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? Clear Lake Campground has the perfect solution.

Our 3 large canvas tent vacation rentals sleep 4 people. They're already set up so all you have to do is bring your sleeping gear and move in. 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 an outdoor sink and portable toilet nearby.

Of course you'll also have access to the swimming pool, showers, boat launch, 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. 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! You're also welcome to book one of our other sites and bring your own tent. 

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

Do you have questions about your trip to Clear Lake Campground in Lake County, California? Find answers to guests' most frequently asked questions here:

• Are there waterfront sites at Clear Lake Campground?

Yes! Choose a "Creekside Back-in Site". These sites are good for RVs or tents. You can usually fish right from your camp site and enjoy nature with an unobstructed view of Cache Creek and Anderson Marsh on the other side.

• Where can I fish in Cache Creek or in Clear Lake?

You can fish in Cache Creek right from Camp, including catfish, crappie, and sometimes bass. We have places to fish and a fish cleaning station. If you're in sites 5-22 you can fish right from your site. Clear Lake is known as the best lake for bass fishing west of the Mississippi. Bass fishing is best out in the lake from your boat but you can also catch smaller fish and catfish from shore. Read more about fishing on Cache Creek and in Clear Lake.

• Where can I launch my boat or rent a boat?

A boat launch onto Cache Creek is available for campers right at camp and you can rent a kayak, canoe, or small motorboat right at camp. Boat launches for direct lake access are located in Redbud Park in Clearlake, Lakeside County Park in Kelseyville, Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville (fee to enter park), Nice Community Beach on the north shore, or in Lakeport at 1st, 3rd, and 5th Streets. 

• Where can I go in a kayak, canoe, or boat from Camp?

Clear Lake Campground is right on Cache Creek so there are 2 directions you can to from camp. See these boating itineraries: Cache Creek from Camp to the Dam | Anderson Boating Itinerary from Camp

• Can you swim in the creek from camp or in Clear Lake?

The creek by Camp is not a good place for swimming due to boat traffic, however we recommend these places in Lake County for swimming or going to the beach.

• I'm new to RV camping, can I get help learning about my RV?

Yes, we hold RV basic training camps, led by experts from Stressless Camping, several times during the year. At these interactive 2 night campouts for new RV owners, you'll learn the basics of RV camping and get tips and hints for getting the most out of your RV.

• How can I find out which spots are available or make a reservation?

Click here for our booking page to choose the type of site you want and make a reservation. We look forward to seeing you!

See answers to more Frequently Asked Questions

2022 Update: we don't have Basic Training Camp dates set yet for 2022. Watch our Facebook page for updates.

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.

What Can I See and Do on My Way to Clear Lake Campground?

Whether you want to hike, visit a winery, shop, or just enjoy a scenic drive, routes to or from Lake County offer several options. Most wineries are currently open by reservation only so be sure to call ahead. Other places suggested may also be closed or have limited hours so we advise you to check in advance.

These are our suggestions for your drive to Clear Lake Campground, depending on which direction you'll be coming from - or on your drive home (just reverse the directions).

From Sacramento area:
Instead of taking I5 to Hwy 20, take the Hwy 16 exit near Woodland and follow the slightly longer but more scenic route through the Capay Valley. Along Hwy 16 you'll pass small farms, olive groves, and almond and fruit orchards as you drive through the tiny towns of Esparto, Capay, Brooks, and Guinda. Just before Brooks is the huge Cache Creek Casino Resort, the only big development in this rural area. In Brooks, stop at Seka Hills Olive Mill for olive oil and other local products.  Capay Valley Vineyards, also in Brooks offers visits by appointment (530- 796-4110). The historic Commons Farm Kitchen in Guinda is a roadside eatery dating from 1926 with outdoor dining or food to go. Cache Creek runs through the valley along Hwy 16 to Cache Creek Regional Park, a good spot for a picnic. It's also a popular place for inner tubing on the creek.  When you get to Hwy 20, turn left.

Along Hwy 20 from I5:
Coming from either south or north, take Hwy 20 west. The exit is near the town of Williams where you can stop at the historic Granzella's Restaurant for take-out or food shopping in their store. Continuing on Hwy 20, or if you're joining Hwy 20 from the scenic Hwy 16 route, hikers can stop at the Redbud Trail hiking area in the Cache Creek Management Area on the left side of the highway as you're heading toward Lake County. You'll get great views and may even see Tule Elk. Two wineries are along this route (call ahead for reservations to visit): Cache Creek Vineyards and Brassfield.

