Near Upper Lake, California, glamping sites and traditional campgrounds nestle among dense forests at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cool winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Clear Lake's influence creates moderate evening temperatures even during summer months, with nighttime cooling typically dropping 30-40 degrees from daytime highs.
What to do
Water recreation at Blue Lake: Clear Lake and surrounding waterways provide excellent fishing opportunities. At Narrows Lodge Resort, campers can rent motorboats to explore the lake. According to Jessica R., "We rented a motor boat for a few hours to explore the beautiful lake." The resort's location makes it convenient for water activities without needing to transport watercraft.
Hiking in Mendocino National Forest: Trails range from easy to challenging with elevation gains of 500-2,000 feet. The Middle Creek Campground offers access to nearby wilderness areas. A camper noted, "There must be over 15 different species of birds as well as wild turkeys" that can be observed while hiking the surrounding trails.
Wine tasting tours: The region borders several wine appellations with tasting rooms open daily from 10am-5pm. Huttopia Wine Country provides glamping accommodations surrounded by vineyard landscapes. Jake C. described it as "a picturesque place for glamping, surrounded by the fields of the ranch & winery, while also within driving distance of San Francisco."
What campers like
Private beach access: Campsites with direct water frontage provide exclusive swimming spots. At Fuller Grove Group Campground, Marc A. observed that "the campground beach is beautiful, definitely recommend some late-night stargazing." The beach areas typically have imported sand that creates a more comfortable shoreline experience.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds feature sites with adequate separation between neighbors. Erin O. commented on Fuller Grove's accommodations: "The sites are BIG, and the ones that lead to the water give you best access to the lake." These larger sites often include multiple tent pads and tables, making them suitable for group camping.
Free water recreation equipment: Some glamping sites near Upper Lake loan boats and water gear to guests at no additional charge. Bill M. from Aurora RV Park & Marina mentioned, "You can use the canoes, kayaks, or paddle boat all free of charge and they provide life jackets." This amenity saves campers rental fees that typically range from $25-50 per day.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty or non-existent cellular connectivity. Pack paper maps or download offline directions before arrival. According to Kristen M. from Manchester Beach KOA, "No sprint cell signal but good WiFi" is available at some locations with dedicated infrastructure.
Narrow access roads: Several glamping facilities near Upper Lake have challenging approach routes. Raven P. from Narrows Lodge Resort cautioned: "The road is a little tight to get into this resort (1 lane road with traffic going both ways with few pull offs)." Visitors should plan arrivals during daylight hours and coordinate with check-in times to avoid meeting oncoming traffic.
Fire restrictions: Many locations limit or prohibit traditional wood campfires. Erika L. noted about Narrows Lodge Resort that "there are no campfires, except for propane fire, which was kind of a bummer." Visitors should bring propane fire pits if evening fires are important to their camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt accommodations: For families seeking glamping near Upper Lake, California, yurts provide spacious alternatives to tents. Jessica R. shared her experience at Narrows Lodge Resort: "We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower!" These structures typically sleep 4-6 people comfortably.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. At Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort, Erika L. found "a paradise for kids" with amenities including "the splash pad... petting zoo... mini golf course... and RC track. There was a ton to do, and we all had a blast."
Evening activities: Campground-organized events provide entertainment after sunset. According to Ann D., "Aurora has movies each night" which creates structured activities when daylight ends around 8:30pm in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most glamping and RV sites near Upper Lake offer full connections. At Clear Lake Campground, Cecil K. found that "this friendly locally owned campground is right as you come into clear lake, nice and convenient." Sites typically include water, electric, and sometimes sewer connections.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect campground conditions throughout the year. Robert S. advised: "The weekends usually are full, it clears out Sunday evening so during the weekdays it is really nice." Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures with fewer crowds compared to peak summer months.
Site selection strategy: When booking, request specific site information to match your requirements. Julie H. from Aurora RV Park & Marina noted, "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." Sites near amenities may have more foot traffic but shorter walks to facilities.
