Best Campgrounds near Lower Lake, CA

Campgrounds near Lower Lake, California range from developed facilities with full amenities to more primitive sites. Clear Lake State Park's Kelsey Creek Campground accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins with shaded sites and lake access. The area includes several established campgrounds like Clear Lake Campground with electric hookups and cabin options, while Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers free primitive camping with fewer amenities. Cache Creek Regional Park Campground, located approximately 20 miles southeast of Lower Lake, provides year-round camping with picnic tables and fire rings.

Road conditions and amenities vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring advance reservations while others operate on a first-come basis. Many established sites offer water and restroom facilities, though amenities differ between locations. "This little campground RV park is very quaint and small. Driving into it, you got the impression that it was frozen in time," noted one visitor about Clear Lake Campground, highlighting the older but functional facilities common in the area. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, making waterfront camping particularly desirable during peak season. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, with some campgrounds maintaining year-round operations while others have seasonal closures.

Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers in the Lower Lake area, with Clear Lake providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Several campgrounds feature direct lake access or proximity to water recreation. Campers report mixed experiences with facilities, as one review mentioned: "Bathroom near our campsite wasn't working. Campsites were overgrown with foxtails, not good for my dogs." Sites with shade receive higher ratings during summer months when temperatures climb. The surrounding landscape includes oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian zones supporting diverse wildlife. Proximity to wineries and small towns provides additional recreational opportunities beyond camping, making the area suitable for both dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a mix of activities during their stay.

Best Camping Sites Near Lower Lake, California (165)

    1. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

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

    $30 / night

    "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."

    "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.  The place was at capacity, but many people leave during the day."

    2. Clear Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lower Lake, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 994-2236

    $55 - $999 / night

    3. Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    14 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    15 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."

    4. Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Rumsey, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 406-4880

    $35 / night

    "There are plenty spots so we had our privacy, toilets were clean and it’s next to a road but there isn’t much traffic. Really calm and nice!"

    "The site in in a valley between a small creek (that runs right next to the roadway) and a small mountain “range” on the opposing side."

    5. Calso - Boggs Mountain Demo Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    2 Reviews
    Cobb, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 928-4378

    "None the less, I still come here to enjoy the new growth, the impressive new trails and the new views of the valleys below.  It’s Labor Day weekend and I’m one of maybe a half dozen campers."

    6. Huttopia Wine Country

    1 Review
    Lower Lake, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 461-0740

    $236 - $364 / night

    "You can't ask for a more picturesque place to glamping, surrounded by the fields of the ranch & winery, while also within driving distance of San Francisco, this is a spot to check out!"

    7. Pine Grove Cobb Resort

    2 Reviews
    Cobb, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 928-1006

    $25 - $210 / night

    "We also had access to our own private bathroom and shower a short walk away which was great. Would stay here again, highly recommend!"

    8. Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    27 Reviews
    Deer Park, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 942-4575

    $43 / night

    "We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt."

    "Good access to wineries close by.  Only real downside was that because of the dry conditions we could not have a campfire."

    9. Hidden Valley Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Middletown, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 987-3138

    "Be aware that you can’t use the lake because it’s for owners only."

    10. Blue Oak Campground

    3 Reviews
    Clearlake Oaks, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    "We went to this campground to hike the San Juan trail and ended up staying the night as well. Such as beautiful campsite. It was a quiet night with not such noise from people."

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Recent Reviews near Lower Lake, CA

762 Reviews of 165 Lower Lake Campgrounds


  • s
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Doran Regional Park

    Bodega Beach Getaway

    A great camping spot in Bodega Bay. We stayed in the shell loop and it was a short walk to the bathroom. Bathrooms were very clean, I was impressed, with coin operated showers (we did not use). There are lots of RVs but we pitched a tent. We went in October and one day it was completely sunny and the next morning it was pretty wet. Nothing too bad though. Only downside is how close together the campsites are, otherwise great site with fire ring and picnic table provided. We were at site 44 which had a great tree, but sites 42, 41, and 40 looked spacious and had great views. The town is a short drive away too with good seafood spots.

  • R. J.
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Lower Bayview Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    Not completely worth it

    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.

    Campsite #99 is literally right next to the restroom, as well as a few other campsites at the Lower Bay View campsite(93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100, & 110) with a bit more walking. The other campsites are a bit of a walk the further you get away.

    If you are expecting it to be quiet during the evening nearby the restrooms, these sites will not help. Not everyone is respectful of their camping neighbors and will either stand there and chitchat...for some odd reason...but also, you can really hear the toilet flush as it was amplified.

