Best Camping in and near Clear Lake State Park

79% (12 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Clear Lake adventure.

California’s largest natural lake is a water recreation, fishing, and birdwatching hot spot.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Clear Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Clear Lake State Park

Cole Creek Campground

138 sites · RVs, Tents In Clear Lake State Park

Group Camping Area

In Clear Lake State Park

88%

(4)

Upper Bayview Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents In Clear Lake State Park

100%

(3)

Kelsey Creek Campground

82 sites · RVs, Tents In Clear Lake State Park

75%

(4)

Lower Bayview Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Clear Lake State Park

Cabin Colony

In Clear Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Clear Lake State Park

95%

(185)

Mandala Springs Wellness Center

50 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Cobb, CA

Mandala Spring is an eco vegetarian, substance free, wellness sanctuary for the body mind and soul, and a supportive campground for all travelers. Since long ago, this sacred land has been a 'meeting place' and 'safe zone' for all local native tribes, and may be why it is protected so well by the spirits of the land. Mandala is committed to preserving this space as a sanctuary and gathering space for all to cultivate and nourish their practices.

100%

(2)

The Ripe Choice Farm Stay

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Lakeport, CA

6 acres with vineyard, orchard, commercial kitchen, barn loft (2night min), mini pigs, chickens, tortoise, dogs

95%

(201)

Forest Ocean Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · CA

Tree studded campsites with large view of the ocean. Not far off Hwy 1. Many beaches to choose from a few miles away. Close to Anchor Bay, Gualala and Point Arena. Large secluded sites with picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent. Porta potty and potable water available. Great place to get away. Please note ticks are always prevalent on the coast and Spring time there are more of them please make sure you and your dog are protected.

94%

(31)

Ettawa Springs Resort

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Middletown, CA

Ettawa Springs Resort dates back to the 1920s and 30s like the fashionable resorts in the Cobb area where the rich and famous came to play. But Ettawa was oriented towards families and a more relaxed and rustic atmosphere. We are working hard to restore her to her former glory. We are excited to announce that we have a few campsites ready for use and will be adding more soon. We offer hot showers and flush toilets and some sites with running water. You can hike through our property to the Cobb Mountain Demonstration Forest or just enjoy the clean air and listen to the wind and the creek. On clear nights the stars put on an amazing show. Clear Lake is about 45 minutes away with all the fishing and water sports you could ask for. Harbin Hot Springs are 15 minutes away and they offer day passes for reasonable rates. We are located about 20 minutes outside of Middletown. Be aware that half of the road is gravel (and that's better than the asphalt half) all of it is fine for small cars, just take your time. The last 1/2 mile or so is a one lane road, so please be careful of opposing traffic and uneven surfaces. We cannot accommodate vehicles longer than 25’ on these roads. We offer California camping at its finest. Fresh air, whispering trees, amazing star fields . . . this can mean the less attractive side of nature as well. We have ticks, rattlesnakes, stinging things, poison oak, uneven trails and surfaces, and a bear on one ridge with mountain cats on the other (no sign of either in the campground). We keep the restroom stocked with tick spray and Tecnu for the poison oak, but please watch yourselves and especially children. Dogs are welcome, but should be kept on lead for their own protection and the comfort of others. We are fairly hands off in our hosting approach. Unless there's a question or problem, you likely won't see us. But we have people close by and are only a message away.

98%

(367)

Glamping in the Redwoods 🐶🐕💃🕺🏼

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Occidental, CA

Welcome to West Sonoma County Hipcamping in the Redwoods! We are located just a 2-minute drive or a 15-minute walk away from the quaint little hamlet of Occidental, where you'll find terrific restaurants with take-out, and two nice markets (one organic) and a liquor/convenience store. In town, you'll also find a terrific independent local meat market that has been in operation for over 100 years! 25 minutes from the ocean, 20 minutes to the Russian River and kayaking, and 30 minutes from HWY 101 or HWY 1. A perfect stop-over if you are travelling up the coast of California. We have 2 campsites to choose from. (Both are clothing optional. 😉). 1. Treehouse (glamping stay with Hot Tub, Pool and Sauna). Bring your own bedding… We supply fresh fitted top sheets on upscale memory foam mattresses. Full kitchen and bath, gas barbecue, flush toilet and hot water shower. 2. RV/tent site (bring your own camp stove, gas or charcoal barbecue, cooking utensils, tent or RV, and enjoy a Hot Tub and a heated Tiki Tent). Enjoy a real bathroom with a (short) hot shower, sink and toilet. Please see each site description below for more information. Our property is the perfect stopover in Northern California’s Redwoods and wine country. A terrific camp spot to recharge and unwind. Quiet, exclusive, secure, gated, sunny- and in a very friendly and safe forest setting. ⛺️🏕️🌲 NOTE: Although wood campfires are not allowed in our county, we have 2 wonderful gas fire pits for your year-round enjoyment. Both the Treehouse and Vancamp have their own private hot tub and gas fire pit. We are pet-friendly and LGBTQ-friendly! ALL ARE WELCOME 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Come and experience our little slice of heaven. We look forward to serving up a very fun and relaxing time for you and yours! Please check out our reviews and photos.

