Clear Lake Campground FAQs

Do you have questions about visiting Clear Lake Campground? You'll find answers to guests' most frequently asked questions here:
Updated 3/2023
  • Are there waterfront sites at Clear Lake Campground?
Yes, we have waterfront sites where you can fish and enjoy nature with an unobstructed view of Cache Creek and Anderson Marsh on the other side. Choose a "Creekside Back-in Site" when you book your site. These sites are good for tent or RV camping.
  • Do you allow tents at Clear Lake Campground?
Yes, one tent with one car and a maximum of 4 people is allowed on any campsite from late spring through early fall. Only one camping unit is allowed per site however, so if you have an RV or trailer you cannot pitch a tent on the same site. We're sorry but we can't accommodate tent camping from late fall through early spring when the bathrooms and showers are closed.
  • Do you have cabins or tents?
We have 3 large partially-furnished canvas bell tents with cots (bring your own bedding) and wooden floors for a maximum of 4 people (sorry no pets) with a 2 night minimum. We do not have cabins. 
  • Are pets allowed at Camp?
Two well-behaved dogs are allowed per campsite but not in the bell tents. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • Do you have wifi or cable?
We have park-wide wifi that's good for checking email or web browsing. It's not good for streaming services, such as Netflix. We do not have cable.
  • Where can I launch my boat or rent a boat?
A boat launch onto Cache Creek is available and free for campers right at camp and you can rent a kayak or canoe right at camp (small motorboats coming in 2023). Non-campers can use our boat launch for a small fee. 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. 
  • How far is the lake from Camp?
It's 2 miles by water along Cache Creek to the lake so it's about a one hour paddle or half-hour by motor boat. Cache Creek is a no wake zone. It's 2.5 miles by car to Redbud Park where you'll find Lake County's best boat launch facility as well as a fishing pier and picnic tables.
  • 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 
  • Is Lake County a good place for bird watching?
Yes! More than 300 bird species have been spotted in Lake County. Birds are abundant near the water, making Clear Lake Campground a great base for bird-watching. See top birding hot spots and birds you're likely to see in Lake County.
  • Where can I fish in Cache Creek or in Clear Lake?
You can fish in Cache Creek right from Camp, including for catfish, crappie, and sometimes bass. We have places to fish and a fish cleaning station. If you're in a Creekside site you can usually 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.
  • How's the fishing?
This local guide posts weekly updates on his Clear Lake Guide Service Facebook page. His guided fishing trips operate year round.
  • 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. We have a swimming pool for those who want to swim at Camp.
  • Is the pool open?
Our pool is open to registered campers from late spring through early fall, 9AM until 8PM. Children must be accompanied by an adult and no dogs allowed in the pool area. Sorry no outside guests
  • When is the best time to camp at Clear Lake Campground?
Spring, summer, and fall each have activities and things to do at Camp and around the lake. Choose which season best suits you or try out all 3 seasons to see which you prefer: Spring at Clear Lake Campground | Things to Do in Summer | Top Fall Activities
  • Where can we get take-out food near Camp or around the lake?
There are 5 good take-out options within a couple of miles of camp as well as places all around the lake. Some also offer outdoor dining either with or without service. Call in advance to check current status or order ahead. See our recommendations for food to go. For those who prefer fast-food, there are 3 choices near the intersection of Hwy 53 and Old Hwy 53, less than a mile from camp. In Lower Lake, la Monarcha Market has take-out food and groceries. In Clearlake, Foods Etc and Safeway are supermarkets with take-out food options. If you'd like some local wine to enjoy at camp, there are 6 local wineries you can visit less than half an hour of Camp.
  • Where can we go hiking?
The closest place for walking or hiking is Anderson Marsh, on the other side of Cache Creek from Camp. Lake County has good hiking trail options, ranging from easy to strenuous. See 5 great places to hike in Lake County for details.
  • Why should I take a camping vacation?
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. Discover the Benefits of Camping.
  • What can we see or do on our way to Camp?
If you'd like to take a road trip on your way or after visiting, there are interesting places to stop coming from any direction, whether you want to hike, visit a winery, shop, or just enjoy a scenic drive. See our suggestions for your drive to Clear Lake Campground.
  • Are you open in winter?
Sorry, we close for the season December 1 and reopen March 1 for self-contained RVs and Motor Homes (tent camping is available early spring through early fall). Our kayak and canoe rentals open in spring.
  • How can I find out which spots are available or make a reservation?
Click here for our booking page to see what type of sites are available for your dates and find basic information about them. Then just choose the type of site you want and make a reservation. When you arrive at camp, we'll choose the best site available for you or you may sometimes be able to choose your own from the available sites. We look forward to seeing you!