• Home
  • Rates
  • Sites
  • Amenities
  • Contact & Directions
  • Book Your Campsite Now
  • Kayak and Canoe Rentals
  • Blog
  • Clear Lake Campground FAQs
  • Covid Update
CLEAR LAKE Campground
  • Home
  • Rates
  • Sites
  • Amenities
  • Contact & Directions
  • Book Your Campsite Now
  • Kayak and Canoe Rentals
  • Blog
  • Clear Lake Campground FAQs
  • Covid Update

The Clear Lake Blog

Top Things to Do with Kids in Lake County

7/10/2022

0 Comments

 
Lake County offers the opportunity for many children's activities, especially outdoor activities. At Clear Lake Campground, we have a swimming pool, small play area, fishing spots, a ping pong table and other outdoor games. But there are fun and interesting places to go near Clear Lake Campground, too.

Easy Hikes and Swimming Spots:
  • Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, just a couple minutes from camp, has an easy nature trail leading to the creek that starts just past the ranch house.
  • Middletown Trailside Park, just outside Middletown has level trails in woodlands, picnic tables and outdoor art exhibits.
  • Clear Lake State Park, in Kelseyville, has easy trails and a beach where you can swim. Bikes are also allowed on the pavement.
  • Highland Springs Recreation Area, about 30 minutes from camp, has an easy lakeside trail around Highland Springs reservoir. Swimming and non-motorized boats are allowed in the reservoir.
  • See more Lake County hikes and places to swim.

Activities:
  • Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum, 5 minutes from Camp, is in the old schoolhouse originally built in 1877. The schoolhouse has been restored and has historic displays including Native American artifacts, a Victorian parlor with a player piano, and a restored schoolroom. Thurs - Sat, 10:00-4:00. 16435 Main Street, Lower Lake
  • Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum, 20 minutes from camp, has historic farm equipment and other objects on the grounds around the museum and in the barn below it. On the first Sunday of the month, 12-2, an old fashioned fiddlers' jam is held in the barn, open to the public (no charge). Sat & Sun, 11:00 - 3:00, 921 Soda Bay Rd, Kelseyville
  • Tatonka Land Mini-Golf, in Clearlake, is an old-fashioned miniature golf course that's a fun place for families. 14240 Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake, Wed - Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4 call to confirm hours, 707-994-1661

Playgrounds and Parks:
  • Austin Park has a new children's playground with innovative play equipment. There are also adult exercise machines, picnic tables, bass sculptures, a dog area and a skateboard park.  Corner of Lakeshore Drive and Olympic, Clearlake.
  • Redbud Park has a small children's play area and a pier over the lake that makes a nice walking or fishing spot. 14655 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake
  • Russel Rustici Park has a small playground. 16375 2nd St, Lower Lake
  • Kelseyville County Park has a nice playground, covered picnic area, and basketball court. 5270 State Street, Kelseyville
  • Library Park has a playground and boardwalk along the lake, 200 Park St, Lakeport
Book Your Camp Site Now
Picture

Author

Martha Bakerjian is a part-time employee at Clear Lake Campground and writes a web site about Italy: Martha's Italy

0 Comments

Spring at Clear Lake Campground

4/16/2022

0 Comments

 
What are the top things to do at Clear Lake Campground in spring?

