the weekdays it is really nice," advises a visitor to Ritchey Creek Campground.
Hookup availability: Services vary widely between campgrounds. At Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground, "Bathrooms and clubhouse are a little dated. Clubhouse is closed (covid) as well as hot tub. I think the pool is open but it's been too chilly to go see." One camper described Clear Lake Campground as having "all of the hookups worked fine!"
Ranger
