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. 

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.

updated 7/2023
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:
​
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. 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 weekdays, closing at 8PM, 6PM Sundays. Web site.
​
A + H General Store, 3925 Main Street, 707-279-5166
A + H carries unique gift items, gourmet foods, and local Lake County products​. It's a great place to pick up some cheese, salami, and crackers for a picnic or buy a local souvenir. Open daily, 11AM - 5PM. Facebook page.

Carmelita's Cocina, 3919 Main Street, 707-279-5061
Carmelita's has good homemade Mexican food for lunch or dinner, 11:00 - 7:00 (closed Sundays and Mondays). Facebook page.

Oak Boutique, 3940 Main Street, 707-281-6010 
Across the street from A + H is their sister store, Oak Boutique, with clothes for girls and women of all ages plus accessories and jewelry. Open daily, 11Am - 5PM. See what they have on their web site or visit their Facebook page for more.

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, noon - 9PM. You can also order online on the Saw Shop website for pick-up. Facebook page

Where can I grab a bite to eat near Clearlake Campground?
(updated 2023)

Here are 5 good options for meals to go near Camp. They also offer some outdoor or indoor places to eat. Opening days and times may vary so we recommend calling to check current hours or order in advance.

Danny's Roadside Kitchen, Lower Lake:
Danny's, right on Hwy 53 just 3 minutes from Camp, is a favorite for BBQ, smoked meats and burgers. They also have sides and vegetarian options.
Phone: (707) 701-6025. Address: 9800 Highway 53, Lower Lake. Hours: 6:30 - 7:00, closed Sundays and Mondays.
Facebook page.

DJ's Pizza, Lower Lake:
On Main Street in Lower Lake, DJ's is the place to go for pizza. Order online or by phone for pick-up.
Phone: (707) 994-4760. Address: 16135 Main Street, Lower Lake. Hours: open daily, 11:00 - 9:00.
Menu online.

La Monarca Market, Lower Lake:
La Monarca has Mexican food to go and a few tables inside. Some mornings there's a grill outside with chicken and ribs. Get freshly made tortillas, chips, and salsa across the street at Tortilleria La Unica. 
Phone: (707) 994-2436. Address: 16200 Main Street, Lower Lake. Hours: open daily, 7:00 - 7:00, Fri and Sat until 8:00.

Highlands Food Park, Clearlake:
HIghlands Food Park has several food trucks with a good variety of options. Take your food back to Camp or eat there on the picnic tables.
Address: 14530 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake. Hours: 9-9 daily. Facebook page

Kour Thai, Clearlake:
On Lakeshore in Clearlake, 6 minutes from camp, Kour Thai has tasty Thai food available for pick-up at their drive-through window. They're right by Redbud Park so a picnic in the park is also an option. Open for indoor dining also.
Phone: (707) 995-2860. Address: 14677 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake. Hours: 11:00 - 8:00, closed Wednesdays and Sundays.
Facebook page.

Where can I grab a bite to eat around Clear Lake?

Here are 4 good options around the lake. Please call in advance to check current hours and policies.

Arti Natural Indian Cafe, Kelseyville:
Arti has organic Indian food for take-out, indoor seating, and a small outside patio in Clearlake Riviera, across the street from Alexander Baking Company where you can buy bakery items to go. See their website for menu.
Phone: (707) 279-1977. Address: 9703 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, 15 minutes from Camp. Hours: 12:00 - 8:30 daily.
Facebook page.

Saw Shop Public House, Kelseyville:
The Saw Shop has farm to table food. Order online for food to go. There's outside dining on the porch and an indoor dining room. Check the web site for menu.
Phone: (707) 278-0129. Address: 3825 Main Street, Kelseyville, about 20 minutes from Camp. Hours: 12:00 - 9:00 Monday - Saturday and Sundays 10:00 - 9:00.
Facebook page.

Blue Wing Saloon, Upper Lake:
The Blue Wing Saloon, in the historic Tallman Hotel, bills itself as New American food. It has outside dining options, an indoor dining room and food to go. See the menu on their web site. They often have live music at Sunday brunch and in the evening.
Phone: (707) 278-0129. Address: 9520 Main Street, Upper Lake, about 40 minutes from Camp. Hours: 12:00-8:00, Sunday 10:30 - 2:30 and 4:00 - 8:00, closed Tuesdays - Wednesdays.
Facebook page.