Spring is the perfect time to visit Clear Lake Campground. Days are longer, wildflowers are blooming, fish are biting, and birders will spot a variety of birds around Lake County. It's a good time to rent a kayak, go wine tasting, or just relax at camp. Here are top 5 things to do near Clear Lake Campground on your spring visit to Lake County:
  • Look for Birds. Clear Lake is a birder's paradise and birds are usually plentiful in spring. Birds you may see include Coots, Mallards, Grebes, Great Blue Heron, Cormorants, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Anna's Hummingbirds, and blackbirds. See more top birds to see in Lake County. Besides watching for birds along the creek or in the trees across from Camp, there are several excellent places for birding around Clear Lake. We have 7 suggestions for places to go for bird watching in Clear Lake Birding Hot Spots.
  • Kayak or Canoe. Explore Cache Creek in a kayak or canoe. You can launch your own (free to those staying at Camp or a $5 launch fee) or rent a kayak or canoe right at Camp. We have the only boat launch on Cache Creek! See our suggested kayak or canoe itinerary from Camp.
  • Take a hike. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, right across from Camp (a 2 minute drive to the entrance) is a great place to hike in spring, whether you want an easy, short nature walk or a longer trail. It's an excellent place for spotting birds and you may also see deer, squirrels, and other wildlife. If you're looking for a strenuous hike with great views from the top, Mt Konocti County Park is just 20 minutes from Camp. See details about these and other places in 5 Great Places to Hike in Lake County.
  • Taste Wine. Lake County is one of California's top wine regions. Most wineries offer tasting in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere but it's best to call in advance to check current opening times and make a reservation. Some are only open on weekends. Several wineries have picnic tables and a small store that sells picnic items and most are in beautiful settings. Here are our recommendations for 6 Wineries to Visit that are less than half an hour from Camp.
  • Go fishing. Fishing is usually very good in spring. You can fish right from Camp, especially for catfish, but there are several places to fish around the lake. Top Lake County spring fishing tournaments include the April Fishing tournament in Clearlake and the May Catifsh Derby, the largest catfish tournament west of the Mississippi. We even run our own catfish derby for registered campers some weekends in spring. If you have a boat, use the boat launch at Redbud Park, just a couple miles from camp, to access the lake. There's also a fishing pier at the park. Clear Lake Guide Service posts weekly updates about current fishing conditions and offers a guided fishing experience.
Spring Holidays and Special Events:
  • Easter is a good time for a family camping trip. Several special Easter events with activities for kids and an Easter bunny take place around the lake, usually including Easter Egg hunts on Cobb and at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport  and an Easter Extravaganza at Twin Pines Casino in Middletown. Restaurants often have Easter brunch too.
  • Mother's Day is in May so if your mom likes to camp, treat her to a weekend at Clear Lake Campground or book several sites and have an extended family get-together. There's usually a special Mother's Day concert at Soper Reese Theater in Lakeport and several restaurants serve a special Mother's Day brunch.
  • Memorial Day is a good weekend to plan a family or small group camping trip. Spend time with family or friends in a relaxed atmosphere, swim in the pool, play outdoor games, and have a cook-out. Lakeport has a big parade on Main Street.
  • Lake County Wine Adventure is a 2-day event in May. See Lake County Winery Association for details and tickets.
  • Relive the wild west in June: Upper Lake Wild West Day is usually held the first Saturday of the month, with a parade, ice cream social, BBQ, live music, and activities for kids. Next is Middletown Days, with a parade, BBQ, horseshoe tournament, chili cook off, hay rides, and even Cowboy Church on Sunday.
Book Your Camp Site Now
Book a Kayak or Canoe
Picture
0 Comments

Birds of Lake County, California

3/13/2022

0 Comments

 
 Attention Birders: Clear Lake Campground is calling you! More than 300 bird species have been spotted in Lake County, California, and many of them are common in all seasons.

What birds might I see at Clear Lake Campground?
Listed below are the birds you are most likely to see when you come to Clear Lake Campground. See our recommended top birding hot spots for places to go around Clear Lake while you're at Camp.

* An ideal way to see birds along Cache Creek is by canoe or kayak: Rent a kayak or canoe at Camp, available to campground guests and the public.

Common Water Birds on Clear Lake and Cache Creek:
Commonly seen in all seasons: Mallards, Canada Geese, American Coot, American White Pelican and Grebes including Pied-billed, Eared, Western, and Clark's Grebes.
Common in spring, fall, and winter: Buffleheads, Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye and Ducks including Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Ring-necked, Lesser Scaup, and Ruddy Ducks.

