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 State Park 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

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

Group Camping Area

In Clear Lake State Park

Cabin Colony

1 site In Clear Lake State Park

from

$30

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Clear Lake State Park

95%

(347)

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.

99%

(97)

Pickle Barrel Cabin and Camp

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Anchor Bay, CA

This 10 acre property is located on the coastal ridge, often above the fog. You will be on the Pacific plate looking across to the North American plate, looking down on the San Andreas fault! Near artsy, coastal towns. Wonderful location for relaxing after a day of hiking and exploring beaches and forests.. In the winter months, it can provide a peaceful retreat and often dramatic storm watching. Peaceful, security-gated property with a campsite for RV's/tent camping for maximum of 6, and the charming Pickle Barrel cabin for 2 is available. You can book either one or both. Either way, you will have the entire site for your stay. Outside wood campfires are allowed seasonally, but unless there is a fire ban, propane fire pits are allowed year round. Hot showers are available 15 minutes away with purchase of a day pass and quarters. The owners and their dog live on site about 50 yards away. You may see us doing our walks. Centrally located. 10 minutes from beaches, rivers, state parks, Stornetta Lands National Monument, and towns, i.e., Gualala, Point Arena, or Anchor Bay.

97%

(30)

Huckleberry Haven

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Cazadero, CA

Huckleberry Haven currently features one glorious campsite and camp deck in the forest. Surrounded by huckleberries (in season July-Nov), fir and redwood trees and adjacent to Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Preserve. Property is situated at 800' above sea level (usually above the fog) across the road from the Stump Beach trailhead in Salt Point State Park - which is a 2 mile hike or bike ride down to the beach. Enjoy quiet solitude of one of the most private and quiet places on the Sonoma Coast. Avoid the crowds of Salt Point, with all the basic amenities you expect. Birdwatch, play frisbee golf, hunt for mushrooms, basecamp your hikes, runs or mountain bike rides in Salt Point, or use Huckleberry Haven as the central spot to innumerable road bike rides on empty roads. The choice is yours!

99%

(85)

Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping

122 sites · Lodging10 acres · Healdsburg, CA

[20% DISCOUNT: Use code UECFZ4RN on 2-night Sunday-Thursday stays through March 2025. Enjoy the solitude and lower rates of wine country this off-season] Wildhaven Sonoma is the top-rated glamping spot in the Bay Area. Our glamping experience was designed to provide guests with comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, while still maintaining a close connection to Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty. Guests check in to extra-large, safari-style tents or cozy cabins, both with comfortable beds (with linens and heated mattress pads), electricity and heaters, WiFi, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Outside, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Those seeking a tent with more comfort and features can book our Riverside tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and improved nature views, just a few steps from the Russian River. Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. These include a clean, central bathroom building, hot showers, an outdoor kitchen with dish-washing sinks and gas BBQs, a store with local treats, and summer activities such as yoga classes, wine tastings, and live music. The highlight of the 10-acre property is the private river access for guests. Wildhaven’s section of the Russian River is calm yet clean and perfect for innertubes from May-Oct. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. When it's time to venture out, Wildhaven is just 5 miles from the charming small town of Healdsburg, with its picture-perfect town plaza filled with palm and redwood trees and surrounded by 30+ tasting rooms, book and cooking stores, and ice cream shops. We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River. We're dog friendly! There is a limit of 2 dogs per tent. Please be sure to add the dog fee in extras upon check out.

94%

(17)

New Carpati Farm

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Sebastopol, CA

New Carpati Farm is a family farm and homestead that welcomes visitors! It is characterized by a view that goes for miles, overlooking evergreen fields along the Laguna Santa Rosa. Features of the Property: - Open fields - A barn with a mural of its residents: two Alpacas and 7 Jacob Sheep - A flower farm featuring magnificent Dahlias - A Treehouse - Several Camping Sites under trees or in the sun - A Glamping Tent - A hot tub tucked way in the trees New Carpati Farm is 8-10 minutes from downtown Sebastopol towards Highway 101, a great base to explore Sonoma County, from Bodega Bay to the Redwoods of Occidental, The Russian River, Healdsburg, and Petaluma. Hiking is great all year long. Quaint towns like Sebastopol, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa are nearby. The ocean is 30 minutes to the west and Sonoma and Napa wine country are 45-60. We hope to host you in this lovely place!