* Note: If you like these options, you can also take this route to/from Fairfield, Concord, or Oakland although it's longer.

From San Francisco and the South Bay on the 101 Freeway:
From 101, you have several options depending on how much extra time you have. But if you want to spend the day on your road trip, you could visit some places along the coast on your way (note that traffic may be bad along the coast on weekends though). Popular coast destinations include Point Reyes National Seashore, Bodega Bay, or Jenner. But here are more convenient options, depending on how long you want to spend on the road:

• Take the downtown Santa Rosa exit and walk around the downtown area or the historic Railroad Square. Both areas have shops and places to eat. From downtown, take Highway 12 to Calistoga Road for a scenic drive to Calistoga, a charming small town with shops, restaurants, and spas. For outside dining, try the Calistoga Inn microbrewery and restaurant with a beautiful garden patio. On Saturday mornings there's a farmers' market in the park.
• Take the Mark West Springs exit and follow it to Calistoga - see above. Or if you have more time, head west instead of east (on River Road) along the Russian River to the small town of Guerneville. You'll also pass Korbel Winery, a good place to stop if you like sparkling wine. After you pass Calistoga, continue up the hill on highway 29. Near the summit, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a great place to hike. There are trails on both sides of the road. The uphill trail goes 5 miles to the summit of Mount St. Helena, passing the site of the author's cabin and offering a great view from the top. To pick up food supplies and to-go deli items, stop in Middletown, about 20 minutes from Camp, to shop at Hardester's Market.
  
• Continue farther on 101, visit Healdsburg, another charming town with a good downtown area and many good restaurants and shops. From Healdsburg you can take Highway 128, a scenic drive back to Calistoga.
• If you're arriving from the north on Highway 101 or want to take a longer drive, take the Highway 20 exit near Calpella (between Ukiah and Redwood Valley. Stop at Blue Lakes, a peaceful place for fishing, kayaking, or swimming. Continue around the lake either on Highway 20 or Highway 29 to Clear Lake Campground. A good place to stop for an outdoor meal is the Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant (open Fri-Mon) in historic downtown Upper Lake, just past the junction of the 2 highways.

From the East Bay and San Francisco through the Napa Valley:
From Highway 80, exit at Highway 37 in Vallejo. You'll pass Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, a place the kids might enjoy. Turn right onto Highway 29 toward Napa, then you have 2 options:

• Take Highway 221 (Soscal Avenue) to Silverado Trail, a scenic road lined with vineyards and wineries. Downtown Napa, a picturesque part of town on the river with shops and restaurants, is just off Silverado Trail at 1st Street. Oakville Grocery, right on Silverado Trail, is a good place to stop for take out food, coffee, wine, and gourmet groceries. At the end of Silverado Trail you'll come to Calistoga, a charming small town with shops, restaurants, and spas. For an upscale outdoor dining experience, stop at Solbar or in downtown Calistoga, try the Calistoga Inn microbrewery and restaurant with a beautiful garden patio. On Saturday mornings there's a farmers' market in the park.
• Stay on Highway 29 and visit Yountville, a wine country town with upscale shops and good restaurants. Farther along the highway passes right through downtown St. Helena, another picturesque upscale wine town. Note that traffic along this part of the highway can be very bad so unless you want to stop in St. Helena, it's best to cut back over to Silverado Trail.

7 miles north of Calistoga, on Highway 29 toward Lake County, hikers can stop at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. There are trails on both sides of the road. The uphill trail goes 5 miles to the summit of Mount St Helena, passing the site of the author's cabin and offering a fantastic view from the top. To pick up food supplies and to-go deli items, stop in Middletown, about 20 minutes from Camp, to shop at Hardester's Market.

Whichever way you decide to drive, we look forward to welcoming you at Clear Lake Campground:

Calling all northern Californian campers:

It's always a good time to dream about your ideal vacation in your RV or camper even if you're not ready to travel yet. Are you dreaming of a great place to fish right at camp? Do you want to kayak or launch your boat? How about bird-watching or access to nearby hiking trails. Or maybe you just want a convenient, relaxing place to escape for the weekend with your family.

Clear Lake Campground, on the shore of Cache Creek in Lake County, is the perfect place for any of these activities. We're a small, friendly vintage RV park with full hook-ups that's easy to access from the Bay Area, Sacramento, and many places in northern California.