Birds to see in or near the water:
Commonly seen in all seasons: Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, and California Gull.
Common in spring, fall, and winter: Great Egret and Herring Gull

Birds to see on the ground:
frequently spotted in all seasons: California Quail and Wild Turkey

Flying birds - look in trees, bushes, or in the air:
Look for these in all seasons: Anna's Hummingbird, American Crow, American Robin, Black Phoebe, Brewer's Blackbird, Bushtit, California Scrub Jay, Common Raven, Dark-eyed Junco, Dildeer, European Starling, Eurasian-collared Dove, House Finch, House Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch, Marsh Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vultures, Western Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, and Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Seen in spring, summer, and fall: Barn Swallow, Osprey, Tree Swallow, Violet-Green Swallow
Seen in spring, fall, and winter: American Kerstel Falcon, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden Crowned and White-crowned Sparrows.
Common in Spring and summer: Cliff Swallow, Western Wood Pewee, Yellow-headed Blackbird

Fairly Common Birds you may see in all seasons:
While not as common as the birds in the above lists, there's still a good chance you may see these in any season:
American Goldfinch, Bell's and Lark Sparrows, Belted Kingfisher, Bewick's Wren, California and Spotted Towhees, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Downy and Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Great Horned Owl, Mourning Dove, Northern Mockingbird, Oak Titmouse, Purple Finch, Red-shouldered Hawk, Rock Pigeon, Steller's Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Wrentit.
Book Your Camp Site Now
Book a Kayak or Canoe
Picture
0 Comments

Fall Activities at Clear Lake Campground

8/8/2021

4 Comments

 
Fall is a nice time to visit Clear Lake, after the summer heat and crowds have gone. Days are often beautiful and sunny although it starts getting chilly at night. Clear Lake Campground makes a great base for RV campers to enjoy activities around the lake during fall or just have a relaxing getaway.

In fall 2021, the water level in Cache Creek is low so boating from Camp is not possible. However we've been seeing a lot more wildlife making its way to the creek this summer so you'll probably see more wildlife than usual without leaving Camp!

What is there to do in fall near Clear Lake Campground?
​
  • ​Go fishing. Fishing is often great in fall. You can usually fish right from Camp but there are several places to fish around the lake. If you have a boat, use the boat launch at Redbud Park, just a couple miles from camp, to access the lake. There's also a fishing pier at the park. Clear Lake Guide Service posts weekly updates about current fishing conditions and offers a guided fishing experience.
  • Take a hike. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, right across from Camp (a 2 minute drive to the entrance) is a great place to hike in fall, whether you want an easy, short nature walk or a longer trail. It's an excellent place for spotting birds and you may also see deer, squirrels, and other wildlife. If you're looking for a strenuous hike with great views from the top, Mt Konocti County Park is just 20 minutes from Camp. See details about these and other places in 5 Great Places to Hike in Lake County.
  • Watch Birds. Clear Lake is a birder's paradise and birds are usually plentiful in fall. Birds you may see include Coots, Mallards, Grebes, Great Blue Heron, Cormorants, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Anna's Hummingbirds, and blackbirds. Besides watching for birds along the creek or in the trees across from Camp, there are several excellent places for birding around Clear Lake. We have 7 suggestions for places to go for bird watching in Clear Lake Birding Hot Spots.
  • Kayak or Canoe. Explore Cache Creek in a kayak or canoe. You can launch your own (free to those staying at Camp or a $5 launch fee) or rent a kayak or canoe right at Camp. We have the only boat launch on Cache Creek! Note: In fall 2021 it may not be possible to launch from Camp due to the low water level, check with us first.
  • Taste Wine. Lake County is one of California's top wine regions. Most wineries offer tasting in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere but it's best to call in advance to check current opening times and make a reservation. Some are only open on weekends, especially later in fall. Several wineries have picnic tables and a small store that sells picnic items. Here are our recommendations for 6 Wineries to Visit that are less than half an hour from Camp.
  • Visit Historic Sites. Lake County has several historic places to visit including Anderson Marsh State Historic Park near Camp and 4 history museums. Lake County has several historic cemeteries that are peaceful places for a stroll. 
  • Go Shopping. Head to the charming Main Street in downtown Kelseyville, about 25 minutes from Camp, for a variety of small-town shops and  eating or drinking options. For antiques, head to the northern shore of Clear Lake, to Upper Lake and Nice, where you'll also find Clark's Collectibles with an entertaining Lunch Box Museum.
  • Relax with Family and Friends. One of the best things to do at Clear Lake Campground in fall is to enjoy a stress-free vacation in your RV. Invite your friends or family to join you with their RVs and we can usually accommodate you in spaces next to each other, an easy way to have a get together. Our pool is open through early fall and we have a small children's playground and outdoor seating area. Have a barbecue at your site, sit around a campfire, or just enjoy nature. We hope to see you soon!
Book Your Camp Site Now
Picture
Fall is a good time to turn your visit into a road trip. No matter which direction you're coming from, we have suggestions for things to see on your way to Clear Lake Campground. 
4 Comments