Boathouse Bar and Grill, Nice:
Right on the lake in Nice, the Boathouse has been a Lake County favorite for many years. They offer a variety of choices at reasonable prices.
Phone: (707) 274-1100. Address: 2658 Lakeshore Drive, Nice, about 35 minutes from Camp. Hours: open daily but hours vary, check Facebook page.
Facebook page

Image: Take out window at Kour Thai, Clearlake

See more Lake County Food and Wine Options

What Historical Cemeteries Can I Visit from Clear Lake Campground?

Cemeteries are everywhere you go and they're often interesting and peaceful places to explore. They're full of history and often are home to birds and other wildlife, such as deer. Lake County cemeteries are rarely crowded so it's easy to find some solitude. Early settlers are buried in several of our cemeteries so they're a good place to discover some Lake County history.

Lower Lake Cemetery and Pioneer Cemetery
Herndon Cemetery, also known as Pioneer Cemetery was started in 1856 by Nathaniel Herndon for his family and friends. The Herndon family was part of the Copsey wagon train that arrived in Lower Lake from Missouri in 1854. Copsey family members were buried in Herndon Cemetery as well as members of the Hale and Grigsby families. George Patch, the last known traditional leader and shaman of the Koi Tribe (part of the Pomo Nation) was also buried here.

Herndon Cemetery later became a community cemetery and many early settlers were buried there. 29 of its burials were moved to the Lower Lake Cemetery in the early 1900's. These older tombstones can be found toward the back of Lower Lake Cemetery on the right side of the main road. Some of the burials still in Herndon Cemetery had only wooden markers or crosses that have since worn away and no formal records were kept so its not known how many burials still remain or the names of all the people who were buried there. 8 members of the original Herndon family are confirmed to be buried in Pioneer Cemetery, one of whom died in 1858 at 13 years of age, and 2 members of the Copsey family, including an infant girl named Alice. Although most of the tomb stones are gone, it's an interesting place to wander around.

Lower Lake Cemetery: 9040 Lake St, next to Lower Lake Elementary School
Pioneer Cemetery: 9022 Stagecoach Lane off Big Bear Road, 3 miles from Camp.
See Herndon Cemetery for a list of people known to be buried there.
Lake County Historical Society has a page about Herndon Cemetery restoration with a few photos.

Middletown Cemetery
In 1889, land for the cemetery was donated by William Good, a blacksmith. This new cemetery was owned by the Odd Fellows Lodge. Previous burials from the small cemetery at Fiege Ranch and Rabbit Hill were transferred there. 18 veterans of the Civil War and one from the Spanish American War are buried here.

Middletown Cemetery: 16357 Butts Canyon Road, Middletown, about 20 minutes from Camp
Middletown History Cemetery page

Kelseyville Cemetery and Pioneer Cemetery
Kelseyville Pioneer Cemetery, in use from 1861-1884, has about 100 graves of early pioneer families, although some of them are unmarked. Early settlers buried here include members of the Benson, Crowell, Gard, Kelsay, Kelsey, Nobles and Piner families. In 1884 the Odd Fellows Cemetery, now Kelseyville Cemetery, opened and some burials were relocated to it.

Kelseyville Cemetery: 3375 Bell Hill Road, Kelseyville, about 20 minutes from Camp
Kelseyville Pioneer Cemetery: 4830 Renfro Drive, Kelseyville (temporarily closed in summer, 2020)
List of names buried in Pioneer Cemetery

Hartley Cemetery

Named for Henry Hare Hartley, the cemetery in Lakeport opened around 1860 as the Masonic Cemetery. Henry Hare Hartley was an attorney who would have become the Grand Master of Masonic Lodges in California but he died of a heart attack at age 41 in 1868. He's buried in Sacramento but the cemetery was renamed in his memory.

Hartley Cemetery: 2552 Hill Road E, Lakeport, about half an hour from Camp

Upper Lake Cemetery
Although Upper Lake Cemetery was established in 1855, the oldest tombstone is dated 1849. Some older, unmarked burials may also be here. It's said that the Pomo Indians used to cremate their dead in this area prior to the arrival of white settlers. The oldest part of the cemetery is on the east side of Clover Valley Road.

Upper Lake Cemetery, 780 Clover Valley Road, Upper Lake,  about 40 minutes from camp
Website

• See more Historical Spots in Lake County
  

Image: A Copsey family tombstone in Lower Lake Cemetery, one of the burials moved from Pioneer Cemetery.

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:

Updated 2024
Like most places in Lake County, Clear Lake Campground and the city of Clearlake do not allow fireworks of any kind. If you're coming to Camp for 4th of July weekend, absolutely no fireworks will be permitted. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fireworks show over the lake. Here are safe public fireworks displays planned to celebrate the 2024 holiday:

City of Clearlake: Austin Park

Fireworks will be launched from the Austin Park area in Clearlake at 9PM on July 6, 2024, thanks to the Lakeshore Lions Club. If you drive to Austin Park to watch the fireworks, be sure to go early to get a parking place and enjoy the evening concert in the band shell, 7-9PM. The parade, starting at 11:00 on July 6, runs from Redbud Park to Austin Park, where there will be vendor booths and the worm races.

July 4 - 7, noon-10PM, there's a big carnival at Austin Park too.

Clearlake Oaks

Friday, July 5 fireworks will be at dusk at the Clearlake Oaks Boat Ramp.

City of Lakeport: 4th Street

July 4 fireworks will be displayed at Library Park at 9:30 PM. Be sure to arrive early. During the day there's a street fair on Park Street, adjacent to Library Park, starting at 10AM.

Friday night, free concert in Library Park, 6:30 - 8:30.

Lakeport Speedway will have fireworks Saturday night at 9:30 following the 5:30 races.

Konocti Vista Casino and Resort will launch fireworks on July 5 at 9:30PM. The lawn opens at 6PM with full bar and BBQ available for purchase, all ages welcome. Possible places to view the fireworks will be around the southwest part of the lake. Library Park and the area along the waterfront from 1st to 5th Streets in Lakeport (about 35 minutes from Camp) or the smaller Lakeside County Park in Kelseyville at 1985 Park Drive (about 30 minutes from Camp)  are also possibilities. 
Konocti Vista address: 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, Lakeport

Fireworks are sold in Lakeport, however they can ONLY be used legally in the city of Lakeport, but not in public parks, July 1-3, 9AM - 10 PM and July 4 until 11PM.

Music

Kickin' in the Country in Kelseyville - Cancelled 2024 due to heat

Street dance in downtown Kelseyville, 6-10PM, July 4.

Old Time Fiddle Music at Ely Stage Stop - cancelled 2024 due to heat

Celebrate the 4th of July with Spirit of Americana at the Ely Stage Stop Fiddlers' Jam on Sunday July 7, noon - 2PM. The event will be held outdoors so bring your own chairs. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Address: 9921 Soda Bay Rd, Kelseyville, 20 minutes from Camp (between Lower Lake and Kelseyville)
Web site: Ely Stage Stop

Image courtesy of Lakeshore Lions Club

Activities to enjoy any time from Clear Lake Campground:

• Bird Watching
  

• Fishing
  
• Hiking
• Beaches and Swimming

updated 2024

Where Can We Swim in Clear Lake?

Although Clear Lake Campground is on the shore of Cache Creek, the creek itself by Camp is not a good place for swimming due to boat traffic. You can sunbathe, fish from shore, or enjoy the creek from a kayak or boat though. But if you want to take a dip in the lake there are several places around Clear Lake with beaches from where you can swim. We recommend these 5 Lake County spots for beaches and swimming:

Highlands Springs Recreation Area:
Highlands Springs, about half an hour from Camp, is one of the most popular places for families to enjoy a day at a beach. Although not on the lake, the large beach area and calm reservoir make this a favorite place for swimming in summer. Boat access is restricted to non-motorized boats only. Visitors can use the picnic areas with BBQs, restrooms, a large grassy area, horseshoe pits, fishing spots, and hiking and biking trails too. Be sure to bring water as there is no potable water available.
Address: 3600 E. Highland Springs Rd., Lakeport, off Hwy 29 (left turn coming from camp)
More information: Highland Springs

Clear Lake State Park:
Clear Lake State Park, on the lake shore 20 miles from Camp, has a great beach with lake access for swimming. On the beach there are picnic tables, ramadas for shade, and restrooms. In the park you'll also find other picnic areas, boat launches, fishing areas, and good hiking trails. You may see a variety of birds and water fowl from the beach. Glass bottles and dogs are not allowed on the beach although dogs are allowed on leash in other parts of the park. Clear Lake State Park is a great place for families to spend the day. There's a fee for day use.
Address: 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville
Web site: Clear Lake State Park

Lakeside County Park:
In Kelseyville, 25 minutes from Camp, Lakeside County Park has a small area with lake access for swimming. It's also a good place for bird watching. There are picnic areas, a boat launch, spots for fishing, horseshoe pits, and a playground. Dogs are allowed in the dog park area only.
Address: 1985 Park Dr, Kelseyville

County Parks Along Highway 20:
Going north from Clear Lake Campground, then west on Highway 20 toward Ukiah, some county parks along the lake's north shore have places to swim in the lake. You'll have some good views of the lake along your drive, too.