99%

(50)

Locus Solus

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Point Arena, CA

Tired of the scorching heat? Come chill out on the coast where it's always 20 degrees cooler than everywhere else. Located in the coastal prairie minutes from the Pacific Ocean and the town of Point Arena. Plenty of privacy to launch into day trips and other adventures in this special corner of the world. The Octagon and the campsite offer solitude, stunning views, bird watching, and walking trails on the property. We're 5 mins from town, the cove, various beaches, tide pools, the historic lighthouse, fishing spots, and the B Bryan Animal Preserve where you can view African animals and hand feed giraffes. Come find what you've been missing!

97%

(495)

South Facing Ridge With Views

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Comptche, CA

Surrounded by cooperate timberland, it feels like there are no neighbors! There is not a house in sight but the the ridge views seem to go on forever! - There is a simple latrine at each site. A full bath house with a flush toilet and hot shower is available next to the main house. A water spigot is attached to the main house. - Spare camping supplies are available by the bath house if you forget something! Ask ahead if you need to borrow a specific item. More about the property: I built my home high upon a southern ridge. Watching the river of coastal fog flow in and out below me is one of the most wonderful views to behold! I have 30 acres of land to explore and camp upon in the surrounding redwood forest. 10 miles east are Montgomery Woods redwood preserve with GIANT trees, and a little farther, perhaps a mile is the famous Orr Hot Springs Resort. If you drive a half hour west from my land you will be in the coastal Mendocino village. We are marijuana friendly!! Thus, we have created more of an adult oriented atmosphere. one last note: We recently made separate listings for different sites. See campsite #1 for reviews.Guests love staying here "What a fantastic experience. I arrived to Cosmo’s super late after a long day going up the coast. It was a last minute book that morning, if I remember right - my campsite had fallen through. His directions were spot on, and very kindly he stayed up to take me to my site and help me get set up, even going so far as to light me a fire. His property was easily navigable in the dark, and my two wheel drive made it fine. We talked for a while - what a cool guy. He was able to give me recommendations from a friend of what to do during the next legs of my trip, which was great and really did make a difference for the rest of my week. I cooked my dinner and sat stunned looking at some of the best stargazing I’ve had in a long time.When I woke up I realized that I had been sleeping next to a mountainside view - this was site 3. Talk about the best surprise I’ve gotten in a while unzipping a tent. The clouds were gathered in the valley and as I ate breakfast I got to watch the sun slowly clear then out. It was unbelievable.Before I left, Cosmo let me use his indoor solar-heated shower and told me all about his projects to build his own home and roads and move towards a more sustainable future. Overall this is really the best of what I imagine hipcamp has to offer - kind property owners & unique individuals who care about their guests while also allowing them to have their own experience. If I’m ever near Mendocino I will gladly make the trip inland to stay at his property again."

94%

(81)

Thanktuary Retreat

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gualala, CA

Learn more about this land: The winds whisper through the redwood trees and provide respite from the hot sun. Here on the ridge above Gualala, lies nestled a lovely and serene campground called Thanktuary Retreat. Skunks, jackrabbits, deer, foxes and very rarely a mountain lion or bear can be found on our 5 acres of forested land. There is a fishpond with water lilies, mini golf course and pétanque court (both with equipment in a useful shed close by), a horse shoe ring and beautiful, natural secluded spots in the redwoods perfect for meditation and vision questing. Huckleberry bushes and ferns grow abundantly. The place lends itself to self-reflection and introspection. There is space for 1 RV with a patio table and chairs and some sun loungers. There are also 2 tent sites available on the property, located in one large area, further away from the RV sites. Barely 7 minutes away is downtown Gualala, with amenities such as 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, bakery, restaurants and more. There is a beautiful holistic gift store, The Sea Trader, Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, and some lovely art galleries in town. Kayaking is available at the Gualala River. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Swimming at the Navarro River, and various bays. It is a place of incredible scenic beauty all along CA 1. Watch whales spouting during whale season. (Gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October). Bower Park, just 0.5 miles away with a lovely lake, tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, and two separate playgrounds. Play disc golf or hike along the nature trail/fitness course. Anchor Bay is 5 miles up CA 1, with a supermarket, a few cafes, restaurants (including a great Thai place!) laundromat, hair salon, and more. The quaint town of Point Arena is 12 miles north, with a supermarket, Frannie's Cup And Saucer, The Bird Cafe, a beautiful historic lighthouse, a theater, a pier, a mini-safari park (B Bryan Preserve with zebras, giraffes and more. Tours need to be booked in advance). Also visit Roots, a natural pharmacy for herbs, teas and supplements. There are also spots like Occidental, Bodega Bay, Jenner (with the Russian River to kayak and swim) and Timber Cove, all on the way to Gualala from the south. Bodega Bay has lovely spots to eat, with clam chowder, fish and chips. Enjoy wind and water sports, and walk on the pier.

