Camping near Kelseyville, California centers around Clear Lake at an elevation of 1,320 feet, making it the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California borders. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September, with cooler nights dropping to the 50s. The volcanic soil in the region affects campground terrain, creating varied conditions from packed dirt to loose gravel at dispersed sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Clear Lake Campground offers direct access to Cache Creek where anglers regularly catch bass, crappie, and catfish. "Great fishing! Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve," notes one visitor about Clear Lake Campground.
Kayaking and boating: Rent watercraft at several campgrounds to explore the lake. "We did kayaking on the creek," reports a camper at Clear Lake Campground. The Aurora RV Park & Marina provides free watercraft options as mentioned by a reviewer: "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating."
Hiking trails: Clear Lake State Park contains multiple short trails suitable for day hikes. "Extensive nature trail system throughout the park," explains a visitor to Kelsey Creek Campground. Some trails close seasonally due to maintenance or weather conditions.
Disc golf: Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground maintains a disc golf course on-site, allowing campers to play without leaving the grounds. "The campground has disc golf," points out a reviewer, making it a unique recreational option compared to other facilities in the area.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The region serves as habitat for numerous bird species and mammals. "We have seen tons of lizards, crows, and bluejay's. I did see however on our last night at the camp, a California Kingsnake," reports a camper at Lower Bayview Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. "Beautiful campground with a large sandy beach," mentions a review of Lower Bayview Campground at Clear Lake State Park.
Lake views: Lakeview Dispersed Campground delivers on its name with several sites offering views across Clear Lake. "Very nice view. You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots," advises a camper about the Lakeview Dispersed Campground.
Camping atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the social environment at certain campgrounds. "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, next to a lovely couple who I was able to share some beers with," notes a Kelsey Creek Campground visitor.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping areas requires careful driving. "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," explains a visitor to Lakeview Dispersed Campground.
Seasonal constraints: Fire restrictions frequently affect the Kelseyville area during summer and fall. "No Charcoal Grills, No Campfires, Only gas or propane grills. Due to an extreme risk of fire, there has been a ban," reports a camper about current conditions at Clear Lake State Park.
Campground amenities: Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The showers are token operated. Outside the bathrooms is a machine for token exchange. It takes $1 and $5 bills. They are these cute, unique coins specific to the park," explains a camper at Kelsey Creek Campground.
Weather considerations: Summer heat impacts camping comfort significantly. "Great campground, not so great in the summer. There is barely any airflow. Once in a while a breeze will manage to pass through, but when its 100ºF outside...you'd wish it were breezy all day," notes a visitor to BLM Sheldon Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparedness: Insects can be prevalent, particularly near water. "Be prepared for bugs in Spring! We had to pull out our bug screen! Dawn and dusk is their most active time," advises a Kelsey Creek Campground visitor.
Activity planning: Some campgrounds offer specific family-friendly amenities. "A little run down but my four year old did not care! Lots for kids to do. Pool, fishing pond, playground, hiking trails," explains a visitor to Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground.
Site selection: Choose sites strategically based on bathroom proximity and noise considerations. "Campsite #99 is literally right next to the restroom. If you are expecting it to be quiet during the evening nearby the restrooms, these sites will not help," cautions a Lower Bayview Campground visitor.
Ground preparation: Many campsites require additional work before tent setup. "I do highly recommend to bring a rake and rake out where you are going to put your tent. Soo many twigs and rocks on the ground, ain't fun," advises a camper at Lower Bayview Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site access: RV drivers should assess campground roads carefully before arrival. "Coming into this Thousand Trails campground made us a little nervous at first. The entrance is a bit tight for bigger rigs. If you have a larger rig be very conscious of where the spots are that allow for them," warns a visitor to Russian River RV Campground.
Parking considerations: Some campsites present challenges for larger vehicles. "Spaces are all 30 amp with no sewer hookups. Many spaces are very narrow/tight and uphill from your neighbor. The asphalt of many spots is crumbling along the edges and the dirt eroding away. If you have stairs that come out a ways they may just end at a cliff," notes another Russian River visitor.
Site selection: Waterfront sites come with tradeoffs. "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," recommends a visitor to The Aurora RV Park & Marina.