Clear Lake Campground

87 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Clearlake, CA

Clear Lake Campground is small, vintage RV and tent campground, established in the 1950s. Camp right on Cache Creek, the only outlet of Clear Lake. The campground offers fishing, kayaking, and boating right from Camp. A car or boat is required to get to Clear Lake. For lake fishing, Redbud Park, Highlands Park and Austin Park are all within a ten minute drive from Camp. Austin Park also has a playground and swimming beach. The park offers rustic charm with great fishing and bird watching right from your campsite. We have a boat launch for your kayak, canoe or motor boat and we have canoe and kayak rentals. Cool off in the small pool. Challenge your family to a ping pong tournament or corn toss game. Lake County guests enjoy stunning vistas, world-class wines, the largest freshwater lake in California, the cleanest air in the US and endless outdoor activities. Activities include fishing, birding, kayaking, biking, hiking and wine tasting. Our staff have been trained as tourism ambassadors and can help you make the most of your vacation. Travel trailers, campers, tents and RVs are all welcome. Most sites include water, sewer and 30 amp electric. Limited wifi. Campsites are hard packed dirt. We also have 3 partially-furnished canvas bell tents to make your stay even easier! Please note, our small vintage campground is best suited to smaller trailers and motor coaches. Sites range from 25-40 feet long and 18-24 feet wide. Please plan accordingly.

97%

(3236)

Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, CA

Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.

99%

(1286)

Finley Camp

13 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bodega Bay, CA

Finley Camp is nestled along Finley Creek in West Sonoma County. Campsites are located in open flats surrounded by Coast Doug Fir, Alder, and California Bay forests. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate, and access to a porta potty and hand washing station. The campsites are located past the end of the county road allowing for a quiet peaceful experience. Enjoy a quiet stroll on site, the surrounding communities of Bodega, Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, and Tomales, or just enjoy a quiet day in camp. Our sites are located approximately 20 minutes from Bodega Bay. The campsites are 2.5 miles from the coast and the weather can be unpredictable. As a general rule, it is very similar to that of San Francisco. All camp sites are situated in a valley that offers protection from the coastal winds. The have both morning and evening shade. Sites #2, #6, #7, and #11 have the most space, while sites #4, #7, #8, #9 and #11 offer the most privacy. Sites 1-3, any combination of 5-7, and 12-13 are well suited for groups. Other site groupings work well depending on the number of sites being reserved. Site #8 is unique in that it has a wood deck/platform for tents. There are also NO wood fires allowed at site #8 as it is under the tree canopy. A propane firepit is provided for your use. You can bring a 5 gallon propane tank from home, or a full one is available for rent on site. We have beef available for purchase from calves raised exclusively on our ranch. This beef is 100% grass fed and finished and never given grain of any kind. We have various cuts available such as steaks, ground, roasts, ribs, or other various specialty cuts. All beef is cut and wrapped by a USDA certified butcher. It is raised in an organic manner from cows that freely roam on the pastures of the coastal hills we call home. For further information or for a price sheet, please inquire with the camp host. Well behaved dogs are welcome at Finley Camp. All dogs must be kept on leash at all times while on the property. There are no exceptions to this. Finley Camp is located on an active cattle ranch and directly adjacent to a neighboring ranch with cattle. Also be sure to check out our orchard tours. The apples ripen from Late July thru late November. We'll take you to our family orchard where you can pick apples, pears, or blueberries in season and taste yummy treats out of our family garden.

Booked 3 times

Hermitage, Views, Pool, Spa

10 sites · RVs, Tents164 acres · Hopland, CA

The views are incredible here is all directions. There is hiking, swimming pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi. Campfires at stage area, Picnic area. BBQ area. Camp areas: Fox Grove, East Corral, Oak Grove, Eagle Camp. RV, tent, and auto camping. Wine Tasting at Le Vin Winery $25. fee. Beautiful sunsets, star gazing, warm summer nights. Outdoor private Solar Showers. Indoor and outdoor bathrooms.

