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 Reservation
- 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!
Clear Lake State Park
California’s largest natural lake is a water recreation, fishing, and birdwatching hot spot.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
6 campgrounds in Clear Lake State Park
Outside of Kelseyville, Kelsey Creek is a huge campground surrounded by Clear Lake and the Kelsey Slough. (Which you can walk along on the Kelsey Creek boardwalk trail. ) This is the best place for fishing. Imagine waking up, walking 5 feet and watching the sunrise over Clear Lake while casting your line. There are also cabins and a group campsi Read more...
Cole Creek is on the far west side of the park by, you guessed it, Cole Creek! There are two great views nearby, Lake Overlook further up north, and Meadow Overlook in the south right at the end of the Indian Nature trail. This campsite is an incredibly accessible hike-bike site where you can enjoy the nearby trails and scenery, or just relax to t Read more...
This small campground is located more in the outskirts of the park, yet also remains easily accessible to everything the area has to offer. There are great views of Soda Bay from up there, where you can watch fellow visitors enjoying the day on their boats. And if that’s not enough, you can head on over to the Lake Overlook point to see all of the Read more...
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This is the best campground to stay at if you’re itching to jump into the water-- the swimming beach is only a few steps away! You can admire views of both Clear Lake and Soda Bay from a viewpoint, or hang out on the picnic tables while you enjoy lunch. Unloading is no problem because there is a parking lot conveniently right next to the site. Wit Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
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!
Public campgrounds (book externally) —