We are an RV park with camping sites located right on the north shore of California's largest freshwater lake (Clear Lake). Boasting nearly 800' of shoreline, we have some of the most incredible views of nature's beauty, with a dormant volcano, phenomenal bird life (such as grebes, coots, ducks, pelicans, egrets, geese, swans, osprey, and occasional bald eagles), and episodi
We are an RV park with camping sites located right on the north shore of California's largest freshwater lake (Clear Lake). Boasting nearly 800' of shoreline, we have some of the most incredible views of nature's beauty, with a dormant volcano, phenomenal bird life (such as grebes, coots, ducks, pelicans, egrets, geese, swans, osprey, and occasional bald eagles), and episodic mammalian visitors as well (e.g., otters, deer and opossum).
Clear Lake is world-renowned for fishing, and now - since July 2020 - holds the title of THE #1 bass-fishing lake in all of North America FOR THE PAST DECADE!!! Lake County has also been rated #1 (multiple times) by the American Lung Association in terms of being the county with the lowest particulate matter in the entire United States. Thus, we have incredibly clean air ... wait until you see our night skies!
In terms of technology, we provide free WiFi access throughout our park so that our guests can take full advantage of their time with us. Also offered totally free is the use of our canoes, kayaks and paddle boats. Except for our spectacular views, that is probably the perk our guests rave about the most.
Our restrooms (with two spacious hot showers in each) are newly remodeled, and likely to be THE nicest you have ever seen in a campground or RV park.
For campers, we also have a "club room" with games, sofas, a prep sink, a refrigerator, a microwave oven a coffee-maker, etc. Fire pits are plentiful, and we will even (safely) set up one specially for you if necessary. In short, we offer a gorgeous location with full amenities and a great value. We hope you give us a try so that you can do as our website suggests: "EnjoyOurPark."
TENT SITE CATEGORIES:
We are the Aurora RV Park, originally built with a focus on serving guests traveling in their own recreational vehicles. Each site has a municipal water connection, a municipal sewer connection, and electricity (with 15, 30 and 50 amp service). With our location on the north end of California's largest lake (Clear Lake), we have added camping sites (as well as our own travel trailers and converted airport shuttle buses, which we rent out as well).
With a generally very quiet road that divides our park into a "North Campus" and a "South Campus," our camping sites come in categories that are based on that division. Those camping in the North Campus are situated in unused RV sites. As one can imagine, these sites are plenty large enough for a car and a tent, and the campers have direct access to the site's water and electricity, as well as the park's high-speed Internet (which is accessible throughout the park.) These North Campus sites come in two sub-categories: "Non-lakefront" camp sites and a "Lake View" camp site. The latter is a bit more spacious and (as the name implies) has better views of the lake, which is right across that quiet road. Although most people enjoy that site (and often specifically request it), some have preferred other sites since it is next to the road (albeit separated by a wrought iron fence).
At the South Campus is the other main category of tent sites: our "Lakeside" tent sites, such as the one that is the subject of this listing (i.e., "Lakeside Tent Site A"). These are not RV sites. Rather, they are situated in a separate area that is right on the water. We generally have two 8-person tents already set up there, and - because of their location - these sites are our most desirable. In addition to offering extraordinary views of the lake whenever you step out of your tent, this camping area is also adjacent to our activities room (with its prep sink, large refrigerator, microwave oven, etc.), is maybe 30 feet from our small beach area (where the canoes and kayaks are situated and launched), and is on the other side of the building that houses the park's very impressive restrooms. As one can imagine, these sites are the most in demand, so we recommend that you book early if you wish to stay at one of these. [Please note that we can rent the entire lakefront camping area to those (especially in larger parties) who desire that option.]
Please note also that the lake, laundry, rest rooms, canoe & kayaks, fish tank, etc., are all at the South Campus, and will take generally 40-60 seconds to reach from the North Campus sites. Fire pits and barbecues are on both sides of the road.
- Check in: After 3PM
- Check out: Before 11AM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 9 months out
- Response time: Within 12 hours
- Response rate: 87%
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Lakeside Tent Site A in California.
Beach
There is a small beach from which kayaks and canoes may enter and exit the lake.
Lake
Known as the Bass Capital of the West, Clear Lake supports large populations of bass, crappie, bluegill, carp and catfish. Two-...Read more
The vibe at Lakeside Tent Site A
Places to see near Free Kayaks and Scenic Heaven
7 Reviews
My family enjoyed the camp site. Love the lake and the activities offered! Thanks!
Beautiful view of the lake, campsite is right on the water. Bathrooms were very nice and clean and we loved taking the free kayaks & canoes out of the water. We didn’t know that there would be another tent set up right next to us with another party, but other than that we had a great time!
This is a one-of-a-kind site, you won't find anything like it. The morning view Clear Lake right outside your tent is magical! That being said, the listing doesn't mention everything you should be aware of, or it doesn't stress aspects enough. I have a mixed review- please read if you value privacy or if you camp with your dog.
1. Privacy: There's little to none. This site is on a corner plot directly across from the RV Park communal share room that is stocked with fridge space, coffee maker, sinks and burners- so it's heavily trafficked, with no barrier between your tent/campfire and the building except an open 10' concrete slab, which campers may also choose to use throughout the day, further reducing any privacy. Additionally, as stated in the listing, there is another campsite "next door" to this one. The more accurate description should be that this is ONE campsite split into two 'spaces'. My group needed two tents (the one provided plus one we brought), which barely fit in the space of our 'site'. There are no dividers or partitions between the "two" sites, so your experience hinges on who you by chance get stuck next to. (Our camping neighbors were lovely, no complaints).
