Camping around Nice, California centers on Clear Lake, with options ranging from lakeside RV parks to dispersed sites in the surrounding hills. The Aurora RV Park & Marina offers full hookup sites for RVs along with cabin accommodations directly on the lakeshore, while Lakeview Dispersed Campground provides free primitive camping on public land with views overlooking the water. Other nearby options include Kelsey Creek Campground at Clear Lake State Park and the Narrows Lodge Resort, which features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals approximately 5 miles from Nice.
Road conditions to dispersed camping areas can present challenges, particularly at Lakeview Dispersed Campground where steep, dusty, unpaved routes may require all-wheel drive vehicles. A camper noted, "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." Weather around Clear Lake is typically mild throughout the year, though summer temperatures can become quite hot. Lakeside sites at developed campgrounds like The Aurora RV Park tend to fill quickly during peak summer months. Cell service is generally available at most locations, including dispersed sites in the hills above the lake.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Nice area, with several campers highlighting the views and lakeside access. Sites along Clear Lake offer fishing opportunities directly from camp, particularly at The Aurora RV Park where lakeside spots include picnic areas overlooking the water. One visitor mentioned, "We were able to find a secluded spot that overlooks the lake. Very peaceful but some traffic sounds at night from the lake towns." Dispersed camping areas provide more solitude but fewer amenities, with no water sources, restrooms, or trash facilities. Several campers report excellent stargazing opportunities from the higher elevation dispersed sites. The region includes both BLM and Forest Service land, with Cow Mountain Recreation Area offering additional dispersed camping options approximately 15 miles from Nice.
$30 / night
"Came back a year later on a whim and still found it to be a nice place, in spite of the heat."
"Was a very nice experience with a lot of easy spots for us to back our camper in. We choice a site away from everyone and it was so nice and quiet."
"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."
"Very nice view. You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots. You can't see them from the main area."
$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."
"It’s very nice, certainly beautiful and worth the extra 10 dollars. A picnic bench behind the RVs and looking out to the water. Large group cooking and gathering areas."
$6 / night
"Plenty of trees offered great hammocking, and the small lake was great for swimming. The trail looping the lake was a nice quick hike."
"National Forest pulled in officers from surrounding forests and Sheriff Depts. With a 35' Class A our options were limited. A Ranger suggested Letts Lake."
"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!!"
$8 / night
"Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers."
"If you come with that in mind I would say this place is really really nice. It's very clean."
"After a last minute decision to leave Lake Berryessa in search of more solitude, found this gem of a spot. Lonely, picturesque, peaceful, and most importantly... open! Totally recommend it."
"But not a bad place to get away from the city. Daily easy access, rough dirt roads, I have a truck but would feel fine driving my wife’s Subaru to these sites."
"Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path."
"There was a nice little creek and a fire pit. Had the area to ourselves likely due to the rain."
"There are numerous pull-outs and campsites along this High Ridge Road with absolutely breathtakingly stunning views of the valley to the east and the lake to the west."
"Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. 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!"
GuidePeople here are so friendly. We live a couple of hours away. We come here and do our monthly Costco runs and sometimes stay the night here. On our long vacations, this is our first stop, we stock up on groceries, lots of grocery stores, Costco, Walmart, restaurants in the area. The campground is clean and well maintained. Sites are a little close but for $37.00 with senior discount and full hookups, you can’t complain.
TravelerThis site is okay. It's fairly full on a Tuesday night in April. I haven't used pay showers before, but $2 for 3 minutes of hot water seems very expensive. I use a Cricket phone, which uses AT&T cell phone towers, and I have absolutely no signal. Luckily, Starlink is working very well in drive-through RV space 15, and I can turn on WiFi calling.
TravelerWe three generations, grandfather, mother and son, only had one night. We wanted awe inspiring and not too far from the Bay Area. Hendy Woods was a perfect match. The campground is well maintained and the sites are smallish but the layout and forest provide a lot of privacy. Trails go directly from the campground and are easy to walk. Take your map because there are a lot of crossings. Little Hendy Grove is a good one: a half mile or so to The Trees. There are some magnificent mature redwoods there.
