Best Campgrounds near Upper Lake, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Upper Lake, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Upper Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Upper Lake, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Upper Lake, California (165)

    1. Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    21 Reviews
    Kelseyville, CA
    11 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. Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    14 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    9 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."

    3. The Aurora RV Park & Marina

    7 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 274-5531

    $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."

    "A picnic bench behind the RVs and looking out to the water. Large group cooking and gathering areas. The other side is a standard RV park. It’s a medium size park."

    4. Letts Lake Campground — Mendocino National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Stonyford, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "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."

    "The campground does not offer very much privacy between sites, but is right on Letts Lake, offering great views."

    5. Narrows Lodge Resort

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2718

    "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!!"

    6. Middle Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    $8 / night

    "Middle creek campground was as close as we could find to free camping in Upper Lake CA."

    "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."

    7. Deer Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    "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."

    8. BLM Sheldon Creek

    9 Reviews
    Lakeport, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    "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."

    9. High Valley Rd Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Nice, CA
    9 miles

    "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!"

    10. Old Train Caboose

    1 Review
    Upper Lake, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (707) 367-8168

    $39 - $175 / night

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Recent Reviews near Upper Lake, CA

609 Reviews of 165 Upper Lake Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    East Park Reservoir

    We had the entire campground to ourselves

    We stayed here on a weekday in early October and we were the only ones in the entire campground. We picked a spot right on the water and got to enjoy the amazing views and sounds from the geese. The views were incredible no matter which way we looked, especially at sunset.

    Porta potties and pit toilets throughout the campground. The road to the campground was a bit bumpy.

    Campground fee can be paid via a QR code.

  • Fighter J.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Russian River

    Place is quiet at night, but seems run down. They are going to assign sights which is what I don’t like in most camp grounds. I like the A section and it not being a choice anymore is my last time here.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Salt Point State Park Campground

    Very secluded excellent trail to the ocean with scenic rock views

    Very clean and unkept campground low price for tents($35) . Site 30 was my favorite pick. Lots of nice lots and far spacing!

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Tough sites

    I am reasonably ok at backing in my travel trailer but this place is a mess. I parked in wrong spot, moved to the right one, the power pedestal did not work. Had to walk to office because phone number on check-in sheet did not work. Camp worker in golf cart picked me up and checked pedestal. No good. Drove me around looking for another site but the camp side on most is terrible. My wife has mobility issues so I would not stay here again. Staff was great, area looks nice, but the sites I saw leave something to be desired.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Kyen Campground

    A convenient and good campground

    I liked this tree shaded campground. Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available. Bathrooms were clean but showers not so much but plenty of hot water and does not require quarters. Campground can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially weekends. When I was there on 9/10/25 there were very few campers. Register on recreation.gov. Use your federal discount pass to get half price on the $35 or $65 electrical sites.


Guide to Upper Lake

Camping near Upper Lake, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • No Hookups: Many campgrounds in the area do not offer electric hookups. A camper at Van Damme State Park Campground pointed out, "Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. No hookups."
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be prepared to pay for hot showers. A visitor at Hendy Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "The shower was $1 for 5 minutes. The hot water felt amazing!"
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife, including raccoons and mountain lions. One camper at Gualala Point Regional Park noted, "Several other campers experienced over-eager raccoons while eating dinner."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. A reviewer at Casini Ranch Family Campground said, "Lots of activities for the kids (ice cream social, hay ride, parks, etc)."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Doran Regional Park mentioned, "Sites all appeared to be level. Depending on your site, you may have more privacy/separation than in others."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family. A visitor at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park noted, "Pets are allowed."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Van Damme State Park Campground advised, "If you are in a tent you may have a challenge finding a flat enough spot."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for poor cell reception in some areas. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "There is also no cell coverage for any of the major providers."
  • Dump Station Fees: Some campgrounds charge for using dump stations. A visitor at Doran Regional Park noted, "There is a dump station, but it costs $10 to use."

Camping near Upper Lake, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Upper Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Upper Lake, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Upper Lake, CA and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Upper 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 Upper Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Upper Lake, CA.

What parks are near Upper Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Upper Lake, CA that allow camping, notably Mendocino Lake and Mendocino National Forest.