2. Pets- I brought my young dog (15 months) who's protective, still learning new experiences and is highly aware. She had a miserable time. I would honestly strongly recommend you do not bring your pets to this site, as they won't get any rest due to the surrounding filled by strangers with high foot traffic. I moreso recommend the owner just restrict pets at all for this site, it would have been much more enjoyable for my friends and I without an overstimulated dog to manage. Owner lists dogs need to be of good temperment- but if you're a dog owner, you know even the friendliest canines sometimes just sniff something they don't like in a person and will bark to protect their owners. Since this site is not designed with privacy, owner should remove the option to bring any pet.
3. FREE kayaks- coolest part of the experience, hands down. The owner provides kayaks, canoes and a paddleboat for FREE and the lake is beautiful to take one out.
4. Campsite was super clean- great facilities, quality tent, picnic table and firepit. The owner, Mike, is very hospitable and you can tell he takes pride in his park (as he should). You can expect daily or nightly check ins to make sure you have everything you need.
I hope this helps you determine if this is the right spot for you! I'd absolutely come back, but I would rent the 'other' campsite to ensure I have the whole space to my party and I would not bring back my dog unless the owner installs a fence or privacy partitions between the campsite and community room.
What a lovely site! We were greeted by Mike and he took the time to show us around the grounds - he even took the time to point out Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter to us in the sky. Such a kind and hospitable host.
It was also super convenient to already have the tent set up when we arrived and using their canoes in the day was the cherry on top of an already great weekend. Definitely one of the most hospitable and beautiful sites that my husband and I have had the pleasure of staying at. We'll be back!
I loved staying here! I would also recommend this campsite for two families that wanted to camp together. Everything is clean and well maintained, the bathrooms were clearly recently remodeled and look great. The lake is beautiful and I loved canoeing with my family. My kids also enjoyed kayaking. The lake was surprisingly quiet, for being a big fishing lake, all I heard was ducks and birds, no motors.
Michael is lovely and was prepared to help us in any way. He was able to straddle the line between always being available and also giving us total privacy. He even brought us some freshly baked cake!
We had the whole campers’ game room to ourselves, which was nice for electricity as my kids had to zoom school. They loved having the lake as their backdrop. The wifi never let them down.
As far as covid protocols go, I felt they did a great job. The further I get from the Bay Area the less precautions I see used, but not there. And when we were leaving, someone came into the game room to clean up after us as if it was a hazardous waste site! I almost felt bad, he was cleaning things we had never touched, but better safe than sorry.
I can’t wait to return!
Our heater/stove went out and Michael was gracious to offer us additional blankets, etc. Due to time we didn’t make it to the site, but we will next time we are in that area because of Michaels graciousness. 😃
We had a great time staying at this campsite! Canoeing early in the morning were definitely highlight of our trip. It’s just so serene! Our tent was setup, bathroom were cleaned and sanitized, and we’re lucky to get the campsite for ourselves during our time (perfect during covid). At first we’re a little bit concerned with how close the site is with the RV parks, but everybody there respect the unwritten quiet time, by the time it’s 10 everything goes silent. It’s also not too far from vineyards and hiking trails.
- Property
- Free Kayaks and Scenic Heaven
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- $46/night
- 1 Site
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Hi, Danielle. I appreciate that you indicated (both in your public comments and your private note to me) that what we offer is a wonderful destination and an extraordinary value. What is interesting is that our evaluations of each other are virtually identical: All was pretty much perfect … except for your dog. We specifically note in our materials that "(1) Pets cannot be dangerous or threatening (from the point of view of an unsuspecting stranger, not from the point of view of a relaxed owner),” and that “we reserve the right to evict any guest - without a refund” if that criterion is not followed. We have never gone the eviction route, but I have to say I strongly considered doing so with your pet. I take issue with your claim that our park is “bad 4 dogs.” We have dogs all the time that do fine. Those pets approach people with their tails wagging and are friendly with strangers. Your dog was definitely not of that persuasion. I came over to welcome you to our park and your animal charged at me, growling viciously and appearing like she was about to bite my legs off. As far as I could tell, it was only because she was restrained by her leash that I still have legs. In other words, your dog was clearly “dangerous or threatening.” The fact that she is “protective” and “still learning new experiences” is irrelevant in terms of the harms she might unleash. What if some small child had come up to her? I’m an ER physician, and I can’t begin to count the number of children I have seen bitten by dogs, at times with scars that are severe and life-long. Although you obviously love your animal and undoubtedly feel safer and protected with her around, bringing an animal like that to any location where unsuspecting others might walk by is, to my mind, dangerous and irresponsible. Your contention that we “should remove the option to bring any pet” makes me believe that you don’t appreciate how much of an outlier your dog is in terms of the potential danger to (and the fear she instills in) others. We do not need to remove the option currently available to our guests – i.e., to have their friendly and safe four-legged loved ones join them at our park. What we need is to have guests with dangerous or threatening pets recognize that reality and abide by our policy prohibiting such animals. You and your friends were delightful, and we would love to have you return in accordance with that policy. If you do, I’m confident that everyone will experience nothing but the great time you seem to agree you would have enjoyed but for the presence of your canine. - Mike (owner)