97%

(479)

Shangri-La

8 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Upper Lake, CA

For 21 years, we have worked on keeping this property as a Sacred Space. There's a meadow with an Indian artifact and amazing views. We are a team, husband and wife, this is off-the-grid and we raise our children here. At the same time, we grow organic food and work on our crafts and spiritual practice, never using chemical fertilizers, and keeping all of the groundwater clear and clean with an abundance of spring water for drinking. This is a magical forest retreat and we love to share it with others who are like-minded. Right out of the Mendocino National Forest, 100-Acre Forest and Meadow Retreat is just minutes to the Eel River out of the small town of Potter Valley and 15 minutes to Lake Pillsbury. Private views, fresh spring water and endless possibilities. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******We have 2 campsites currently with fresh spring water, and fire pits. Private and in the woods. Lots of hiking on the land, with stunning views. Bring your own tent, hammock, food whatever you need to be a happy camper!! In the spring of 2019 we added in 2 new yurt sites, with soaking tubs, filled with hot spring water. We have 2 campsites to book for regular camping tents and we just added a community bathroom . Nestled away in the forest very private queen size bed natural spring water for soaking in the tub on your porch. In addition for comfort and convenience we have a nice bathroom with hand-washing station. Each yurt can come with propane heat in winter time you need to request it, in the Extras. making it cozy all year long. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******.

97%

(3376)

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.

97%

(126)

spirit chicken ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Ukiah, CA

Our property boasts year round creeks, waterfalls, swimming holes, Madrones, Oaks, Douglas firs and manzanitas. Wild horses roam the land as well as the occasional mountain lion and black bear. On the human end we have an ancient walnut grove as well as many fruit trees two small ponds all in total privacy at the very end of the road. We also have a Sauna and outdoor bathtub and shower available for use. We are out a 9 mile dirt road and a 4X4 or all wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Ask me about booking the whole place for a private event!

100%

(211)

CAMP CAZ

1 site · Lodging18 acres · Cazadero, CA

Discover a hidden gem in Cazadero- a cabin on a private 18-acre creekside property just 2 hours from the Bay Area. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this 60s era cabin surrounded by a 400-year old redwood forest. Unwind in an outdoor clawfoot tub or gather around the fire pit for S’mores. With central heating, a grill, and a wood-burning fireplace, this cozy forest glamping retreat is your ideal destination for a family vacation or group getaway. The cabin sleeps up to four guests with a private bedroom that has two trundle beds, and a king-sized sleeper couch in the open living room. Enjoy waking up to birdsong and misty forest views before preparing breakfast in the fully-equipped kitchen. Spin some vinyl on the turntable, seamlessly connected via Bluetooth. Relax on the wraparound deck for afternoon naps or nights under the stars. Camp Caz is kid-friendly, with innertubes for supervised creek fun and endless hours of exploring. For those seeking adventure beyond our haven, the Russian River in Monte Rio is a scenic 20-minute drive away. Parking is a breeze with the driveway accommodating 5-7 cars comfortably for day guests (please consult with the host). The Cazadero General Store is a quick five minutes away, ensuring extra beers or veggies for the grill are never in short supply.

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!