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Best Campgrounds near Lakeport, CA

740 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lakeport, California (166)

    1. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    21 Reviews
    Kelseyville, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 279-4293

    $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."

    2. Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    14 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 934-3316

    "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. BLM Sheldon Creek

    9 Reviews
    Lakeport, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    "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."

    4. The Aurora RV Park & Marina

    7 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 274-5531

    $22 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "A picnic bench behind the RVs and looking out to the water. Large group cooking and gathering areas. The other side is a standard RV park. It’s a medium size park."

    5. Thousand Trails Russian River

    11 Reviews
    Cloverdale, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Location to the river/ creek is great."

    6. Narrows Lodge Resort

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2718

    "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

    3 Reviews
    Lakeport, CA
    7 miles
    Website

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

    8. High Valley Rd Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    9 miles

    "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!"

    9. Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cloverdale, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 894-3337

    $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."

    10. Cole Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    1 Review
    Kelseyville, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 279-4293

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lakeport, CA

328 Photos of 166 Lakeport Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lakeport, CA

740 Reviews of 166 Lakeport Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Loved Bodega Dunes

    We spent two nights at Bodega Dunes in the middle of September. The campground was clean with sites that were easy to back into. The sites were separated by trees and shrubbery, give the feeling of a more privacy. We were in site 60 and thought it was very nice.

    The folks manning the checkin hut were friendly and helpful. We had a grand time exploring Bodega Bay and enjoying the seafood available. This is the second campground we’ve visited in Bodega Bay and enjoyed the more private campsite found here.

    We’ll definitely go back!

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Salt Point State Park Campground

    Very secluded excellent trail to the ocean with scenic rock views

    Very clean and unkept campground low price for tents($35) . Site 30 was my favorite pick. Lots of nice lots and far spacing!

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Tough sites

    I am reasonably ok at backing in my travel trailer but this place is a mess. I parked in wrong spot, moved to the right one, the power pedestal did not work. Had to walk to office because phone number on check-in sheet did not work. Camp worker in golf cart picked me up and checked pedestal. No good. Drove me around looking for another site but the camp side on most is terrible. My wife has mobility issues so I would not stay here again. Staff was great, area looks nice, but the sites I saw leave something to be desired.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Kyen Campground

    A convenient and good campground

    I liked this tree shaded campground. Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available. Bathrooms were clean but showers not so much but plenty of hot water and does not require quarters. Campground can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially weekends. When I was there on 9/10/25 there were very few campers. Register on recreation.gov. Use your federal discount pass to get half price on the $35 or $65 electrical sites.

  • Leafe Z.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Johnson's Beach

    Perfext location for river

    Russian River is right out front of the campground. They offer kayaks canoes, and whatever else you want to rent however, if you have a dog, they don’t allow the dog on the beach or in the boat with you and they’re not allowed to stay behind in the tent, so you’re kind of stuck if you have a dog

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful *on weekdays*

    Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays. All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends. We finally learned our lesson after every Friday and/or Saturday over the years has been disrupted by people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash, and then (last trip) racing dirt bikes through the campground until 1 am.

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.

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