91%

(95)

Whaleback Ridge Campgrounds

10 sites · RVs, Tents34 acres · Calistoga, CA

*See @whalebackranch on IG for updated photos and videos. Welcome to Whaleback Ridge, named after the ridgeline that my great-grandparents called "the Whaleback" to the Northern edge of our property. I grew up here, and my family is the 5th generation to work this land. We've recently made many fun improvements after Dan and Mariah got married here two years ago, at the Married Manzanitas Campsite. Whaleback Ridge has consolidated! We currently offer two campsites, the Shaded Oak and the Married Manzanitas. Coming soon, after May 19, the Married Manzanitas Cabin will be added. Each main site is very private, and all sites share access to the "Hilltop 360 View Station" where you can find water, electricity, WiFi and access to civilization if you want it. TWO AVAILABLE SITES: 1. Shaded Oak: small RV/trailer accessible, this is a back-in site that also has a flat spot for a small tent. The back-in is slightly challenging; we recommend you drive to the top of the driveway (the Hilltop 360 View Station), and turn around for easier maneuvering. This site has a table, chairs, garbage can with bags, dish soap and a 5 gallon water jug for a "handwashing" station (well water, not harmful but not the best drinking water). All sites have their own compost toilet - yours has the Orange "Home Dumpo" (TM) - just be sure to add leaves/mulch on top. Garbage: take down your garbage on your way out, dumping in the grey and blue bins labeled "Hipcamp" by the main mailbox. 2. Married Manzanitas: tent or open star camping only, with mainly walk-in access to the site (about 30 yards). Driving in with 4WD or high clearance vehicles is optional and at your own risk of scratches/dents. You'll have a large table, chairs, flat spot for tent with a tarp available, your own compost toilet "throne" (your site has a large red throne - be sure to add leaves or mulch on top when you've finished using it). This site has a dishwashing and handwashing station, as well as utensils, dishes, and a camp stove available in drawers under the sink. *The handwashing station etc. is shared with Married Manzanitas Cabin IF both are rented out. Note: The Married Manzanitas sites are also the only ones that do not accommodate a trailer or RV, since they are walk-in or 4WD only with limited clearance. SHARED: Hilltop 360 View Station: this is the place to find shared access to electricity, water, shower, propane grill, microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and lots of games! Everyone is welcome to drive or walk to the Hilltop - continue UP the driveway past your site- and at the TOP, veer left toward the "Welcome" sign and away from the main house (where we have tenants living). Park anywhere between the yellow shed and small white 'cabin' near the water tank. Keep walking past the cabin to the main hiking trail to the Whaleback Ridge. *The Hilltop 360 View Station is behind the Yellow Shed, where you'll find the sink and shower; inside the shed you'll find everything else. *Feel free to wash/rinse anything you want to use first, as dust, etc. is likely to accumulate. *Definitely clean, dry and return anything you used to avoid a $15 cleaning fee. *Dan is no longer "on site" (most of the time) but available by text or call. In emergencies or stuck cars, our tenant/host at the main house can help for a $15 emergency help fee if he's available. Dan is the main point of contact by text. If you need WIFI to send a text, you can connect at the Hilltop 360 View Station. Router is 2WIREADOE and password is 61963948. *For hiking, you can explore most all parts of the property NORTH of the driveway/camps. You can get to "The Whaleback" most easily by walking to the "Hilltop 360 View Station" and walking left, past the white Coral Cabin, about 25 yards then taking your FIRST left trail and following the main trails which will cover the edges of our 34 acres, about 30-45 min. hike to the top of the ridge. The other way to access this trail is through our "Fern Gully", which is Northeast of the Shaded Oak (past the compost toilet and then 'right,' down the wash will get you to our streambed, then right again following the stream will eventually get you to the main trail). These trails do get overgrown, and it is wilderness. -rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak - long pants and hiking boots required. *Each camp has an outdoor compost toilet setup. You cover your biz with leaves/mulch/grasses and it starts breaking down and eliminates odor immediately. In general, please pee in a bush, or use the commode or blue bucket (depending on the site) and dump it in the bushes if you prefer. Please bring a roll of toilet paper to be sure it is available and dry (due to morning mist, other campers, etc). *We have an old dog! She is a husky-akida mix (her name is "Beautiful") and she will bark at first. She makes friends quickly; feel free to meet her and show you're friendly, then ignore her and/or play with her! But please don't feed her human food, and watch your food (!). If you bring pets, they should be fine! If yours is at all questionable with new dogs, please just introduce them slowly at first, and then they should get along famously. Throwing a toy or stick should work, or if available, give her a dog treat. We let them out in the morning and evening but try to keep them out of your space most of the time. *Steer clear of the neighbors down the hill - the first house you see when you drive up the driveway. Please do not disturb them. *When you book, a google doc will be sent to you which you can download as a PDF on your phone to keep available when you lose WiFi. *This is a beautiful, serene, and peaceful spot! We invite you to come contribute to that energy.

