2025 Update: June 18-20. Watch our Facebook page for the next RV Basic Training Camp.

Are you new to RV camping or have questions about getting the most out of your RV? The RV Basic Training workshop at Clear Lake Campground is for you!

Join a fun, interactive 2 night campout for new RV owners led by Tony and Peggy Barthel of Stressless Camping. Learn all the basics of how to operate your RV, how to make it last a long time, and how to keep it looking good and in top shape.  This workshop is held at Clear Lake Campground on the shore of Cache Creek, with campsites perfect for small to midsize trailers or RVs with lengths of 30 feet or less. 

During the workshop you'll get basic instruction on RV systems plus tips and hints to make the most of that new RV. Topics will include using and maintaining systems and how to make every camping experience a StressLess Camping experience. You'll have a chance to ask questions and get hands on experience. Of course, social distancing and health safety will be practiced during the workshop at all times.

Camping, especially in your own RV, is considered the safest way to travel these days so more people are turning to RVs - and finding that they need help learning to operate them. ​

Stressless Camping says, "While RV dealers tend to cover these same topics, generally that lesson takes about an hour and is equated to drinking from a fire hose. This is a slower pace and with the individual’s own RV so they can learn to operate it with greater success and experience fewer challenges along the way."

“The good thing about the RV space is that there is something for anyone - from small tent trailers to luxurious mobile palaces,” said Tony Barthel, “RVing can be a wonderful escape from the crowds or bring you closer to friends and family. You can truly define your own experience!”

​You'll also want to be sure you know what these RV terms mean.

If you want to rent an RV to try it out first, check our affiliate RVShare.

Consider adding an extra night or more to practice what you're learned, relax at camp, or explore Lake County activities and places to go.

updated 2025
Kelseyville, about 25 minutes from Clear Lake Campground, has a Main Street full of small town charm. It's a pleasant place to spend an hour or two browsing, eating, or drinking. If you're headed to Clearlake State Park for hiking or boating, it's a good place to buy supplies for a picnic lunch. Or buy some special foods, wine, or beer to bring back to Camp.

Where Can I Eat, Drink, or Shop Along Main Street, Kelseyville?

Kelseyville has options for coffee, beer or wine tasting, food to go, shopping and places to eat a meal. Tip: there's a small park with picnic tables on the street behind Studebaker's where you can eat take-out meals. Businesses are listed starting from the first place you'd come to after making the turn into Kelseyville (on Main Street) from Hwy 29:
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Lydell's Sports Stop and Grill, 4220 Main Street, 707-279-0123
Lydell's serves burgers, breakfast, and American foods in a casual atmosphere all day with sports TVs and an outside patio. Currently open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Facebook page.

Pogo's Pizza, 4015 Main Street,  707-279-1350P
Pogo's serves good pizza for lunch, dinner, or take-out. They also have salads and sandwiches. Facebook page.

Studebaker's Coffee and Deli, 3990 Main Street, 707-279-8871
Studebaker's serves coffee drinks, pastries, and sandwiches from early morning through mid-afternoon. Sit at a table outside and enjoy the atmosphere or grab something to go. Facebook page.

The Courtyard, 3970 Main Street  
Several small shops are in the Courtyard including Two Sisters Antique and Vintage Collectibles and an art gallery. Wednesdays - Saturdays, 11AM - 4PM.

Smiling Dogs Ranch Tasting Room,  3955 Main Street, 707-279-5000
Smiling Dogs Ranch features their locally produced wines at their downtown venue Fridays, 3:00-10:00, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. They sometimes feature live music with local musicians on Friday evenings - see Smiling Dogs Ranch website for schedule. Facebook page.

Kelsey Creek Brewing, 3945 Main Street, 707-279-2311
Kelsey Creek is the place for beer lovers. They serve a variety of beers, including their own brews (listed on their web site). They usually open at noon on weekends and 2PM Tuesday-Thursday, closing about 8PM. Web site.

Fore Family Vineyards Tasting Room, 3924 Main Street, 707-912-7312
Fore Family Vineyards offers wine tasting on Saturdays, noon - 5PM and Sundays, noon - 4PM. Website

Sophie's Day Spa and Boutique, 3855 Main Street, 707-279-5039
Sophie's offers day spa services, wine tasting, ice cream, sweet treats, and a gift shop. Open daily 10AM, closes 8PM on weekdays and 6PM on weekends. Website

John's Market Taqueria, 3860 Main Street, 707-279-2440
John's Market is a small store with groceries, Mexican items, and take-out Mexican foods. 

Saw Shop Public House, 3825 Main Street, 707-278-0129
The Saw Shop is a favorite for creative dining options. They serve lunch and dinner with a nice patio for outside dining, Tuesday - Saturday from noon - 9PM, and Sunday brunch starting at 11AM, closed Mondays. They sometimes have live music in the evening. You can also order online on the Saw Shop website for pick-up. Facebook page