RV Vocabulary

6/14/2021

1 Comment

 
Do you know what these important RV terms mean? If you're fairly new to RV camping, things may seem overwhelming at first. We've put together a list of important vocabulary you will probably encounter to help you get started. But for even more in-depth assistance we offer RV Basic Training Camps right here at Clear Lake Campground, a fun way to learn all about your RV.

  • 20 amp/30 amp/50 amp - Campgrounds provide basic electrical amp service. Look in our owners manual to find out what amp your RV requires. Here at Clear Lake Campground we have mostly sites with 30 amp but also have a few with 50 amp and a few with 20 amp. If you require 20 amp, we have adapters to rent that will work in the 30 amp sites.
  • Basement - storage area under the floor of the RV
  • Black water tank - where your sewage goes
  • Brake Actuator – a control unit located within the tow vehicle that gets the trailer’s breaks to work with the tow vehicle’s brakes. Drivers can use this brake controller to manually stop the trailer or adjust the trailer brake sensitivity. Many vehicles with a tow package already include a brake actuator, while some vehicles need to have one installed.
  • Breakaway Switch – a safety feature between your tow vehicle and trailer that activates the trailer’s brakes if it disconnects from your tow vehicle.
  • Caravanning – RVers traveling and/or camping together.
  • Coach - Class A motorhome
  • Curb Weight – the weight of an RV, including everything within it such as freshwater tanks, and propane. It does not include people or your personal cargo items. 
  • Curbside or Camp Side – the passenger side of an RV or the unit’s side that is along the curb when parked. 
  • Diesel Puller or FRED – RV slang for a front-engine diesel motorhome
  • Diesel Pusher – RV slang for a rear-engine diesel motorhome
  • ​Dinghy or Toad or Towcar – the RV term for vehicle towed behind a motorhome.
  • Dry Weight (DW) – the manufacturer’s listed weight of the RV without any tanks full, cargo, or passengers.
  • Dump Station – a place to empty your black and grey tanks. A sewage hose is needed to connect the RV to the dumping station. We do not have a dump station at Camp but we can direct you to the nearest ones.
  • Extended Stay – a campsite where you can stay for a long period of time. At Camp we reserve a few spots for several weeks or months for people needing to stay in the area for work. Contact Lisa, the owner, at 707-994-2236 or by email at hello@campclearlake.com
  • Freshwater Tank – where water is stored to use when you don’t have a water hookup. The freshwater tank holds  water for cooking, cleaning, and washing.
  • ​Full Hookup or FHU – a campsite with all the connections or “hookups” like water, electricity, and sewage. It can also be labeled as W/E/S. At Camp we have sites with full hookup.
  • Generator – an electrical unit powered by gas or diesel to generate electricity for an RV. Generators are used when at a campground without connections. Sometimes generator hours are enforced due to the noise.
  • Grey Water Tank – water from your sinks and shower go into the grey water tank.
  • ​Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) – the manufacturer’s rating for the maximum allowed weight (including tire, wheel, brake, and axle weight) an axle is designed to carry. GAWR refers to the tow vehicle, trailer, fifth-wheel, and motorhome axles.
  • Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) – The maximum allowable weight of the combination of the tow vehicle and RV (trailer/fifth-wheel), or motorhome and dinghy/toad. It’s the weight of everything, including cargo, water, tanks, etc.
  • Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) – the maximum allowed weight of a trailer fully loaded with cargo, tanks, water, etc.
  • ​Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – the maximum allowed weight of a vehicle, including its chassis, body, engine, fuel, passengers, cargo, etc.
  • Holding Tanks – includes all the tanks in an RV: the black, grey, and freshwater tanks.
  • Hula Skirt – a feature that motorhomes use behind their back tires to protect from debris kicked up behind them and potentially hitting another driver or their dinghy.
  • LP Gas – liquid petroleum gas, AKA propane.
  • Non-potable water – water that's not intended for human consumption. Do not put this water into your freshwater tank. This water is used for flushing your black tank out when dumping.
  • Potable Water – water that is safe to drink and use for food prep. Use only potable water to fill up your freshwater tank.
  • Pull-through site – a campsite that allows an RV to pull into and pull out of (instead of backing into) the site. These campsites are popular among people who might only be staying for a night or for those who have larger rigs. We have both pull-through and back-in sites available at Clear Lake Campground, select the one you want when you book.
  • Shore Power – RV slang that originated in the boating world and refers to the electric power coming from an electrical box or another eternal source so that the RV doesn’t have to use its battery. A specific electrical cord is needed to connect an RV to shore power.
  • Slideout or Pop-Out– a hydraulic or electrical feature in some RVs that expands the unit to create more space inside.
  • Stabilizing Jacks – jacks under an RV that are used more for stabilizing rather than bearing a large amount of the RV’s weight. These help prevent a back-and-forth or rocking movement while in the RV.
  • Tongue Weight – the weight that is pressing down on the hitch ball located on the tow vehicle. Usually, this is 10-15% of the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
  • ​Tow Rating – the maximum allowed weight a tow vehicle can safely tow, determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
  • Wet Weight – the cumulative weight of an RV with its holding tanks full and cargo loaded.
  • Workamping – RVers who exchange work for a free stay at a campsite, including hookups, etc., and sometimes includes compensation.
Book Your Camp Site Now
Picture
1 Comment

Vacation Rental Tents at Clear Lake Campground

5/24/2021

0 Comments

 
updated 7/3/22
Do you like to camp but don't like hauling your tent and setting it up? Would you like to sleep in a sturdy, spacious tent with a floor and cots? Clear Lake Campground has the perfect glamping solution.

Our 3 large partially-furnished canvas tents sleep a maximum of 4 people each. They're already set up so all you have to do is bring your bedding and cooler and make yourself at home. Tent #2 has 4 single cots, #3 has a queen bed, and #4 has 2 single cots. 2 additional people can sleep on the floor in tents 3 and 4.

Your space includes a 16 foot diameter canvas bell tent, picnic table, BBQ, and parking for one car. Water and electricity are outside on the site and there's electricity inside too. An outdoor sink and portable toilet are nearby.

Of course you'll also have access to our swimming pool, showers, boat launch, outdoor games, and other campground amenities. Sorry, no pets are allowed in the tents. Also no smoking or cooking is allowed inside and we allow propane camp fires only (we can provide a propane fire pit if needed).

