How much does camping cost at Bay View Campground?

Camping fees at Bay View Campground range from $30-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bay View Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bay View Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bay View Campground before I book?

Yes! Bay View Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bay View Campground?

Bay View Campground is open Mid-May through mid-September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bay View Campground?

Yes, Bay View Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Bay View Campground have?

Bay View Campground has 55 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bay View Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bay View Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bay View Campground?

Bay View Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bay View Campground?

Popular activities at Bay View Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bay View Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bay View Campground?

Fire policies at Bay View Campground: Fires are only allowed in designated stoves or fireplaces. Firewood is available for purchase at the park entrance.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.00

19 reviews

5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,320 ft

Price

$30 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,320 ft

Price

$30 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Bay View Campground

$30.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $30-$40 depending on location and amenities. Premium lakeside sites like #112 come with an additional fee of $5. Group sites...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Premium Site Fee$40.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(707) 279-4293interp@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451

Bay View Campground

5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451

Nearby places

Kelseyville: 3.5 miles (approximately 5 minutes)

Calistoga: 36 miles (approximately 45 minutes)

Santa Rosa: 61 miles (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)

Sacramento: 110 miles (approximately 2 hours).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in Kelseyville (3.5 miles away). Gas stations are also located in Kelseyville and the nearby town of Lakeport.

Weather at Bay View Campground

Current alert: Currently no alerts. Visitors are encouraged to check the Clear Lake Cyanotoxin page for updates during summer months.

Best Time to Camp at Bay View Campground

Spring offers the best conditions. Daytime highs run 55-75°F, nights drop to the 40s-50s. Wildflowers bloom across the hillsides, and migrant songbirds gather around the lake. Trails like the Dorn Nature Trail are at their most pleasant, and fishing picks up before summer heat arrives. Crowds are moderate to low in April and May. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F during the day, though mountain breezes cool things down by evening. Winter brings occasional frost and rare snowfall, with temperatures sometimes dipping to 20°F. Rains fall October through March.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season: mild temps, wildflowers, migrant songbirds and fewer bugs/campers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May through mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round with peak season occurring mid-May through mid-September.

About Bay View Campground

Bay View Campground sits on a hilltop above Clear Lake, California's largest natural freshwater lake, with 55 sites spread across Upper and Lower Bayview loops. Sites cost $30-40/night and include tent camping, group sites, and cabins. The Dorn Nature Trail starts from the campground, and Mount Konocti rises on the eastern horizon.

Bay View Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent, group, and cabin lodging. Sites are spacious, with some offering enhanced privacy.

Historical Significance

The Pomo people have lived around Clear Lake for thousands of years. The Dorn Nature Trail passes through areas where they harvested acorns, gathered medicinal plants, and fished the lake's abundant waters.

Weather and SeasonsSpring offers the best conditions. Daytime highs run 55-75°F, nights drop to the 40s-50s. Wildflowers bloom across the hillsides, and migrant songbirds gather around the lake. Trails like the Dorn Nature Trail are at their most pleasant, and fishing picks up before summer heat arrives. Crowds are moderate to low in April and May. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F during the day, though mountain breezes cool things down by evening. Winter brings occasional frost and rare snowfall, with temperatures sometimes dipping to 20°F. Rains fall October through March.

ElevationRising between 1,320 and 1,600 feet above sea level, Bay View Campground offers a refreshing escape from valley heat. This elevated perch not only provides those coveted cooler evening temperatures that make for comfortable camping, but also rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views that stretch across Clear Lake to the distant mountains. Watch as morning mist rises from the water below while you sip coffee from your hillside haven.

Natural Features and SceneryOak woodlands and chaparral cover the hillside at 1,320 feet elevation. Valley oaks shade many sites, their branches home to acorn woodpeckers and western bluebirds. In spring, western redbud and California buckeye bloom along the slopes. Clear Lake stretches below, filling an ancient volcanic basin that formed over 2 million years ago. Mount Konocti, a dormant volcanic cone, dominates the eastern view. Hidden hot springs in the region hint at geothermal activity still present beneath the surface.

Geological RegionYour camping adventure unfolds in Soda Bay, a geological wonderland shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. Clear Lake itself, California's largest natural freshwater lake, fills an ancient basin that formed during the early Pleistocene era over 2 million years ago. The dramatic silhouette of Mount Konocti, a dormant volcanic cone, dominates the eastern horizon, while hidden hot springs throughout the region hint at the geothermal forces still simmering beneath the surface. This dynamic landscape continues to evolve, creating the mineral-rich soils that support the area's incredible biodiversity and the scenic beauty that draws visitors from around the world.

Scenic ViewsMany sites, especially premium ones like #112 and #121, offer beautiful lake and hillside vistas. User review: "Beyond the trees you can see the lake," Alicia Valenzuela.

