Camping near Lakeport, CA

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    Campgrounds near Lakeport, California include both developed sites and dispersed options along the shores of Clear Lake. Clear Lake State Park provides established camping through Kelsey Creek Campground, offering tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins with amenities like showers, drinking water, and picnic tables. For those seeking more primitive experiences, the region supports dispersed camping at locations such as Cow Mountain Recreation Area and Lakeview Dispersed Campground. Several areas permit RV camping, though hookup availability varies considerably between developed parks and more remote locations.

    Access to camping areas around Lakeport varies by location and season. The established campgrounds like Clear Lake State Park provide year-round accessibility on paved roads suitable for most vehicles. In contrast, dispersed sites at Cow Mountain and other Bureau of Land Management areas often require higher-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved forest roads. Summer brings high temperatures to the region, with campsites near the water becoming particularly popular. Fire restrictions are common during California's dry season, especially in dispersed camping areas. A recent review noted, "DO not take CA-175 here. By the time I got to camp I was so nauseous I thought I was going to die! Campground is beautiful, we rolled up in off season and there is probably 20ish cars here."

    Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Lakeport area. Clear Lake State Park receives positive reviews for its lakeside campsites, though visitors mention that these premium spots fill quickly during peak season. Sites offer varying levels of shade and privacy, with creek-side locations often providing more tree cover than those directly on the lakeshore. A visitor commented, "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." Bathroom facilities at developed campgrounds generally receive positive mentions, though cleanliness and maintenance can vary seasonally. Most campgrounds near Clear Lake allow fishing access, with boat launches available at several locations, making these campgrounds particularly appealing to those interested in water recreation.

    Best Campgrounds near Lakeport (180)

      1. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

      3.9(23)6mi from Lakeport57 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "nice bathrooms, token operated showers. short drive to lakeport with some cute downtown areas to get breakfast if you are like me and woke up too cold to set up the camp stove!"

      "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."

      from $30 / night

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      2. Lakeview Dispersed Campground

      3.8(15)10mi from Lakeport

      "First time camping and going somewhat off road. If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly."

      "Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging."

      3. The Aurora RV Park & Marina

      4.1(8)7mi from LakeportRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "It’s a cute little campground, conveniently located right on the lake. There are a few sites directly at Lake side and Moore across the street. Generally well kept looks a little older."

      "This park has two parts: most is across the street from the lake but some spots are lakeside. The lakeside spots are very tight together-and require backing in."

      from $22 - $75 / night

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      4. Thousand Trails Russian River

      3.5(16)14mi from LakeportRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Location to the river/ creek is great."

      5. BLM Sheldon Creek

      4.0(6)6mi from Lakeport

      "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path."

      "Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit."

      6. Narrows Lodge Resort

      5.0(4)11mi from LakeportRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s a short walk from anywhere in the campground down to the lake. The water is crystal clear and there’s a little dock for jumping off of."

      "MUST BE SELF CONTAINED TO STAY IN THIS LOCATION!!"

      7. Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed

      4.3(3)7mi from Lakeport

      "Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill."

      8. High Valley Rd Dispersed

      2.6(5)9mi from LakeportRVs, Tents

      "There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!"

      "Lots of little pullouts when you reach the top and then as you head down the north side more with beautiful views of the lake. Some private property on that end but nothing unusual."

      9. High Valley Ridge

      5.0(3)10mi from LakeportTents

      "The drive up was windy and a bit steep at points but well groomed and manageable in an SUV. I’m sure most cars can do the drive with a responsible person behind the wheel."

      "Recent regrading of the southern road up made it a cake walk, it's like a runway."

      10. Red Mountain

      4.3(3)9mi from LakeportTents

      "I have a car and made it up just fine but I also have off road experience and took my time."

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    Recent Reviews near Lakeport, CA

    837 Reviews of 180 Lakeport Campgrounds

    • K
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

      Beach Front Campinh

      These camp spots have the most epic view of the ocean and a massive rock arch. The spots are close to each other (I’d recommend grabbing spot #1 as it’s the most private). The porta potties were clean and the beach was nice.

      This spot reminds me more of dispersed camping than a traditional campground. No fee tube and people saw some people camping on the beach in tents. Great spot, would definitely come back.

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 13, 2026

      Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

      Excellent campground

      We arrived and looked at our site and needed sun to recharge our batteries so the attendant let us pick one from the available list. A bit dusty but well worth it for the amenities.

    • Luis P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 11, 2026

      smittle creek

      Not a camping area

      This is a private area managed by Napa County. Gate closed.

    • S.Allan The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 10, 2026

      Clear Lake Campground

      Great Camp

      This was a nice stay and the owner was friendly and helpful. It has showers, but no pet area or great place to walk dogs. It had full amenities for RVs and both pull in and back in sites. Closely spaced, but awning room. The only two drawbacks are that the price is high for the area, as is the area itself. There are some options to save, so it may be in your budget.

    • S.Allan The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 10, 2026

      Wild Oaks RV Park

      Nice Space

      The road in can be tricky, but doable. A few rv sites are available for up to 30 days, and cabins are available via Airbnb. It's a back in spot that leaves no extra room with my bullet premier ultralight 24' trailer, but there are water/sewer/power hookups, nice views, wifi, and it's quiet and friendly as far as I can tell.

    • S.Allan The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 8, 2026

      Cowboy Camp

      This is rough country

      Great camp with amazing views. But, you should not camp alone. I've been here often this month and have seen a herd sheep eating the grass on the hillside, heard a pack of coyotes several nights in a row, until I heard a Mt Lion doing it's bird like sounds at night, as it circled my rv. This is last night, 10/07/2026 - mt lion presence detected, not seen. Be careful.