Canvas tents are available from late spring through early fall with a 2-night minimum. Our restrooms and showers are closed from late fall through early spring so we can't accommodate any tent campers, including in our canvas tents.

It's just like tent camping but we pitched a beautiful tent for you so it's more like glamping! You're also welcome to book one of our other sites and bring your own tent.
Book a Tent or Camp Site
Picture
Things to Do at Clear Lake Campground:
* Rent a kayak or canoe or bring your own and launch it from Camp. There are 2 routes you can follow: Paddle Anderson Marsh or go toward the dam.
* Fish from Camp or nearby
* Swim in our pool or relax by the creek
* Go wine tasting
* Take a hike
0 Comments

Cache Creek Boating Itinerary

4/30/2021

0 Comments

 
Anderson Marsh Boating Itinerary from Clear Lake Campground by kayak, canoe, or small motor boat:

One of the top things to do at Clear Lake Campground is to explore Cache Creek and Anderson Marsh in a kayak, canoe, or boat. You can bring your own and dock right from Camp or rent a kayak, canoe, or small motor boat from us. This itinerary takes you from Camp along the shore of Anderson Marsh, Slater Island, and Garner Island.

Starting from Camp, go toward the right, with Anderson Marsh on your left. You'll soon come to a few peaceful inlets off to the left that are fun to explore by kayak or canoe when the water is high enough. Continuing along, you'll pass houses on your right and Anderson Marsh on the left shore. Trees along the shore provide nesting spots for heron and egret, both commonly seen in this area. Watch for otters, ducks, and grebes in the water and deer in the wooded area. 

Continuing past the houses, Slater Island is on your left, also part of Anderson Marsh. After passing Slater Island, Garner Island will be directly in front of you. Veer slightly left rather than taking the right turn to remain on Cache Creek with Garner Island on your right. In the distance to your left look for vineyards lining the hills.

After you pass the island, the creek ends. If the water isn't too low, turn left to go into the tule marsh area. This is a great spot for birds and you may see white pelicans, grebes, coots, mallards, egrets, or heron. In spring, Grebes nest in the tules so watch for nests as you go further into the tules by kayak or canoe. It's also carp mating season so you may see them roiling around in the water or even jumping out. Be careful as you head into the tules, it's easy to get lost. Unless the water is unusually high, you'll need to turn around and come back out the same way you entered.

Instead of going into the tule area, you can turn right and circle around Garner Island, to return to Cache Creek. This is a good alternative if the water is low, especially if you're in a motor boat, and you'll get to see Clear Lake as you come around the island. When you get back to Cache Creek, retrace your route back to Camp.

This itinerary takes in part of Clear Lake Water Route 2: Tule Maze of Anderson Marsh and  
Clear Lake Water Route 3: Rock Riffle, and Dam. The link take you to a map and more details about the water trail.

Explore more water activities:
  • Clear Lake Campground to the Dam Boating Itinerary
  • Fishing on Cache Creek
  • Birdwatching from a Kayak​
  • Where to Swim or Go to the Beach
Book Your Camp Site Now
Book A Kayak or Canoe Rental
Picture
0 Comments

Boating on Cache Creek

4/26/2021

0 Comments

 
Boating Itinerary from Clear Lake Campground to the Dam by kayak, canoe, or small motor boat:

One of the top things to do at Clear Lake Campground is exploring Cache Creek in a kayak, canoe, or boat. You can bring your own and dock right from Camp or rent a kayak, canoe, or small motor boat from us. This itinerary takes you from Camp to Cache Creek Dam, a distance of a little over 3 miles. 

Starting from Camp, turn toward the left, with Anderson Marsh on your right. You'll pass under the bridge over the highway, then you'll come to the Grigsby Riffle, a rock formation that crosses the creek near Seigler Canyon Creek. When the water is very low, the riffle sticks out and may make it difficult or impossible to cross. The riffle is used to measure the lake's water level on a scale called the Rumsey Scale. Clear Lake is considered full at 7.56 on the Rumsey Scale and the level usually varies from 1.6 to 6.75 except in very dry years where the level may go below 0.