Lodging & AccommodationsAccommodation options include eight lakeside cabins, two of which are ADA accessible. Cabins feature electricity, heaters, air conditioning, lights, and fans, but lack refrigerators or running water. "Cabins each have an outdoor Barbecue, fire pit and picnic bench," providing essential comforts for a rustic stay.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms like Junior Ranger are scheduled throughout summer. Special group educational programs are available upon request. "Excellent ranger driven program along with junior ranger programs," noted one user.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per campsite.

Groups

Group campsites A and B, located along Cole Creek, accommodate up to 40 people each. These sites include picnic tables, food lockers, fire rings, and barbecue facilities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites spread across Upper and Lower Bayview loops with varying levels of shade from valley oaks. Spacing provides good privacy, particularly when the campground isn't full.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; reservations are strongly recommended during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to avoid penalty; specifics are not provided.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are located at Bay View Campground, while accessible restrooms and showers are nearby. Trails such as the Dorn Nature Trail feature accessible routes for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious in user reviews. "Nice spacious campsite," noted one camper about Upper Bayview sites.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. User reviews highlight secluded spots such as campsite 121: "The location was very private in mid-May with only a few other campers around.

Total Campsites55 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites #112 for lake views or #121 for privacy. Upper Bayview is preferred for spaciousness and proximity to trails.

Best CampsitesSite 121 gets mentioned for privacy, especially during shoulder seasons when the campground is quieter. Upper Bayview sites are described as spacious. Other sites worth considering include #9, #10, #24, #29, #36, #58, #59, #64, #77, #78, #84, #96, #110, #112, #123, and #141.

Need help booking Bay View Campground?

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Bay View Campground, part of Clear Lake State Park, offers a variety of amenities that cater to campers seeking both comfort and convenience while enjoying the natural beauty of Clear Lake. Notable features include restrooms with flushable toilets and pay showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and food lockers at each site. Accessible amenities such as restrooms, showers, parking spaces, and trails are also available. There is no Wi-Fi on-site, but cell phone reception may vary by provider. Firewood is available for sale at the entrance station or camp host site, and trash and recycling facilities are conveniently located throughout the park.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Bay View Campground provides opportunities for a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and Junior Ranger programs, among others. The campground's proximity to Clear Lake makes it ideal for water-based recreation, while trails offer scenic routes and educational insights into the natural and cultural history of the area.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential cyanobacteria blooms in the lake during warm seasons; visitors are advised to avoid discolored or foul-smelling water to prevent exposure to toxins.

Food Storage RequiredAll campsites come with food storage lockers to prevent wildlife issues.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed in designated stoves or fireplaces. Firewood is available for purchase at the park entrance.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include Sutter Lakeside Hospital (approximately 7 miles away in Lakeport), Lake County Sheriff’s Office (approximately 8 miles away), and Clear Lake State Park administrative office for minor issues.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins and recycling facilities are placed throughout the park. Blue recycling bags are available at the entrance station.

Water FeaturesClose proximity to Clear Lake and Dorn Cove. Swimming beach is a short walk from Lower Bayview campground.

Camp HostCamp hosts are available and described as "very nice and helpful."

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is variable depending on the provider, but specific details about service are not included in the data.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

19 reviews

Satisfactory

Bay View Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Bay View Campground are largely positive, highlighting spacious sites, enjoyable activities, and helpful ranger-driven programs. Some concerns about restroom cleanliness and bugs are mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 19 reviews.

Site 121Loved
Site 121 offers enhanced privacy: "We enjoyed our stay on lot 121.
Site 123Loved
The location was very private in mid-May with only a few other campers around." Site 123 is spacious and quiet: "Quiet so far, nice campsite at 123."

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include privacy, spacious sites, and enjoyable activities like hiking, Junior Ranger programs, and fishing. "We enjoyed our stay on lot 121. The location was very private in mid-May...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised by users include bugs in restrooms and the height of fire pits: "Central bathroom had a lot of bugs. Fire pit height hindered our ability to enjoy sitting around a campfire."

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and consider campsites with enhanced privacy, such as lot 121. Make use of ranger-driven activities and Junior Ranger programs for kids.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer receive positive reviews for fewer bugs and privacy, while late summer may see an increase in campers and bugs. "Enjoying having a spot on the outskirts of the campgrounds....

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Excellent ranger driven program along with junior ranger programs. The park host was very nice and helpful." "My first time camping and both myself and my daughter had a blast!" "Love it Friday...

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features such as campsites and trails are mentioned positively, but detailed user reviews specifically about accessibility are not provided.

Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are remarked upon, including leash requirements and restrictions in certain areas. "Dogs must be kept on a six-foot-maximum leash and may not be left unattended at any time."

Based on 19 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers and families win here: Clear Lake is rated the top bass fishing lake in the country, the Junior Ranger programs run all summer, and sites 121 and 123 deliver real privacy at $30-35/night in spring before the heat and crowds arrive.

Skip if

Summer temperatures regularly crack 100°F and cyanobacteria blooms can close the swim beach without much notice, so if lake swimming is the whole point, the risk of a ruined trip is real. Also: restroom bugs and fire pits that sit too tall for comfortable use are recurring compla

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