• Alpine Park, in the town of Lucerne, is 20 miles from Camp. It has swimming access, a grassy picnic area, playground, restrooms, fishing pier, and a place to put in kayaks and canoes.
• Nice Community Beach is a small park in the town of Nice, a little over half hour from Camp. It has a sandy beach, swimming access, a boat launch, fishing pier, restrooms and picnic area. 647 Lakeshore Boulevard, Nice

Note: Austin Beach in Clearlake is only a few miles from Camp, however it's not always a great place for swimming because Cyanobacteria shows up often in testing, especially later in summer. If you want to go, please check with camp staff first for the latest reports.

More Activities Near Clear Lake Campground:

• Fishing in Cache Creek and on Clear Lake
• 5 Places to Hike in Lake County
  
• Historical Places to Visit

updated 2022
Lake County has been inhabited for thousands of years. Pomo Indians settled along Cache Creek, including where Clear Lake Campground and Anderson Marsh are now, and used obsidian from Mount Konocti volcano to make tools and to trade. Pioneers started settling in the mid-1800's and some of the old buildings can still be seen. Lake County has 4 small history museums that are essential stops for anyone interested in local history (no admission charge but donations appreciated). Take a look at 6 historical places in Lake County:

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Right across the creek from Clear Lake Campground, the entrance to Anderson Marsh is just a 2 minute drive. At the park you'll find a parking area (fee) where information about the ranch house and hiking trails are posted, a large picnic area, and the 19th century ranch house (closed except for special events). barn, and outbuildings, including 2 non-usable outhouses. An easy nature trail leading to the creek has signs talking about the area's early history. In the park are archeological sites that are at least 10,000 years old from when it was inhabited by the Southeastern Pomo. Guided nature walks are held the second Saturday of the month at 8:30AM.
Address: 8400 Hwy 53, Lower Lake
See Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association for more information

Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum:
A couple miles farther south, in the small town of Lower Lake, is the old schoolhouse, originally built in 1877, that served as a 2-room schoolhouse until 1935. The schoolhouse has been restored and has a museum on the lower floor with historic displays including Native American artifacts, a Victorian parlor with player piano, and a restored schoolroom. The upper floor is used for special art exhibits and as a theater.
Address: 16435 Main Street, Lower Lake, 5 minutes from Camp
Usually open: Thurs-Sat, 10-4
Information: Schoolhouse Museum

Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum:
Dating from 1864 or 1865, over the years the building was used as a stage coach stop, public house, hotel, post office, school for wayward boys, general store, and a gas station. It was moved from its original location by the Lake County Historic Association and now houses a museum and historical preservation center. Historic farm equipment and other objects are 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).
Address: 9921 Soda Bay Rd, Kelseyville, 20 minutes from Camp (between Lower Lake and Kelseyville)
Usually open: Sat-Sun, 11-3
Web site: Ely Stage Stop

Historic Courthouse Museum:
The former Lake County Courthouse, built in 1870 and used through 1968, now houses a museum of Native American and local history, including one of the biggest collections of Eastern Pomo basketry. Other exhibits include geological history, Native American and Pioneer artifacts, and a restored historic courtroom. The museum itself was started in 1932 in a smaller building but moved into the old Courthouse building after a new building was built for the courthouse.
Address: 255 North Main Street, Lakeport, 30 minutes from Camp
Usually open: Wed-Sat, 10-4 and Sun 12-4
Information: Courthouse Museum

C. Gibson Museum
Housed in a mission-style building that was built as a library in 1930, the small museum has historical artifacts and displays related to natural history of southern Lake County including geology, hot springs and resorts, and a Lillie Langtry exhibit.
Address: 21267 Calistoga Rd (Hwy 29), Middletown, 20 minutes from Camp
Usually open: Thurs-Sat, 12-4

Tallman Hotel and Upper Lake:
Clear Lake and mineral springs in the hills started drawing tourists to the area as early as 1874. The Tallman Hotel in downtown Upper Lake was one of the first hotels. Originally built in 1874, the original Tallman House Hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1895 but rebuilt in the style you see today. Next to the hotel, the Blue Wing Saloon originally dated from the 1880's but was torn down during Prohibition. It has been rebuilt to resemble an 1870's bar and now you can enjoy a good lunch or dinner on the outside porch or garden, sometimes with live music - reservations recommended, (707) 275-2233.  A stroll along Upper Lake's Main Street is like taking a step back in time, too.
Address: 9520 Main Street, Upper Lake, 35-40 minutes from Camp
Web Site: Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon