Clear Lake and the surrounding area offers several cabin accommodations for visitors seeking rustic or deluxe lodging options. Cabin camping near Nice, California ranges from waterfront properties with standard amenities to more remote, secluded locations. Water levels at Clear Lake fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and fishing conditions at some campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing and boating at East Park Reservoir: This location provides ample opportunity for water recreation with easy access points. "There are a TON of great sites here - with shade, without shade; flat, hilly; etc." notes a camper who found "one that had shade, wasn't too sloped and wasn't even next to anyone else." Another visitor mentions, "We took our canoe and were able to launch from our site. So ideal."
Hiking in redwood groves: Hendy Woods State Park Campground offers trails through ancient forests. "The two redwood groves are easily accessible from the campsite," reports one visitor who recommends bringing a camera "especially in the late winter, early spring to do some mushroom photography." Another camper adds, "Be sure to checkout the hiking trails (fairly easy even with small children) as the redwood grove is pretty magical."
Wildlife observation: Many cabin areas provide opportunities to view local fauna. "Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve. Great birdwatching," notes a visitor to Clear Lake Campground. At East Park Reservoir, campers report seeing waterfowl: "We got to enjoy the amazing views and sounds from the geese."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Several cabin locations offer direct lake or creek frontage. At Pine Acres Blue Lake Resort, a visitor appreciates the "private cove right by lake," providing immediate water access. Campers at East Park Reservoir note that waterfront sites allow them to "launch from our site" with boats or kayaks.
Off-season tranquility: Many cabin rentals become significantly quieter outside summer months. "We were lucky enough to camp on a Monday when everyone had gone home so we had the place almost all to ourselves," reports a visitor to Hendy Woods. Another camper at East Park Reservoir notes, "We stayed here on a weekday in early October and we were the only ones in the entire campground."
Rustic cabins with modern conveniences: Several locations balance wilderness feel with necessary amenities. "This property is offering 2 lodging options, a Caboose & Tent camping under the Walnut trees," notes a visitor to Old Train Caboose. At Thousand Trails Russian River, a camper describes, "Nice sites. Older campground so facilities are old but clean and full functional."
What you should know
Water levels vary seasonally: Drought conditions impact water access. "The water was super low, so our view was completely dried up," reports a visitor to East Park Reservoir. At Clear Lake Campground, a visitor notes being next to "a fishy smelling algae filled Creek" rather than the lake itself.
Road access challenges: Some cabin locations require careful navigation. At Narrows Lodge Resort, a visitor cautions, "The road is a little tight to get into this resort (1 lane road with traffic going both ways with few pull offs)." Another camper adds, "Make sure you abide by the check in check out times, which are significantly far apart, to ensure that nobody meets each other on the road."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local fauna inside and outside cabins. A visitor to Pine Mountain Lookout warns, "Keep your food up on the table at night--the mice are nocturnal visitors and will help themselves if you leave food on the counter." At Kelsey Creek Campground, a visitor mentions, "Be prepared for bugs in Spring! We had to pull out our bug screen!"
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger programs: State parks offer educational activities. At Hendy Woods State Park, "The junior ranger program and nightly events for families helped keep the kids engaged in the camping experience. Park rangers hosted guided hikes, nighttime stargazing (with telescopes), and nightly campfires."
Swimming locations: Many sites provide water access for children. "The swimming hole is nice but can get packed at times. There is a rope under the bridge," explains a Hendy Woods visitor. At Kelsey Creek Campground, "This park has lake access from a large sandy beach."
Poison oak awareness: Some cabin areas require vigilance with children. A Hendy Woods camper cautions, "There's quite a bit of poison oak, be aware of where you are walking." At Kelsey Creek, a visitor mentions, "Campsites were overgrown with foxtails, not good for my dogs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully when booking cabin or RV sites. "I am reasonably ok at backing in my travel trailer but this place is a mess," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Russian River. They advise to "take your time finding the right spot for you." At Kelsey Creek Campground, a visitor suggests, "Site was perfect. Close to the water am very accessible for an RV."
Internet connectivity: Remote work is possible at some locations. A Kelsey Creek visitor reports, "Internet. Verizon via iPhone 12: 26 mbps down and 0.40 mbps up with 34 ms ping. T-Mobile via Nighthawk MR-1100 - 4.24 mbps down and 16.9 up with 159 ping." At Hendy Woods, a camper was pleased to find "enough cell signal to work from my trailer. Even a video Zoom conference on at&t hotspot!"