Anderson Marsh State Park is across the creek from us, so from the waterfront camp sites you'll have a great view of nature. From our shore you can fish for catfish, crappie, and blue gill and if you have a boat, you can easily get to Clear Lake, known as the best lake for bass fishing west of the Mississippi. Anderson Marsh has hiking trails and is a good place for bird watching. The entrance is just a few minutes drive from camp.

Planning your vacation can be a fun activity itself and research shows that it can be good for your mental health. So browse our web site and blog posts to fuel your camping dream and plan to visit us when we reopen:

• Fishing on Clear Lake and Cache Creek
• How to Have an Awesome Bird Watching by Kayak Adventure
• 36 Hours at Clear Lake Campground
• Explore Clear Lake Campground Amenities and Things to Do

This summer plan a vacation close to home and discover new places and things to do in northern California. Bring your RV or camper to Clear Lake Campground and explore the natural beauty of Lake County.

Sign up for Clear Lake Campground's newsletter
to get more ideas for your camping vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The last Tuesday of January is National Plan Your Vacation Day and it's the perfect time to book a camp site at Clear Lake Campground. Camp opens March 1 and there are activities and things to do in Lake County in all seasons.  By planning and booking in advance you'll often save money and be assured that you get the type of campsite you want. Whether you want solitude or a vacation with family or friends, a camping vacation has many benefits. 

Clear Lake is a top place for fishing and has been rated as the second-best lake in the United States for bass fishing. Campers often catch fish right from our shoreline. Clear Lake is a prime location for birding, kayaking, or just relaxing. Lake County also has live music, special events and activities year-round. Monthly events include the Fiddlers Jam at Ely Stage Stop the first Sunday of the month and guided walks at Anderson Marsh most months on the second Saturday morning.

To learn more about Clear Lake Campground and nearby activities, see our FAQ page.  If you have an RV, why not plan a monthly camping vacation? Tent camping is also available from early spring through early fall and we even have 3 canvas bell tents already set up for you.

Here's a sampling of top events planned for each month (please check in advance to see if they are being held this year):

March is when fishing really starts picking up. The Clear Lake Bass Tournament is held in mid-March. Wildflowers start blooming and birds are abundant. March is also a good time for visiting nearby wineries.

April is usually a top month for kayaking and boating. Kayak and canoe rentals are available right at the Clear Lake Campground. Spring break is a great time to come to Clear Lake Campground.

In May one of the top events is Heron Days, sponsored by the Lake County Audubon Society. Some events are held right at Clear Lake Campground, activities include pontoon boat tours in Anderson Marsh. The Catfish Derby, held in Clearlake Oaks, is billed as the largest catfish tournament west of the Mississippi. A Wine Adventure Weekend is usually held in late May, with more than 25 participating wineries. Mother's Day is in May so if your mom likes to camp, treat her to a weekend at Clear Lake Campground. There's usually a special Mother's Day concert at Soper Reese Theater in Lakeport and several restaurants have a special Mother's Day brunch.

June is the month to relive the wild west. 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. Mid-month is Middletown Days, with a parade, BBQ, horseshoe tournament, chili cook off, hay rides, and even Cowboy Church on Sunday. A camping weekend makes a good Father's Day gift, too.

4th of July is a great time to come to Clear Lake Campground. Fireworks are spread out over several nights at different locations around the lake and there's a street fair in Lakeport. In Clearlake there's a small parade followed by the International Worm Races. See last year's 4th of July events in Lake County. The CDFW usually schedules a free fishing day on the weekend before July 4 and you can fish right at the campground. 

August events include free Friday night concerts in Lakeport's Library Park and the Lakeside Car and Boat Show in mid-August with music, vendors, food, and high-performance boats making passes by Library Park.

The first weekend in September is the Lake County Fair held in Lakeport with lots of fun events for the whole family. The Kelseyville Pear Festival, a huge street fair and parade celebrating Lake County's agricultural heritage, is the last weekend of the month. 

The first Saturday in October is the Konocti Challenge Cycling Race. Participants can sign up for one of 4 different bicycling routes around Clear Lake, ranging from a 20 mile family fun ride to a century ride. Steele Winery usually holds a Harvest Festival the second weekend of October, with lots of fun activities for the whole family. 

In November there are several arts and crafts fairs including the Dickens' Faire, the last Saturday of the month in downtown Lakeport. November is still a great time for birding, hiking, and wine tasting.

Clearlake's Christmas parade is held the first Saturday of December. The annual bird count takes place in early December. Anderson Marsh usually holds a special Christmas at the Ranch in December with music and Santa. 

For more special events and the live music schedule, see the Lake County Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar.