G
Gabriel A.
Traveler
TravelerCamp Russian River
Riverfront on the Russian River
Great campground on the Russian River. Big grassy area for single or group camping. Friendly staff. Walking distance to downtown Guerneville.
Camping near Nice, CA
174 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Nice (174)
1. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Lakeview Dispersed Campground
"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."
3. The Aurora RV Park & Marina
"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."
from $22 - $75 / night
Check Availability4. Letts Lake Campground — Mendocino National Forest
"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."
from $6 / night
Check Availability5. High Valley Ridge
"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."
6. High Valley Rd Dispersed
"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!"
"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."
7. Narrows Lodge Resort
"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. Middle Creek Campground
"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."
from $8 / night
Check Availability9. Deer Valley Campground
"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."
10. BLM Sheldon Creek
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 21 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 1 hr 33 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 44 min from Napa, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Nice, CA
276 Photos of 174 Nice Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
The Aurora RV Park & Marina
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park
Cole Creek Campground — Clear Lake State ParkC
Old Train Caboose
Buckhorn Campground
Penny Pines Campground
BLM Sheldon Creek
Letts Lake Campground — Mendocino National ForestR
Stonyford Recreation Area
Bushay Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Nice, CA
652 Reviews of 174 Nice Campgrounds
Jasmin W.TravelerCOE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground
Peaceful and Empty
Upside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views.
Downside: no onsite host, book online (reserveca.com). Some spots are VERY OPEN no privacy and all overgrown meadow. Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment.
See attached map for most private $35 spots ( not waterfront) and the blue dot has a water spiket with hose attachment.
Stuart K.
LegendSalt Point State Park Campground
The First Campground I Ever Shared With My Daughters
Some campgrounds stay with you because of the scenery, while others become part of your family history ... and Salt Point will forever be both for me. Perched along one of the wildest stretches of the Sonoma Coast, this coastal park combines six miles of rugged Pacific shoreline with grasslands and forest, and its two primary campgrounds offer very different experiences: Gerstle Cove sits on the ocean side of Highway 1, while Woodside is tucked into the trees inland. Together they have 109 developed campsites, most with level paved pads, picnic tables, food lockers and fire rings, but no hookups or showers.
What makes Salt Point truly special is everything waiting beyond the campsite. Trails lead along rocky bluffs, through forests and down toward Gerstle Cove, while tide pools, extraordinary sandstone formations and the pounding Pacific make this feel wonderfully removed from civilization. There are more than 20 miles of trails and Stump Beach provides the park's only sandy beach.
But none of that is why I remember this place so vividly. Salt Point was the very first place I ever took my daughters camping. I can still remember that wonderful mixture of excitement and uncertainty that comes with introducing your children to something you love: setting up camp together, watching them explore this enormous new outdoor world and realizing that what felt like a simple weekend away was quietly becoming one of those family memories you carry forever. At least for me, that is true.
This is real camping rather than resort camping: no electricity, no showers and no dump station, while the nearest gas stations are roughly 18 miles away. Tent campers should feel particularly at home here and I’d favor Woodside, which is where we stayed, for its more sheltered, forested camping experience; however, choose Gerstle Cove if quicker access to the rugged coastline is what brought you here. Either way, come prepared for changing coastal weather and embrace the simplicity as that's part of Salt Point's magic.
Insider’s Tip: If this is your first visit, don't spend the entire trip at the campsite. Walk the Salt Point Trail around Gerstle Cove and give the kids time simply to explore the shoreline. Years later, they probably won't remember whether the campsite was perfectly level, but you may be surprised by what they do remember.
Happy Camping!
- TTtowle
Guideocean cove campground
Million dollar views
Paved interior roads, dirt and grass campsites with table and fire pit. Porta-potties. No hookups. Campground is on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
Brandon A.
ScoutRed Mountain
Beautiful views
Got to this spot towards dark. Set up tent from my cars headlights. Woke up to absolutely beautiful views. The dirt road up to this site is rough. I have a car and made it up just fine but I also have off road experience and took my time.
Michael I.
RangerGualala River Redwood Park
Big, family friendly campground with great river access
We stayed for three nights at this large, well-developed campground. As big as this campground is, with the layout and the thick forest, you don't feel like you're camping with hundreds of other people. The one exception to that is at night time. The campground has quiet hours beginning at 10pm, but during our stay that was not enforced and at least four groups were having parties well past 11pm, or found that to be a great time to race remote control cars.
The camp store has every you could possibly need if you forget something, but be prepared as the mark-ups are steep!!
The river access is easy and great with plenty of space along the river to set up and enjoy the day. The beach is all rock, so plan accordingly. Next time we will bring kayaks or SUPs to explore more of the river, but the areas accessible by foot are nice with shallow spots for kids, swimming holes, rope swing, and even a big buried log to jump off of.
Overall we had a great time and will be back.
Carrie P.GuideNavarro 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.ScoutAustin 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.
- LLibbyTraveler
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.
Guide to Nice
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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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?
What camping is available near Nice, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nice, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 174 campgrounds and RV parks near Nice, CA and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Nice, CA?
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?
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?
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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