National Plan Your Vacation Day

1/29/2018

Updated for 2023
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 partially-furnished 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, taking a hike, or bird-watching.

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 with your family or friends.

In May one of the top events is Heron Days, sponsored by the Redbud 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. Shannon Ridge Mercantile 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.

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Author

Martha Bakerjian is a travel writer who divides her time between Clearlake and northern Tuscany. She writes about Italy on her site, Martha's Italy.

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