95%

(340)

Pine Grove Cobb Resort

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Cobb, CA

The historic Pine Grove Cobb Resort offers a unique lodging and event location in the beautiful Northern California Mountains, 30 minutes from California’s wine country. Ideal for family reunions, group retreats and relaxing private getaways, we offer sleeping accommodations for up to 30 people and room for many more to camp, gather and celebrate. Commune with nature at Pine Grove Cobb Resort, nestled in 30 acres of the Northern California Mayacamas Mountain Range. Take a walk through the property, cool off in the year-round Cobb Creek or take a dip in the Mountain Spring water, non-chlorinated pool. Get ready to enjoy wood fired pizza and other delectable treats from our Cob Pizza Oven which is the perfect spot to enjoy a cozy evening with family and friends. The property also offers a large chlorinated swimming pool with diving board, water slide and kiddy pools. In summer season a poolside grill serves up yummy food. We have cabins, glamping and group tent camping available - as well as our Sanctuary Treehouse, a Hipcamp favorite.

100%

(9)

EL EL Cool Ranch

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Ukiah, CA

Welcome to our majestic homestead nestled on 80 acres of pristine wilderness, up a private secluded road just outside of Ukiah. Situated off Highway 253 towards Booneville, our enchanting retreat offers a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers alike. In the winter months, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with streams, creeks, and waterfalls cascading through the lush forests. Lichen adorns the trees, while curious newts explore their surroundings. It's a magical time to reconnect with nature and marvel at the beauty of the season. As the temperatures rise in the summer, our homestead comes alive with vibrant gardens bursting with vegetables and flowers, fruit trees in bloom, and a tranquil pond offers the perfect spot for a dip. Keep an eye out for the unique wild ponies that call this valley home, adding to the allure of the landscape. Explore hiking trails that wind through the property, offering glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Nearby rivers and creeks beckon for swimming, while the majestic redwoods and stunning coastline are just a short drive away. Our dome, a true architectural gem, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests. With its remarkable acoustics, it's the perfect setting for yoga sessions, writing retreats, or simply soaking in the serenity of the surroundings. In the colder months, cozy up next to the wood stove and indulge in a hot bath while a pot of soup simmers on the stove. Accessible via a well-maintained gravel and dirt road, our homestead offers a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Please note that AWD/4WD is required during the winter months to navigate the terrain safely. Whether you're seeking solitude and reflection or adventure and exploration, our majestic homestead offers something for everyone. We invite you to experience the magic of our sanctuary and create memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome home.

The best camping near Clear Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

North of Napa Valley, Clear Lake State Park sits on the southwestern shores of California’s largest natural lake. The lake is ideal for swimming, boating, paddling, water sports, and fishing, and is considered by many to be the top bass fishing lake in the country. Land based activities include hiking and biking through the surrounding oak woodland, exploring native history and picnicking. Birdwatching is also popular at this Audubon Important Bird Area along the Pacific Flyway. Four developed and two group campgrounds offer overnight options spanning tent sites, no-hookup RV sites, hike and bike sites, and lakeside cabins.

Notable campgrounds

Best for anglers and lake access: Kelsey Creek Campground offers lakeside sites and easy access to fishing.
Best for lake views and swimmers: Near the swim beach, Lower Bayview Campground offers fantastic views of Clear Lake and Soda Bay.
Best for hikers: Upper Bayview Campground offers easy access to several trails, including the Dorn Nature Trail and Indian Nature Trail.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations can be made from two days and up to six months in advance. During peak season, plan to reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates.
If you don’t have a reservation, arrive first thing in the morning to grab any available sites. From October to March, Kelsey Creek Campground is first-come, first-served only.
Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates—only the Kelsey Creek Campground is open year-round.

When to go

The park is busiest in summer, particularly when temperatures soar. Summer visitors can take advantage of numerous programs, including nature walks, campfire programs, and junior ranger programs. Visit in early spring to see vibrant wildflowers, especially the western redbud. Spring and summer are great times to spot native birds, while fall brings migratory birds.

Know before you go

Accessible facilities include several campsites and cabins, restrooms, showers, the swim beach, the Kelsey Creek Trail, and portions of the Dorn Nature Trail.
Low water levels can cause the boat ramp to close. Use caution when swimming, as no lifeguards are on duty.
Bring insect repellent; mosquitoes can be an issue.
Stay on trails and designated areas, as poison oak can be found all over the park.
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, parking lots, and paved roadways, but not on trails, day-use areas, or the swim area.

Nearby attractions

Explore the wonders of camping near Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, where nature meets adventure. Filled with diverse wildlife and scenic beauty, Berryessa Snow Mountain camping offers unforgettable stargazing experiences and exhilarating hiking trails. It's truly a camper's paradise!