If the water is high enough, it's possible to take a detour for a short distance along Seigler Canyon Creek if you're in a kayak or canoe. Shortly after you cross the riffle, you'll pass under the Lake Street Bridge. Houses line this part of the creek for about a mile. Geese and ducks are common in this area and sometimes you may see otters swimming along. Once you pass the houses you're in a wooded area where you might see deer, wild turkeys, or even a bear on the banks. Birds are usually plentiful in the trees and on the water. In spring, fish are sometimes seen jumping out of the water, too. 


As you approach the dam, you'll see danger signs warning boats to stay away. Be sure to heed these warnings and don't get too near the dam. Built in 1914, the Cache Creek Dam is currently owned by Yolo County who takes water from Clear Lake via the dam unless the water level is too low. This is the end of boating access so you'll need to turn around and head back to Camp.

This itinerary is part of Clear Lake Water Route 3, Rock Riffle, and Dam. The link takes you to a map and more details about the water trail.

Explore more water activities:
  • Anderson Marsh Boating Itinerary on Cache Creek
  • Fishing on Cache Creek
  • Birdwatching from a Kayak​
  • Where to Swim or Go to the Beach
Book Your Camp Site Now
Book a Kayak or Canoe Rental
Picture
0 Comments

Clear Lake Birding Hot Spots

3/1/2021

0 Comments

 
What are the best places to see birds around Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is home to a large variety of species. Since many of them are found in or near the water, the top places to see birds are around the lake. Clear Lake Campground is right on Cache Creek and across from Anderson Marsh State Park so you'll probably see birds from Camp. One of the best ways to get a closer look at water birds is in a kayak or canoe along Cache Creek from Camp, either in your own or renting one of ours. Book a kayak, canoe, or small motor boat.

Where to See Birds:
  • Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: Just a couple minutes drive from Camp on Highway 53,  Anderson Marsh has several walking and hiking trails. You're likely to see birds in the air, in trees, or in the water if you take the easy trail past the ranch house that goes along the creek. Another trail leads to the McVicar Sanctuary and Trail. If you follow that trail you'll come to a beach where swans are sometimes spotted.
  • Fults Family Vineyard: A couple miles farther along the highway, you'll arrive at Fults Family Vineyard. From the deck there's a great view of the pond, a good area for spotting birds and of course, tasting wine. You'll need to call ahead to make a reservation. 
  • Clear Lake State Park: In Kelseyville, about half an hour from Camp, Clear Lake State Park opens onto Clear Lake and has walking paths along Cole Creek, making it a good place for spotting water birds as well as birds in trees. There's a day use fee to enter the park.
  • Peace & Plenty Farm: Near Clear Lake State Park, Peace & Plenty Farm sells organic vegetables and saffron from their garden as well as eggs from their chickens and other products. A creek runs through the property and Simon, one of the owners, is an ornithologist. Contact them to arrange a visit.
  • Clear Lake Keys: Going the opposite direction on Highway 53 from camp, turn left on Highway 20 to Clearlake Oaks. Clearlake Keys is a subdivision built on 6.5 miles of channels along the lake in Clearlake Oaks. Walking through the neighborhood gives you a good chance to see water birds.
  • Rodman Slough County Park: Near the town of Nice, on the north shore of Clear Lake. Rodman Slough has a 7.9 mile round-trip water trail that goes through wetlands to Tule Lake, perfect for a kayak or canoe in winter or spring. The 40 acre park has picnic tables, a beach for swimming, hiking trails, and places to fish, too.
  • Middle Creek Nature Area: Off Highway 20 in Upper Lake, Middle Creek has easy hiking trails with good opportunities for birding - especially egrets, heron, cormorants, and osprey. Part of the trail goes along the Rodman Slough water trail.

