Glamping in Williams, California offers varied terrain with the Clear Lake shoreline at 1,320 feet elevation to the north and oak-studded foothills to the east. The area experiences hot, dry summers reaching 90-100°F and mild winters with temperatures around 40-60°F. The region contains a mix of woodland, grassland, and riparian habitats that attract diverse wildlife and provide year-round camping opportunities.
What to do
Kayaking at North Fork Campground: This campsite sits along Stony Creek, providing water recreation away from larger crowds. "If you drive past all the OHV-filled camps, you'll eventually get to this little gem... you can hear the creek rushing, and the big groups are too far away to be bothersome," notes Jessi P. The limited shade means planning ahead for hot weather activities.
Wine tasting in Napa Valley: Ritchey Creek Campground serves as an affordable base for wine country exploration. "We have rented at this campground many times. Never had any trouble getting a reservation in spring or fall. Camping here leaves lots of money for food and wine splurges!" shares Susan H. A bike trail leads directly from the campground through vineyard landscapes into Calistoga.
Wildlife viewing at Clear Lake: The region's waterways attract diverse animal species, especially birds. "What a lovely peaceful campground right on Cache Creek. Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve. Great birdwatching," notes Diane W. Early mornings and evenings typically provide the best opportunities for wildlife spotting.
What campers like
Peaceful waterfront sites: Sycamore Ranch RV Park offers tranquil water access with natural attractions. One camper reports, "The trees are amazing and there are about 2 miles of walking trails. The campground is along Dry Creek... We saw a river otter playing in the creek, so there is life in it." The park maintains grassy, paved sites with hookups even for tent campers.
Swimming opportunities: Lake of the Springs provides refreshing water recreation during hot summer months. "We had such a fun time at this campground... It was over 100 degrees the weekend we were there so we spent practically the whole weekend in the lake. It was the perfect temperature to sit in for hours. No motorized water craft kept it quiet," shares Nicole G.
Proximity to wineries: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park places visitors in the heart of wine country. "Great place to stay at when visiting the Napa wine valley that is halfway between St Helena and Calistoga, two nice tourist towns," notes Robert S. The park remains quieter on weekdays than weekends, offering a more relaxed wine country experience.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions matter: Many campgrounds in the region experience extreme temperature variations. At North Fork Campground, "There's limited shade & it's HOT so plan accordingly." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winter brings cooler weather and occasional rain.
Water levels fluctuate: Lake and creek access varies throughout the year. "In the Spring, the water level is much higher so the water line is closer to the campsites... In the fall, pre-winter, the water level is much lower. It was about a 50 yard walk down to the water from #116 camp site, which is a lake front site," shares Ed E. about Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements vary: Some parks have strict reservation policies. At Lake Solano County Park, a camper noted frustration: "An empty campground, tired family and the host can't let us take a space because we don't have a reservation two weeks prior." Check reservation requirements before arriving, especially during peak seasons.
Road noise affects some sites: Consider location when selecting sites. "The traffic noise was noticeable but not annoying," reports Cecil K. about lakefront camping. Another camper adds, "The only catch was that the road parallel to the lake is super loud and for me bothersome at night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for wildlife viewing opportunities: Families enjoy the abundant wildlife throughout the region. At The Aurora RV Park & Marina, "You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water... We saw an egret," notes a visitor. These natural encounters create lasting memories for children.
Consider glamping options for easier family stays: Upgraded accommodations reduce packing requirements. "This little campground RV park is very quaint and small... If a little effort could be applied, I think this place could be really fun to stay at with larger groups of families," says Bill M. about Clear Lake Campground. Several parks offer cabins, yurts, or canvas tents as alternatives to traditional camping.
Free recreational equipment adds value: Some properties include complimentary boat rentals. "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating," mentions Melissa C. This reduces activity costs for families with multiple children and provides ready-made entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Access routes matter: The Parkway RV Resort offers convenient access for travelers. "Great place to stop along I5. Well cared for with nice pull through sites," reports one RVer. When heading to lakeside destinations, check road restrictions as some routes have vehicle length limitations.
Site selection impacts comfort: Choose sites based on shade, levelness, and hookup locations. "We were in site A10 which we found a little difficult to connect the sewer hose without two hoses," notes Denise G. Backing requirements vary by campground, with some offering easier pull-through options for larger rigs.
Electrical reliability varies: Some campgrounds experience utility issues. At Lake of the Springs, "There wasn't a single day when some campsite didn't have electrical issues, in fact they turned a lot of their RV sites into Tent Sites because of electrical issues," reports Eric P. Carrying backup power options proves useful at some locations.
