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Camping near Lakeport, CA

175 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    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 Campgrounds near Lakeport (175)

      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

      Check Availability

      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. Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground

      4.3(11)18mi from LakeportRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $89 - $109 / night

      Check Availability

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    Recent Reviews near Lakeport, CA

    817 Reviews of 175 Lakeport Campgrounds


    • Carrie P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 23, 2026

      Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

      Great Beach Spot for the Prepared

      We arrive about 5:00 pm on a Wednesday and only 1 of 10 campsite were taken. Most filled in by sunset. It is a beautiful spot but camp sites are tight with no privacy. There are port-a-potties. It is also a day use area so they get lots of use and stink. We loved it for the beauty and the chance to be right at the beach. It was just a one night stop for us but if I had a toilet I could see staying a few days. No hooks ups. No water. Each site has a concrete picnic table and fire ring.

    • Christine L.
      Jul. 22, 2026

      Austin Creek State Rec Area

      Summer 2026 - Closed

      Currently the Bull Frog Campground is closed Until Further Notice and there is no Back Country Camping available either. Day Use only.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 22, 2026

      Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA

      Best time at a KOA!!

      This has been an honestly fun time. Many unexpected things, like movies now night, community campfire, and great of leash dog park area. The staff are so helpful. Delivered fire wood and propane to the site. If you’re not able to score a site with sewer hook-up, don’t worry. They offer a honey bucket service that comes to your RV for $15. All the usual amenities at a KOA, plus a pool, game room, and small general store. We will definitely be back. Oh and, look for a place to enjoy Thanksgiving, this place have a community pot luck, bring a side dish to share. They provide the turkey.

    • L
      Jul. 16, 2026

      Blue Oak Campground

      Very cool views, but a lot of trash

      Found a spot on the hill that had a sweet view, but was covered in trash and shotgun shells. A lot of dirt bikers so you hear that most of the day.

    • Madeleine B.
      Jul. 13, 2026

      Koa Cloverdale Camping Resort

      Glad I Ignored the Bad Reviews

      Abundant bad reviews were available for this campground but we had no major issues. Bathrooms and pool were in good condition.

    • HThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 13, 2026

      Thousand Trails Russian River

      They're trying

      So the staff here are really nice and helpful and trying to keep the place up. There is definitely not enough staff for the size of of the grounds here. The river is super low right now but it's mid July inland in California so that's expected. Getting down to the river access is either by being dropped off by a car and then picked back up when you are done OR walking down the windy steep road and then back UP when you are tired and hungry and hot etc. If you have a mobility issue be prepared to get help. My husband has prosthetics and we couldn't be down at the same time without a lot of back and forth with the vehicle. The bathroom/bathhouse in A section of the park is trashed. I don't have a nicer way to put that. We lost water the second night we were there and that lasted most of the next day and then power went out at 11pm three nights later and was off for almost 24 hours. We more than likely won't be staying there again anytime soon. It looks like it used to be a really nice spot but it has just been neglected and abused.

    • Shawna M.
      Jul. 10, 2026

      Redwoods RV Resort

      Plenty to do here

      This RV park has many types of sites with pool, kid playgrounds and very large sights

    • Alan L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 7, 2026

      Lake Pillsbury Resort and Marina

      Nice dirt road drive!

      Enjoyed our time at pillsburry. Water was warm, but too much clay and some areas had algae. Camp site was very spacious with fire pit. We fit our vehicles perfectly. Water spigot at camp site and bathrooms were across. There’s a store and token showers

    • Alan L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 7, 2026

      Upper Bayview Campground — Clear Lake State Park

      Spacious camp site!

      Very spacious camp site. We got invited here by a relative. Stayed in the upper area, so you had to drive down to the lake. Park rangers were present. Can’t remember the camp site we stayed in but if you don’t mind taking a 5 minute drive,book the upper campground. Lake water was 7/10. Great temperature, but I’m more of a Christal clear water person. There was some algae/ weeds. I heard a lot of negative comments about the water. Overall we had a good time Bathrooms and showers were next to our site.


    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.