Winter at Clear Lake Campground

Winter can be a nice time to visit Lake County if you don't mind cold weather. Come to Clear Lake Campground in your small RV or 5th wheel and enjoy the peace and solitude. While you may get some rain and very cold nights, you're likely to have some beautiful crisp days and clear, starry nights. Winter is prime season for star-gazing and bird-watching. Fishing is often very good during winter too.

Although it's too cold for swimming in winter, there are many nice days when you can go out in a boat or sit by the creek and fish. Fewer people on the creek and the lake make it easy to find a peaceful fishing spot along the shore or enjoy boating without crowds. Big tournaments don't usually start until March, the first being the Clear Lake Team Bass Tournament. You can also rent a kayak and enjoy a peaceful paddle.

At Clear Lake Campground we have great fishing spots right on Cache Creek where catfish, bass, and crappie can be caught. Water birds often put on a show along the creek, too, so you can sit by the creek and enjoy watching Blue Heron, Egrets, Western Grebes, and other water fowl. Migrating pelicans come to Clear Lake each winter and sometimes show up right by the campground, a beautiful sight. You might also spot a deer across the creek or an otter swimming along.

For more birding opportunities or for short hikes, head to Anderson Marsh State Park. It's just across the creek from the campground and a short drive to the entrance. Part of the park is an Audubon bird sanctuary. The winter bird count usually shows over 300 bird species. If you're here on New Year's Day, the First Day Hike is a great way to start the new year. There are also smaller group guided walks the second Saturday morning of the month starting in February.

While some wineries close during the winter season or have shorter hours, there are still good places to taste wine, especially on weekends. A special wine and chocolate tasting event is usually held at wineries in February. Boatique Winery, about 15 minutes from the campground, has an unusual collection of rare wooden boats along with good wines. Rosa d'Oro and Wildhurst have tasting rooms right in downtown Kelseyville and there's a brew pub, Kelsey Creek Brewing, for those who prefer beer.

Soper Reese Theater in Lakeport has concerts and special performances throughout the year, including 3rd Friday Live each month and a special New Year's Eve party. In Clearlake, the Spot sometimes has live music on weekends. Other places to look for live music include Kelsey Creek Brewing, Richmond Park Bar and Grill, O'Meara Brothers Brewing Company in Lakeport, and the Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake.

Lake County has several popular casinos too and they usually broadcast the football games on the big screen if you want to keep up with sports. Check the casinos for other special events, including New Year's Eve celebrations.

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More about when to visit Clear Lake Campground:

• Clear Lake in Spring
  
• Clear Lake in Fall
• 5 Top Events in Lake County