Clear Lake Kelsey Creek Campground: Kelseyville California

LAKESIDE CAMPING WITH SUPER WARM WATER

After hearing about Clear Lake my entire life, it was time to see what all the hype was about. Was this lake really crystal clear? Would it be a place I would put on my repeat visit list? Will it be a destination you add to your top ten list? Let’s find out shall we.

Lucky to Get The Last Site

I booked one of the last remaining spots at Clear Lake State Park. I had no idea which of the four campgrounds would be the best choice, but then I didn’t have many options. Kelsey Creek Campground was the only one that had a site available. Every other campground was completely booked.

Getting There

The drive down to the lake area was quite windy, but my 18 foot van handled it fine. The views of the lake from the mountain you are descending are beautiful. There are some pull out areas where you can stop and enjoy the view.

When I pulled in and drove along the road to the various campgrounds in the area, I saw lush green brush and trees lining the nicely paved roads. There were a lot of campsites with pretty decent shade. Many of the campsites were fairly close to each other so check the campsite map before booking.

Site Suggestions

I had spot 53 which was a pretty good location. I was fairly close to the bathroom and a very short walk to the lake. If I was to go again, I would pick site 58 or 59 which are right on a small beach area. My paved parking pad was perfectly level so no need for the leveling blocks.

One of the first things I noticed when I stepped out of the van were the yellow jackets. They were buzzing around staying quite close to the ground. While they caused me to put down my screens on the van, they were never really any threat. I never heard any campers complaining about being stung.

Time To Swim

It was about 88F / 31C when I arrived, so I decided to head down to the water. Now here is where the name of the lake is not really an accurate description. Unlike Fallen Leaf Lake, the water is quite cloudy from summer algae blooms. If you can get past that though, the water is refreshingly warm, and the slightly rocky swim beach is very inviting. I got out there on a floaty and enjoyed the views and water for over an hour. This spot definitely goes on my repeat visit list!

Open Season

May through September.

Amenities

Flushable toilets.
Picnic tables.
Fire rings.
Paved, flat car pads.
Swimming area.
Pay showers.
Fishing.

Fees

$23 per night or $10 for day use.

Additional Camping Nearby

Lower Bayview
A short way up the hill is Lower Bayview Campground. There are 22 partially shaded sites that offer amazing views of beautiful Clear Lake and is just a short walk from the swim beach. Each site has a fire ring, a table, and a food storage box. Restrooms have pay showers and flushable toilets.
Upper Bayview
On the top of the hill is the Upper Bayview Campground. There are 33 partially shaded sites with access to the Dorn Nature Trail. Restrooms have pay showers and flushable toilets.
Cole Creek
This campground is along the Cole Creek. This campground has 26 well shaded campsites and 2 Hike and Bike areas. Each site has a fire ring, a table, and a food storage box. Restrooms have pay showers and flushable toilets.

Local Things To See And Do

Disney Boat Rentals – motor boats, jet skis, kayaks, SUPS and rafts.
Clear Lake Adventures – motor boats, jet skis, kayaks, SUPS, rafts, bikes & E-scooters.

Cell Signal

T-Mobile – 2 bars.

Location

Kelseyville, CA 95451 The entrance to the park is 3.5 miles northeast of Kelseyville on Soda Bay Road, north of Calistoga in the wine country.

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