Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville, California is perched on the eastern shore of California’s largest natural freshwater lake. It offers a diverse blend of shoreline adventure, forested tranquility, and deep cultural heritage. Nestled within 590 acres, this park delivers top-tier camping, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing—just 90 miles north of the Bay Area.
What Makes Clear Lake State Park Unique
Dating to 1949, Clear Lake State Park sits on a lake nearly half a million years old. This ecological gem supports massive bass, rainbow trout, and abundant waterfowl. A significant ecological corridor, its protected wetlands nurture grebes, egrets, osprey, deer, and raccoons. The Cole Creek area also restricts wakes to protect reedy nesting habitats. State efforts with the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians reflect continued conservation of its fragile ecosystem.
Top Activities & Amenities
Camping Sites & Cabins
The park offers 149 developed campsites across four loops—Cole Creek, Kelsey Creek, Lower and Upper Bayview—plus eight fully equipped cabins. Sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, food locker boxes, and drinking water, with dump station, coin showers and flush toilets nearby. Cabins sleep up to four and include grills and fire rings; tent camping is not allowed in cabins.
Boating, Fishing & Boat Launch
With a full-service marina, boat launch ramp, and boat rental options onsite, water access is superb. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish, while boaters enjoy wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and even waterskiing—just avoid wake zones near marshes.
Swimming & Beach Access
A sandy swim beach with lifeguard coverage (seasonally) features showers, a playground, volleyball court and shade. Picnic tables and BBQ grills dot the beach area, making it ideal for family days by the water.
Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails
Several miles of trails wind from campgrounds through wetlands, oak woodland and lakeshore. The Indian Nature Trail (0.5 mi) shares Pomo ecological histories, while the longer Dorn Trail (2.5 mi) extends deeper into nature. Bicycles are allowed on paved roads but not on trails; horseback riding is restricted to designated areas outside camp loops.
Wildlife Viewing & Interpretive Programs
The Visitor Center houses displays, an onsite aquarium and Pomo cultural exhibits. Interpretive programs and guided hikes are held seasonally. Birdwatching is excellent—look for coastal grebes, egrets, herons, ospreys and bald eagles. Deer, raccoons and waterbirds are regularly spotted near water.
Restrooms, Showers & Marina Store
Flush toilets and coin showers are available near camp loops. Drinking water spigots, dump station, marina store, and a basic snack concession support an easy stay. Wi‑Fi access is available near cabins and the Visitor Center.
Visitor Tips
- Park open 8 am–sunset; campground check-in 2 pm, check-out noon.
- Camping $30/night; cabin $90–120/night; day-use vehicle fee $10 ($9 seniors).
- Pets are allowed in camp and day-use areas on leash; prohibited on swim beach and trails.
- Boat launch fee $13/day; non-motorized launch is $9; annual passes available.
- No RV hookups; maximum trailer length 35 ft; dump station on-site.
- Quiet hours 10 pm–6 am; generators allowed 10 am–8 pm.
- Bring quarters and cash; showers require tokens (~$0.50 for 8 mins).
- Hairnet required at marina store for food handling.
- Be aware: summer algal blooms can affect water contact—check conditions beforehand.
- Stay in posted wake zones to protect wildlife habitat and avoid fines.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Late spring and summer bring warm days and ideal conditions for paddleboarding and fishing. To witness nature at its most spectacular, visit in April or May. Wild iris bloom near creek edges. Migratory birds fill the skies. For a special treat, drive to the north end of Cole Creek at dawn—watch grebes dive and fish while fog drifts over the reeds. If you spot a dockside clearing with a fire pit, it’s a hidden gem—bring marshmallows and enjoy lakeside stories under starlit skies.