ScoutWent there in a van with my mom. Amazing views. There’s a park right next to it and a store across the street for supplies. We went in June so it was a bit cold. Pack layers.
ScoutVery bad experience. Place was a mess.
ScoutThe bathroom are filthy. Random cars coming in to use them. Muddy and toilet backed up. Would not use them
GuideThis is the perfect time of year to visit Clear Lake. There’s just a few boats on the lake. The campground is less than half full. The bathrooms are clean, and our site is paved and fairly level. There’s tons of different types of birds. We’ve been watching an osprey fishing.
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.
Camping near Nice, California offers locations around Clear Lake that range from waterfront spots to secluded forest sites. The region sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation with oak woodlands surrounding the lake basin. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with cooler nights around 50°F.
Fishing opportunities: Kelsey Creek Campground provides direct lake access for anglers. According to one camper, "Large campground with many great options for activities. This park has lake access from a large sandy beach. Extensive nature trail system throughout the park."
Paddling on Clear Lake: Narrows Lodge Resort offers equipment rentals for water exploration. A visitor noted, "We rented a motor boat for a few hours to explore the beautiful lake. Pet friendly. Great little beach. A dock to fish from."
Hiking trails: Clear Lake area has several walking paths, particularly at Letts Lake Campground where you'll find a loop trail. One reviewer mentioned, "There is an easy trail that loops around the lake that's just over a mile long and a place to put in a boat in the lake."
Solitude in off-seasons: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons offers quieter experiences. A camper at Kelsey Creek Campground shared, "Nice and quiet off season and mid week...Beautiful campground, good space between sites. Staff was great...Very peaceful, good birdwatching, and abundant deer life."
Stargazing: Higher elevation sites offer excellent night sky viewing, particularly at dispersed camping locations above Clear Lake. A visitor to High Valley Rd Dispersed noted, "Very nice spot with multiple places to pull over and camp. There's views of Clear Lake if you want to walk a bit."
Swimming access: Many campsites around Nice provide lake access for cooling off. At Narrows Lodge Resort, campers appreciate the beach area: "They had a little dock for jumping off of. 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."
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires careful driving on unpaved roads. At High Valley Rd Dispersed, a camper warned, "The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV...The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff."
Fire restrictions: Check current regulations as fire bans are common, especially in summer months. At Deer Valley Campground, a visitor advised, "Note: there are fire restrictions- bring your propane stove / gas fire pit."
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary widely between established and dispersed sites. One camper at Sheldon Creek reported, "You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer nature programs. One visitor to Kelsey Creek Campground mentioned, "There is also a visitors center with many displays of the animals that are found within the park as well the cultural history."
Child-friendly swimming: Look for sites with gradual water entry for kids. A camper at BLM Sheldon Creek found that "This is a beautifully wooded area with a flowing creek, would've been a lovely place to camp!"
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local animals. A Kelsey Creek visitor shared, "Very peaceful, good birdwatching, and abundant deer life. We would come back."
Site selection: Many campgrounds have limited large rig access. A visitor to Middle Creek Campground advised, "Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers. There is potable water close to the campsites."
Water access: Potable water availability varies by location. One camper at Letts Lake noted, "The water was turned off during our stay but all the 4 pit toilets were open, no hand sanitizer."
Dump station availability: Plan accordingly as not all sites offer dump facilities. A reviewer at The Aurora RV Park & Marina confirmed, "Each site has its own water sipget and two electrical outlets that work well. There was plenty of space at the site to setup two 4-person tents."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Nice, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nice, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Nice, CA and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Nice, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nice, CA is Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nice, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Nice, CA.
What parks are near Nice, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Nice, CA that allow camping, notably Mendocino Lake and Mendocino National Forest.
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