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.
$30 / night
"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."
"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."
$22 - $75 / night
"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."
"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."
"Location to the river/ creek is great."
"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!!"
"Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill."
$89 - $109 / night
"Love this spot for glamping it has a fishing pond, swimming pool, and a hiking trail! Very beautiful scenery! Very close to the town of Cloverdale about a 5-10 min drive!"
"Off the beaten path so if you plan to visit cities or wineries you need a tow vehicle."
$30 / night
"We had just bought a motor home and wanted to go somewhere close to home to try it out. Nice clean camp sites close to restrooms and showers. Lots of places to fish, hike and bike."
"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."
GuideGreat spot to camp and explore the Santa Rosa area. No hook ups but there is a spot to fill fresh water tank and a dump station. Sites are well spaced and very clean. Will get weekend locals so you will likely hear people having fun :) My go to in the area.
GuideSecond time here. Just car camping at a tent spot for the night. On my way home to Seattle. Showers and restrooms and laundry. Plus the beautiful Russian River.
TravelerI stayed overnight in the winter so it was pretty empty. The sites are all separate and not too close to one another like they look in photos. The hosts were very nice and it was very quiet when I was there. It's close enough to where you could walk into town but I drove because it was raining. I will definitely be camping here again.
LegendAfter finding the local state parks closed for a few days due to having no water, we headed out to take a chance on this dispersed site. It was simply a pull off as all the designated campgrounds in the area were closed for the season. The sign posted at the day use noted they close campgrounds in wet weather to save wear and tear on them since they are maintained by the forestry service. It does make sense as the road was quite muddy.
LegendNice small park. Clean facilities and friendly staff. The only complaint was the showers were expensive ($2-3 min).
LegendThis was a great campground to spend the night or several days if you have the time. Facilities are clean. Grounds are clean. The staff was super friendly. We enjoyed a fire while enjoying the night sounds of nature. The only complaint was the site that decided to run the generator after hours. We were ready to turn in but were surprised that even though the park was quite empty, there were hosts on site to address the issue.
TravelerAmazing location. Limited hookups - no electric , no water, at site. Has a dump station for a fee. Friendly staff. Boat launch.
TravelerBeautiful family friendly campground, with all styles of camping.
RangerI’m rating the site four stars because of all the cons. That said, this was a lush campsite with comfortable amenities that turned out to be very family friendly.
PROS: • Beach is right across the street • Multiple bathrooms with outlets (I charged my EcoFlow battery in there) • Paid showers • Free WiFi • Gift/info shop on-site • Bear boxes, fire rings, and picnic table at seemingly every site • Lush foliage with walk/bike access to Fern Canyon • Family friendly with designated spots for both tents and large RVs. • Open field to run the dog
CONS: • Bathrooms weren’t confidence-inspiringly clean • The coolest sites with closer access to Fern Canyon were all closed for some reason • 1 vehicle per site reservation means $10/day for an additional car
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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.
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