    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. Also, be sure to bring a canopy with a mosquito screen...tons of flies, yellow jackets, moths, gnats, just all around flying bugs. Remember when I mentioned the breeze coming once in a while...yeah, this is another reason why.

    Thankfully no trash pandas(racoons) were seen the entire trip. But we have seen tons of lizards, crows, and bluejay's. I did see however on our last night at the camp, a California Kingsnake. I was going to the restroom before going to bed and 3 women were by the men's side of the bathrooms. Once I was done, I came out and saw the snake with my headlamp. I stepped aside and told the women to be careful, there is a snake.

    They told me its just lizards...apparently a few ran across their feet. I told them "No, its a snake...look". They looked down where my light was spotted and saw the snake. 2 of the 3 women ran while the 3rd stood by me til it moved away. The 3rd ran once the snake continued to where it was going. I went to my tent and zipped it up tightly and went to bed. While laying down, I can hear the ladies talking to the men at their campsite about the snake and couldn't help but laugh a bit silently.

    The swimming lagoon was not worth even trying to get in. The water level is low, boat launch nearby was closed due to waterline being low. There is soo much algae, the water stinks if you break the surface. Wasn't even worth trying to swim.

    Oh and one last thing, call before you arrive the day you plan on visiting. No Charcoal Grills, No Campfires, Only gas or propane grills. Due to an extreme risk of fire, there has been a ban. I asked the ranger about using the fire pit rings at the campsite, and seeing on the website reservation system that we are allowed to use it. That is not true and whoever is responsible on maintaining the system hasn't updated it to reflect the fire ban according to what the ranger at the station stated.

  • Jan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Lake Solano County Park

    Friendly staff, nice location

    The river is beautiful, though you can hear the road when you are near the river. Great location. T-Mobile only works at certain sites, no Wi-Fi. Peacocks are a fun addition!

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park

    Santa Rosa Fair grounds review

    We love this park, we are full timers with a severely autistic son and this park has plenty of spots so we usually dont have neighbors. They have an amazing Laundry room that gets cleaned practically everyday and a little dog park that is the only dog park my Mufasa can go to. The park itself is like a little slice of heaven and surrounded by the town so nothing is that far away. It is 5 min away from the Planet fitness and it is quiet and has a night security guard too.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Cowboy Camp

    Served its Purpose

    This site served its purpose; spot to sleep after a long day of driving. The disbursed camping area was down a gravel road to the left next to the day use vault toilet through a cattle gate.

    There were several campers already there but plenty of room for more. There were also several vault toilets on the property as well.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Doran Regional Park

    Doran Jetty Campground

    Cool spot. We stayed in a site on the Jetty. Only this I wish was a little better were the showers… they were in the bathroom even though they have a separate door and are coin operated

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

    Nature solace

    I pulled in here for the night and found I was completely alone. Except I kept hearing splashing in the creek. I wasn't alone - there was a herd of Elk. Super cool. This is a great spot for a short stay. No real 'sites' but a pleasant spot in the middle of the Cache Creek Natural Area.

  • Craig B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Gualala Point Regional Park

    Quiet spot

    This is a beautiful and quiet spot to stop at. Although a smaller campsite with just 19 spots, it is beautiful with fishing in the river that runs next to it. The spots are beautiful,each he's a fire pit and picnic table. Coastal access in near by . I highly recommend it as a most see

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    A little piece of paradise

    This is a rustic park with no sewer hookups, so you need to bring a sewer caddy, and also, they have laundry onsite. They are remodeling and repairing and it is coming along very nicely.


Guide to Lower Lake

Camping near Lower Lake, California offers access to year-round outdoor activities within the oak woodlands and lakeside environments of Lake County. The surrounding landscape features elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 feet with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F during the day and cooling to 55-65°F at night. Local campgrounds vary from no-fee dispersed sites on BLM land to fully-equipped RV parks with electric hookups and cabin rentals.

What to do

Fishing along Cache Creek: Cache Creek Regional Park Campground provides good creek access for anglers, with one visitor noting, "We stopped here on our way home from Mt. Shasta. It was very quiet. Bathrooms were clean. There were 4 other people pulled over for the night. Plenty of space for everyone."

Wildlife viewing at dawn: Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers opportunities to spot deer, birds, and other local wildlife. A camper described, "We drove here from the north. All wheel drive is helpful, but we saw some people with a prius up there. Small individual places with self-built fireplaces. It was windy in the evening, but that died down during the night and in the morning we had breakfast in the sun in a clearing."

Mountain biking on forest trails: Despite past fire damage, Calso - Boggs Mountain Demo Forest offers rebuilt trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. One reviewer shared, "I used to be a Boggs regular, so it's sad to see what remains after the fires five years ago. None the less, I still come here to enjoy the new growth, the impressive new trails and the new views of the valleys below."

Kayaking on creek waterways: Many campgrounds provide direct water access for paddlers. A visitor to Clear Lake Campground mentioned, "What a lovely peaceful campground right on Cache Creek. Great fishing! Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve. Great birdwatching. Especially loved kayaking on the creek."

What campers like

Affordability of dispersed camping: Free camping at Lakeview Dispersed Campground appeals to budget-conscious visitors who don't mind minimal amenities. A camper reported, "Super easy to find coming up from the lake. A lot of spots to choose from. There were around 4 or 5 people here already but we were able to find a secluded spot that overlooks the lake."

Reliable cell service in remote areas: Despite the rural setting, many campsites maintain usable coverage. At Kelsey Creek Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Decent cell coverage - enough that I was able to stream college football."

Clean facilities despite high use: Many campgrounds maintain serviceable bathrooms even during busy periods. A Kelsey Creek Campground visitor noted, "Rangers clean the bathrooms around 8 am. Decent facilities. Bring cash and insect repellent. Shower tokens can be purchased at the boat launch facilities. Bathrooms stocked with toilet paper and seat covers."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse animal populations visible from campsites. One camper at Cache Creek Regional Park Campground shared, "The elk come in the early morning."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. A visitor to Lakeview Dispersed Campground cautioned, "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."

Insect activity changes seasonally: Spring and early summer camping requires preparation for bugs. A Kelsey Creek visitor advised, "Be prepared for bugs in Spring! We had to pull out our bug screen! Dawn and dusk is their most active time. There weren't many mosquitos at this point. The other bugs don't bite but there were a lot."

Weather extremes require preparation: Temperature variations can be significant between day and night. A Lakeview Dispersed Campground camper noted, "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!"

Shower systems vary by location: Many campgrounds use token systems for shower access. At Kelsey Creek Campground, a camper explained, "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. Apparently lots of California state parks use tokens and you can 'collect them all.' It's 50¢ per token and one token gets you 2 minutes."

Tips for camping with families

Shallow water access for children: Blue Oak Campground provides safer water areas for families with young children. A visitor mentioned, "We went to this campground to hike the San Juan trail and ended up staying the night as well. Such as beautiful campsite. It was a quiet night with not such noise from people. Tons of birds in the area to listen to."

Educational opportunities at visitor centers: Kelsey Creek Campground offers learning experiences for children. A camper highlighted, "This park has lake access from a large sandy beach. Extensive nature trail system throughout the park. There is also a visitors center with many displays of the animals that are found within the park as well the cultural history."

Cabin options for easier family stays: For families who prefer not to tent camp, several locations offer cabin rentals. One visitor at Pine Grove Cobb Resort shared, "Four of us stayed in the Glamping Tent for two nights and it was perfect- very comfortable and relaxing. We also had access to our own private bathroom and shower a short walk away which was great."

Noise levels vary by location: Some campgrounds provide quieter environments for families. At Cache Creek Regional Park, a camper noted, "I mean We have been going to this campground for 21 years now, every year is a different experience, meaning the camp hosts, they can make it a great experience or not, besides that it's a beautiful campground to stay."

Tips from RVers

Site size considerations: RV campers should check space limitations before arrival. At Clear Lake Campground, a visitor observed, "This little campground RV park is very quaint and small. All of the hookups worked fine!"

Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are limited to specific campgrounds. A camper at Hidden Valley Lake Campground reported, "Great place to stay. The campground was clean and quiet. Full hook ups for RV sites."

Dump station locations: Some campgrounds provide on-site sanitary dump facilities. A Kelsey Creek camper mentioned, "Dump station? - Yes, Water fill? - Yes, Clean site? - Yes, Clean bathroom? - Yes, Flush toilet? - Yes, Showers? - Yes, token operated, Laundry? - No, Dish washing sink? - No."

Road access challenges: Larger rigs may struggle on certain access roads. A visitor to Lakeview Dispersed Campground warned, "Not a easy campground to get to had a RV road is horrible no nearby water."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lower Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lower Lake, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Lower Lake, CA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lower Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lower Lake, CA is Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park with a 3.8-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lower Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Lower Lake, CA.

What parks are near Lower Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Lower Lake, CA that allow camping, notably Lake Sonoma and Mendocino Lake.