Soak up the Camp Vibes at Clear Lake State Park

National parks may get all of the attention from Instagram celebrities and travel magazines, but our state parks are at the heart of local California adventure. Check out Clear Lake State Park this summer for a fuss-free lakeside getaway without traffic jams, lottery systems, or impossible campground reservations.

Clear Lake State Park is located on the shores of Northern California’s bass fishing and water sports playground, and its four convenient campgrounds put lake goers in the middle of the action. With 68 square miles, Clear Lake has room to spare for all sorts of nautical travel and recreation. There is a public boat launch at Clear Lake State Park, and registered campers can stow their vessels in the locked marina overnight.

Campsites range from the waterfront Kelsey Creek, to the hillside camps of Upper and Lower Bayview. Tree-lined Cole Creek Campground offers more shade than its lakeside counterparts and has two intimate hike-in or bike-in camps in addition to 26 car camping sites.

While there are no RV hookups in the park, each of the 146 drive-up sites can accommodate a camper or trailer of up to 35 feet and are convenient to showers and restrooms. For a family reunion or epic rendezvous with 40 of your closest friends, you can reserve one of the park’s group camping sites in advance.

On the edge about spending the night in the great outdoors? Nab one of the cabins in Clear Lake State Park for a rustic adventure, no tent setup required. The simple wood cabins have electricity, A/C, and bunks that sleep four. Though quaint and photo-worthy, this isn’t entirely glamping, so bring your own bedroll or sleeping bag.

A trip to the visitor center will offer insights into the park’s ecology and history, which dates back to uses for hunting, gathering, and basket making by the Native Pomo tribes. An aquarium showcasing Clear Lake’s resident fish species is also on view.

Hiking trails traverse grassy hills and a waterfowl-rich shoreline while offering up views of the lake and nearby Mt. Konocti. Buckeye, manzanita and oak trees provide shade on the toastiest of summer days and serve as habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Swing by Clear Lake State Park for a picnic and a hike on your next trip to Kelseyville or Lakeport or stick around for a few days and soak up the camp vibes with your crew.