What birds might I see around Clear Lake?
See our list of birds most commonly spotted in Lake County.
Book a Camp Site Now
Picture
0 Comments

Benefits of Camping

12/16/2020

0 Comments

 
Why Should I Consider a Camping Vacation?
(Updated 5/22)
Camping on your vacation has many benefits. Whether you want to travel in a fully equipped RV or want to sleep outside under the stars, camping is a great choice for anything from a short getaway to a long road trip. Camping offers options to suit everyone, from families and groups of friends to couples and single travelers. Once you have your basic equipment, you have the freedom to explore close to home or anywhere across the country. Let's look at a few of the good things about camping:
  • Camping is a great way to get outside and enjoy outdoor activities. Many campgrounds are in or near beautiful settings offering recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, biking, or fishing. It's an easy and fun way to get some exercise. Being outside is a safe and easy way to visit with friends or extended family that aren't part of your household.
  • Camping is relaxing and helps relieve stress. Take a break from your usual hectic routine and relax at your camp site, sit by the pool or around a camp fire, or spend time visiting with your family and friends outdoors. Turn off your cell phone for awhile and enjoy the tranquility.
  • Camping offers opportunities to learn new skills, especially for children. Learn to fish, play new games, try new cooking techniques, or learn to identify plants, birds, or animals in the outdoors. Some campgrounds even offer seasonal planned events such as nature walks and ranger talks.
  • Camping is a great family activity. The whole family can easily participate in camping activities and spend time together away from the TV. Unlike at a hotel, the family can all stay together in one or more adjoining campsites, making travel easier. Many campgrounds have outdoor games the family can play together or children's play areas.
  • Camping is a relatively inexpensive way to take a vacation. Most campgrounds cost less than other lodging in the same area. Saving money on food is easy since you can bring your own and cook right at your site rather than having to eat out. Many campgrounds offer free or low cost activities such as swimming pools, hiking trails, games, boat launches, and fishing spots.
  • Camping has been said to be the safest way to vacation during the pandemic. It's easy to stay distanced from others and socialize outdoors. Especially if you're traveling in an RV, you can keep pretty well isolated from others while still enjoying a vacation. According to the special COVID-19 edition of the North American Camping Report, sponsored by Kampgrounds of America, Inc.: "Campers and non-campers alike rank camping as the safest type of travel and RVs provide the ultimate in personal space for traveling."
  • Campers can choose to be social or secluded, active or relaxed, cook or get food to bring back to camp. There are endless opportunities for everyone to choose how they want to spend their time. "68% of all campers agree that camping is a great way to escape the stress of everyday life and almost half of all campers say that camping has a 'great deal of impact' on reducing stress and allowing them to spend more time with their families.", according to KOA Campgrounds.

Why camp at Clear Lake Campground?

Clear Lake Campground is right on the shore of Cache Creek, across from Anderson Marsh State Park. Campers can enjoy fishing, boating, bird watching, or just relaxing right at camp and there are plenty of things to do in the area. We offer a variety of sites with full hook-ups and a few sites for tent camping only. We also offer kayak and canoe rentals.

For more information about Camp, see our Frequently Asked Questions.

If you want to try camping in an RV before you commit to buying one, consider renting one through our affiliate, RVShare. 
Book a Site at Clear Lake Campground
Picture
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Categories

    All
    Activities
    Food And Wine
    Lake County Events
    Plan Your Visit
    RVs And Camping
    When To Go

    Archives

    July 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017

    RSS Feed

    Author

    Martha Bakerjian is a part-time employee at Clear Lake Campground and writes a web site about Italy:
    ​Martha's Italy

  • Home
  • Rates
  • Sites
  • Amenities
  • Contact & Directions
  • Book Your Campsite Now
  • Kayak and Canoe Rentals
  • Blog
  • Clear Lake Campground FAQs
  • Covid Update