Tent camping areas around Upper Lake, California primarily serve as access points to Mendocino National Forest and Clear Lake. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 7,000 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Summer temperatures at lower elevations regularly exceed 90°F while higher forest campsites remain considerably cooler.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cole Creek Campground at Clear Lake State Park provides access to some of the region's best bass fishing waters. "Lots of places to fish, hike and bike. We really enjoyed our stay," notes camper Chris P.
Off-road exploration: Red Mountain Campground serves as a hub for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. "Paradise if you have ATVs. Cool spot off the beaten path," explains Justin, who visited the area. The campground connects to miles of designated OHV trails.
Wildlife viewing: The Cache Creek area within Snow Mountain Wilderness offers excellent wildlife spotting potential. One backpacker reports, "Have seen eagles in the canyon everytime I have hiked in," and mentions "a resident herd of elk" in the area.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Penny Pines Campground offers some of the most affordable tent camping near Upper Lake. April H. shares, "Great price, simple, utilitarian camp ground," making it suitable for cost-conscious campers.
Secluded experiences: Red Mountain Campground provides exceptional privacy. Becky H. describes it as having a "million dollar view of the mountain range and Clearlake" and notes campers can "stay 14 days out of the year for free."
Creek access campsites: Snow Mountain Wilderness features tent spots along waterways. One visitor explains you can "hike into campsites right on Cache Creek" where "wildflowers are plentiful in the spring."
What you should know
Water availability: Most campgrounds near Upper Lake lack reliable water sources. At Red Mountain, Becky H. advises, "You should bring a solar shower and water to drink and cook with, as there is none."
Seasonal closures: COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground operates seasonally from May 1 to September 29, limiting options during winter months. Some areas experience temporary closures for repairs, as Robert C. discovered: "I arrived but did not camp here because the camp is closed for some flood damage repair."
Fire restrictions: Wildfire risk impacts camping throughout the region, with complete bans possible during peak fire season. Past fires have affected the landscape, with Keith B. noting at Buckhorn Campground, "Unfortunately a lot of damage was done during the fires."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground offers family-friendly amenities. Joshua H. shares, "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus."
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with room for children to play safely. "The sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites," notes Joshua H. about Bu-Shay Campground, providing flexibility for families.
Heat considerations: Lower elevation sites become extremely hot in summer. Keith B. warns that Buckhorn Campground "can get very hot in the summer with limited shade," making spring or fall visits more comfortable for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating difficult terrain. Red Mountain demands four-wheel drive capability, with one camper stating it's "worth the 4x4 trek to the campground."
Limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Upper Lake lack RV amenities. Even at established campgrounds, facilities are basic. Bear Creek offers "clean" sites with "nice view," according to Carl, but provides no hookups or dump stations.
Supply planning: Ukiah offers the closest reliable shopping for extended stays. Joshua H. notes, "The town of Ukiah is pretty close as well, so you can get food or supplies easily," making it a good resupply point before heading to remote camping areas.