    • Kylee R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 6, 2026

      Salt Point State Park Campground

      Right off US101

      Clean bathrooms. First come first serve. Fire pits. Water available. Was full when we woke up in the morning. Ranger going around fixing the reserved signs. Loved this place.

    • Whitney R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 5, 2026

      Bushay Recreation Area

      Needs TLC but Perfect Spot!

      I was hesitant about booking this campground because the reviews said it was overgrown, unkempt, and dirty in spots. However, I had been driving all day and saw other reviews of the gorgeous lakeside campsites and did it. I stayed at 93 right next to the restrooms and a weird overgrown amphitheater. I'll add the photo 😀 When it says lake side- I am sure at one point it was when the water could fill the lake to the top! But it was still amazing. You can walk down to the beach below. And enjoy the lake. I was on a deadline and had to head out early the next morning. Many sites were overgrown so they should state that when booking- or have them unavailable.

    Guide to Lakeport

    The Lakeport, California area features camping options at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 feet, with Clear Lake serving as the central natural feature. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September, creating high demand for water-access sites. Fire restrictions vary seasonally across Bureau of Land Management and state park lands in the region.

    What to do

    Paddling opportunities: Clear Lake State Park offers free canoe and kayak usage for campers. "The water is crystal clear and there's a little dock for jumping off of. They bring in sand for the beach which makes it a really nice experience," notes a visitor to Narrows Lodge Resort.

    Fishing access: Many campgrounds provide lakeside or creek fishing options. A camper at Kelsey Creek Campground mentioned, "This park has lake access from a large sandy beach. Extensive nature trail system throughout the park."

    Wildlife observation: The area supports diverse bird populations, including waterfowl. At BLM Sheldon Creek, a visitor observed, "This is a beautifully wooded area with a flowing creek... I even saw an egret."

    What campers like

    Privacy levels: Sites vary widely in seclusion. A camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground shared, "Only two other groups were set up so not crowded, plenty of spots."

    Waterfront options: Lakeside campsites remain the most sought-after. At The Aurora RV Park & Marina, visitors appreciate water access: "Site was perfect. Close to the water and very accessible for an RV."

    Off-season tranquility: Many camping areas near Lakeport offer peaceful experiences during non-summer months. A camper at Cole Creek Campground noted, "It was great for a mid-week stay. Beautiful campground, good space between sites. We're in the Kelsey Creek Campground and there's hardly anyone here. Very peaceful, good birdwatching, and abundant deer life."

    What you should know

    Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites often requires careful vehicle consideration. At High Valley Rd Dispersed, campers warn about difficult terrain: "The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff. There is no way to turn around once you start up it."

    Seasonal bug activity: Spring and early summer bring increased insect populations. A camper at Kelsey Creek Campground advised, "Be prepared for bugs in Spring! We had to pull out our bug screen! Dawn and dusk is their most active time."

    Facility maintenance: Campground upkeep varies widely across the region. One visitor to Kelsey Creek Campground noted, "Bathroom near our campsite wasn't working. Campsites were overgrown with foxtails, not good for my dogs. Trash in our fire pit."

    Tips for camping with families

    Swimming options: Several camping sites near Lakeport, California offer safe water access for children. At Narrows Lodge Resort, a visitor shared, "We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower! Great little beach. A dock to fish from."

    Nature education: Clear Lake State Park provides interpretive resources. "There is also a visitors center with many displays of the animals that are found within the park as well the cultural history," mentions a Kelsey Creek Campground camper.

    Entertainment amenities: Some private campgrounds offer additional activities. A visitor at Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground reported, "Lots for kids to do. Pool, fishing pond, playground, hiking trails. We were there for one night during the week but it looks like they have additional activities on the weekend."

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: RV camping near Lakeport requires attention to site characteristics. A camper at Thousand Trails Russian River noted, "If you have a larger rig be very conscious of where the spots are that allow for them. Ask at the ranger office for the list of ones they should have open."

    Utility availability: Water and electrical access varies by location. At The Aurora RV Park & Marina, a visitor mentioned, "The womens shower was so-so clean but there was hair left in the drains and on the walls. One shower in the mens bathroom had no hot water."

    Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures affect RV comfort levels. A camper at Kelsey Creek Campground shared, "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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find campgrounds in Lakeport, CA?

    Lakeport offers several camping options around Clear Lake. Clear Lake Campground is a quaint, small RV park with a vintage feel right in Lakeport, perfect for water access. Nearby, The Aurora RV Park & Marina in Nice provides both RV sites and boat-in access. For dispersed camping options, High Valley Rd offers free sites within driving distance of town. Cole Creek Campground in Clear Lake State Park provides another alternative with reservable sites and toilet facilities. Most campgrounds are easily accessible via Highway 29, though local roads can be winding, especially on routes like CA-175.

    What are the costs for camping in Lakeport, California?

    Camping costs near Lakeport vary by location and amenities. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park offers sites ranging from $35-45 per night with token-operated showers for an additional fee. For budget-conscious campers, Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed provides free primitive camping with basic toilet facilities. Private options like Clear Lake Campground typically charge $40-55 per night with hookups. Most state park campgrounds require an additional $8 reservation fee when booking online. Many campgrounds offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and off-season stays. Remember that holiday weekends and summer months typically command premium pricing.

    Are there family-friendly tent camping sites near Lakeport?

    Several family-friendly tent camping sites are available near Lakeport. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground is excellent for families, offering quiet surroundings, easy access to hiking trails, and spacious sites with beautiful views. Many campers report it's ideal for kids with clean facilities and relaxing environments. For water activities, Spring Lake Regional Park provides family-friendly camping with newer bathroom facilities and shower amenities, plus direct access to water-based recreation and hiking trails. Though slightly further from Lakeport, both parks offer the amenities families need including clean restrooms, flat tent sites, and nearby recreational opportunities that children enjoy.