Near Upper Lake, California, RV camping options vary in size and amenities, with most parks situated within a 20-mile radius of Clear Lake's northern shores. Summer temperatures regularly reach 95°F during July and August, while winter nights can drop below freezing between November and February. Several parks remain open year-round, adapting services based on seasonal demand.
What to do
Lake activities: The Aurora RV Park & Marina provides complimentary watercraft for campers. "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating. Bathrooms are kept clean and mike, the owner is amazing," notes Melissa C. "You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water."
River adventures: Russian River access is available from Mirabel RV Park & Campground, located 1.5 hours southwest of Upper Lake. "Theres a short trail down to the river, perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding," says Jordan L. "Great canoe rentals to take down the river and a shuttle back is right next door," adds Gregory L.
Casino entertainment: Konocti Vista RV Park places guests within walking distance of gaming options. "The casino is within walking distance. There's a restaurant and a snack shop in the casino. There's also a club in the casino," reports Carmen F., making this location convenient for evening entertainment.
What campers like
Private beach access: River Bend Resort on the Russian River offers water recreation. "The private beach is great for kids (and adults). Easy swimming without a strong current. Lots of shallows but a deep swimming hole are for adults too," shares one camper. The resort includes multiple playgrounds and an arcade.
Family facilities: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort provides numerous amenities for families. "We were just a few steps from the pool, which was clean, but pretty cold. The splash pad was a family favorite. The petting zoo, was also super cute and the animals seemed like they were well taken care of," writes Erika L.
Quiet atmosphere: Some RV sites near Upper Lake, California offer more peaceful settings. "It was nice and quiet, the showers were awesome never ran out of hot water and the management fantastic," says Melissa O. about Mirabel RV Park, which features shaded sites and reliable facilities.
What you should know
Site spacing: Many RV parks in the area have limited space between units. At Thousand Trails Russian River, "Sites are close. Some don't even have area for chairs or picnic tables," notes John N. Another camper mentions, "Spaces are all 30 amp with no sewer hookups. Many spaces are very narrow/tight and uphill from your neighbor."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic disturbance. River Bend Resort has "great Russian River wine country location and is next to the Russian River pub. And campground overall is average, so long as you're on the outer rim. Interior RV sites seem to be full-time residents and very cramped," reports Beverly W., adding "the traffic noise is considerable."
Facility maintenance: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between parks. "The womens shower was so-so clean but there was hair left in the drains and on the walls (ick). One shower in the mens bathroom had no hot water," reports Julie T. about The Aurora RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Redwood Empire Fair RV Park hosts regular events at the fairgrounds. "Fair grounds with stock car racing on Saturday night, a little noisy until 10:00, but did not really notice it much inside RV," says Steve. This provides built-in entertainment for families with children interested in motorsports.
Swimming options: River access provides natural swimming holes during summer months. "Nice little rv park. They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating," mentions one camper. Another notes, "Love waking up by the river. The staff are very kind and fair."
Private camping sites: Look for locations that offer more privacy. "We camped in tents along with many other campers choosing tents. Not noisy or busy at all, maybe it would be during summer peak times. Each site has a table, fire pit, and even outlets which was a nice surprise. Tons of trees so every site has plenty of shade," reports Jordan L.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites around Upper Lake offer different utility connections. Konocti Vista RV Park provides full hookups including 50-amp service and pull-through sites, while others have more limited options. "Sites are $37 with Good Sam discount. Each site has 30 amp service, water, sewer hookups. Gravel sites with small patches of grass," notes one RVer about Redwood Empire Fair RV Park.
Site selection: Choose locations based on specific needs. "Drive extremely slow. Roads and turns are very narrow. Some spots are inclined in a way that your hind end may really scrape the ground/asphalt. There are grooves in the road everywhere it is common," warns Derek & Alex W. about narrow access at Thousand Trails.
Services available: Dump stations and utility connections vary between parks. "There's no laundry room you have to go to a laundromat they have washer and dryers outside of the bathrooms but they're not very convenient," reports Bambi K. Another camper notes, "No sewer but they do have a dumping station and a honey pot service for $35 so we took advantage of that."
