🌤 Weather at Clear Lake State Park (California) by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–72 °F | 52–91 °F | 36–85 °F | 33–58 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Clearlake 4 SE, 14 mi away, elevation 1,349 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Clear Lake State Park — A California park on the shore of Clear Lake, the state’s largest natural freshwater lake — featuring 147 campsites across four campgrounds, world-class largemouth bass fishing (“Bass Capital of the West”), nature trails through Pomo cultural sites, and panoramic views of Mount Konocti.
Clear Lake State Park sits on the western shore of Clear Lake in Lake County, California — the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within the state. Located 3.5 miles northeast of Kelseyville, the park offers outstanding fishing, diverse camping, and rich cultural history tied to the Pomo people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 3.5 mi NE of Kelseyville, Lake County, CA |
| Lake | Clear Lake — CA’s largest natural freshwater lake |
| Campsites | 147 total across 4 campgrounds |
| RV Limit | Up to 35 feet |
| Hookups | None — fire ring, table, food storage box per site |
| Year-Round | Kelsey Creek Campground open year-round |
Campgrounds
| Campground | Character |
|---|---|
| Cole Creek | Lakeside — popular for fishing |
| Kelsey Creek | Year-round — shadiest sites |
| Lower Bayview | Lake views |
| Upper Bayview | Elevated — quieter |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Largemouth bass (legendary), crappie, bluegill, catfish |
| Boating | Boat ramp + marina — direct lake access |
| Water-Skiing | Open lake — excellent conditions |
| Swimming | Designated beach — check water conditions |
| Hiking | Indian Nature Trail (0.5 mi), Dorn Trail (2.5 mi), Kelsey Creek Trail |
| Kayaking | Shore launch — explore shoreline |
| Visitor Center | Exhibits + aquarium with local fish species |
| Bird Watching | Kelsey Creek Trail — waterfowl, herons, eagles |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clear Lake good for bass fishing?
Yes — Clear Lake is consistently ranked as one of the top bass fisheries in the western United States. It’s known as the “Bass Capital of the West” and hosts numerous professional fishing tournaments. Largemouth bass over 10 pounds are caught regularly, along with crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Are there hookups at the campsites?
No — none of the 147 campsites have electrical or water hookups. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage box. Flush toilets and pay showers are available at the campground restroom facilities. RVs up to 35 feet can be accommodated.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Anderson Marsh State Historic Park (a short drive away) or Austin Creek State Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for California state parks online at reservecalifornia.com.
⛺ Camping at Clear Lake State Park (California): Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 146 sites — Cole Creek: 26 sites, well-shaded with creek access, plus 2 separate hike-and-bike sites. Kelsey Creek: 65 sites, the only campground with lakeside sites, open year-round. Lower Bayview: 22 partially shaded sites with lake views. Upper Bayview: 33 partially shaded sites with trail access. All sites include a fire ring, table, and food storage box; maximum camper/trailer length 35 feet; no electrical or water hookups at any site. Restrooms include pay showers and flush toilets. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Eight cabins near the lake (two ADA-accessible), maximum 4 people per cabin. Each includes electricity, heating/air conditioning, and lights, but no refrigerator; guests must bring their own mattress pads and bedding. Outdoor barbecue and fire pit provided. One vehicle included with entry; additional vehicles $8/night. Pets are not allowed in the cabins. |
| Pets | Dogs are allowed only in parking lots, on paved roadways, and within the campgrounds; not allowed on trails. Pets are not permitted in the cabin rentals. |
| Reservations | Reservations via ReserveCalifornia.com. Kelsey Creek Campground is open year-round; Cole Creek, Lower Bayview, and Upper Bayview operate seasonally. |
| Special sites | Two group campsites, each accommodating 40 people and 8 vehicles, with shade ramadas, tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. |
| Season notes | Kelsey Creek Campground operates year-round. Cole Creek, Lower Bayview, and Upper Bayview campgrounds operate seasonally. |
Camping questions about Clear Lake State Park (California)
Can you camp at Clear Lake State Park (California)?
Yes. Clear Lake State Park (California) has 146 campsites. Cole Creek: 26 sites, well-shaded with creek access, plus 2 separate hike-and-bike sites. Kelsey Creek: 65 sites, the only campground with lakeside sites, open year-round. Lower Bayview: 22 partially shaded sites with lake views. Upper Bayview: 33 partially shaded sites with trail access. All sites include a fire ring, table, and food storage box; maximum camper/trailer length 35 feet; no electrical or water hookups at any site. Restrooms include pay showers and flush toilets.
How do you reserve a campsite at Clear Lake State Park (California)?
Reservations via ReserveCalifornia.com. Kelsey Creek Campground is open year-round; Cole Creek, Lower Bayview, and Upper Bayview operate seasonally.
Are there cabins at Clear Lake State Park (California)?
Eight cabins near the lake (two ADA-accessible), maximum 4 people per cabin. Each includes electricity, heating/air conditioning, and lights, but no refrigerator; guests must bring their own mattress pads and bedding. Outdoor barbecue and fire pit provided. One vehicle included with entry; additional vehicles $8/night. Pets are not allowed in the cabins.
Are pets allowed at the Clear Lake State Park (California) campground?
Dogs are allowed only in parking lots, on paved roadways, and within the campgrounds; not allowed on trails. Pets are not permitted in the cabin rentals.
Source: parks.ca.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Clear Lake State Park (California)
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Clear Lake State Park (California)?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Clear Lake State Park (California)
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
