Kelsey Creek Campground

4.38

184 reviews

5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,320 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,320 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Kelsey Creek Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The standard fee for a tent site is $30 per night, with $8 charged for each additional vehicle. Shower tokens cost $1 for 4 minutes.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

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

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 184 reviews

183 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

Some mention

noisecrowdedmosquitoes

"User reviews for Kelsey Creek Campground are mixed, highlighting the beautiful lakeside location, friendly staff, and amenities like clean showers and flush toilets. However, complaints include water quality issues, mosquitoes, and campsite privacy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451

Kelsey Creek Campground

5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451

Driving directionsThe entrance is 3.5 miles northeast of Kelseyville on Soda Bay Road, accessible via Highway 29. It is north of Calistoga in the wine country.

The campground is accessible year-round with paved roads leading to it. It is well-marked and offers straightforward navigation for most vehicles.

Nearby places

Kelseyville (~3.5 miles, ~10 minutes), Lakeport (~15 miles, ~20 minutes), Calistoga (~60 miles, ~1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Grocery Outlet (~15 min drive), Chase bank for quarters (~15 min drive), local stores in Kelseyville (~10 min drive).

Best Time to Camp at Kelsey Creek Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of California's seasons at Clear Lake, where summer days can soar above 100°F, creating perfect conditions for swimming and water activities, while evenings bring refreshing coolness ideal for campfire conversations. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp mornings that can dip to 20°F and occasional dustings of snow that create picture-perfect scenes across the hills. As the seasons change, so does the lake itself, with warm weather bringing natural algal blooms that paint the water in varying shades of green and blue.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Good for water activities but very hot and late-summer algae/mosquitoes can reduce enjoyment.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.5 / 5

Late summer/fall see high mosquito activity and algal blooms; reviews note declining water quality then.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring and early summer favored in reviews for fewer bugs and better water quality.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with fewer bugs; cooler weather limits water activities but facilities remain available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May through mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Cyanobacteria blooms may occur during summer months, impacting swimming and fishing.

About Kelsey Creek Campground

Discover the only lakeside escape in Clear Lake State Park at Kelsey Creek Campground, where 65 thoughtfully designed sites nestle between the shimmering waters of Clear Lake and the tranquil Kelsey Slough. Each site comes equipped with everything you need for the perfect outdoor experience: crackling fire rings for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for memorable meals under the stars, and secure food storage boxes to keep your provisions safe from curious wildlife.

Kelsey Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping (without hookups), and cabin stays. Group camping sites are also available.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with thousands of years of human history, where the Pomo people once thrived along these shores, skillfully weaving intricate baskets from native plants and harvesting the lake's abundant fish. Their deep connection to this land continues today, as modern Pomo tribes lead inspiring land reclamation projects, working to restore and preserve their ancestral home for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of California's seasons at Clear Lake, where summer days can soar above 100°F, creating perfect conditions for swimming and water activities, while evenings bring refreshing coolness ideal for campfire conversations. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp mornings that can dip to 20°F and occasional dustings of snow that create picture-perfect scenes across the hills. As the seasons change, so does the lake itself, with warm weather bringing natural algal blooms that paint the water in varying shades of green and blue.

ElevationPerched at 1,320 feet above sea level, Kelsey Creek Campground offers a perfect vantage point for breathtaking panoramic views. From your campsite, watch as morning mist rises from the lake's surface, revealing the rolling hills that embrace this natural wonder in a scenic amphitheater of green and gold.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a photographer's paradise where Clear Lake meets Kelsey Slough, creating a vibrant wetland ecosystem teeming with life. Watch majestic great blue herons wade through shallow waters, elegant egrets take flight at sunset, and osprey dive for fish with spectacular precision. Dominating the horizon, the ancient volcanic cone of Mount Konocti stands as a silent guardian, its dormant peaks telling the story of the powerful forces that shaped this remarkable landscape.

Geological RegionWelcome to California's crown jewel of freshwater lakes, where ancient volcanic forces created a geological wonderland that continues to fascinate visitors and scientists alike. The dormant Mount Konocti rises dramatically from the shoreline, a testament to the area's fiery past, while hidden hot springs and mineral springs bubble up from deep within the earth, offering glimpses into the dynamic geological processes still at work beneath your feet in this unique volcanic landscape.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM

Check-out

12 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site.

Groups

Group campsites can accommodate up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. These sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecue facilities, and are near restrooms with showers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in circles or rows, with lakeside sites providing premium views. Accessible sites include #38, #50, #65, #86, and #89.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites available year-round, but may fill quickly during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to avoid penalties. Reservations can be modified up to six months in advance.

AccessibilityAccessible features include parking, routes, restrooms with showers, cabins, picnic areas, and trails like the Kelsey Creek Trail and Dorn Nature Trail.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some reviews mentioning smaller lakeside sites and others noting spacious shaded sites. Specific campsite numbers such as 59, 64, 72, and 73 were highlighted for their size and shade.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with lakeside sites noted for being smaller and less secluded. Campsites in circles were praised for being more spacious and shaded.

Total Campsites65 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakeside sites early in the year for better water quality and less algae. Sites in shaded circles are recommended for summer.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Kelsey Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails and lake provide opportunities for both relaxation and active exploration.

HikingHiking trails such as the Kelsey Creek Trail and Dorn Nature Trail are accessible and provide opportunities to explore local flora and fauna. The trails vary in difficulty, with the Kelsey Creek Trail being flat and accessible, and the Dorn Nature Trail offering a loop through oak woodlands with moderate inclines.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Clear Lake, known for species like largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. Some reviews noted fishing was more pleasant earlier in the day due to water quality concerns.

SwimmingSwimming is available at designated beach areas, but concerns about water quality (murkiness and algae) were frequently mentioned in reviews. The swim beach is open sunrise to sunset.

BikingBike trails are available, and some user reviews recommend bringing bikes for children.

BoatingBoating facilities include a boat launch and marina. Mooring slips are available for registered campers. Canoeing and kayaking on the lake and nearby sloughs were recommended by user reviews.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, raccoons, turtles, herons, and minks can be observed. Some reviews praised the wildlife viewing opportunities directly from campsites.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cyanobacteria in the lake water during warm months, mosquitoes, poison oak, raccoons, and occasional wildlife such as bobcats.

Active AlertsCyanobacteria blooms may occur during summer months, impacting swimming and fishing.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided at each site to protect food from wildlife.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed only in designated fire pits. Firewood available for purchase at the entrance.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesLake County Sheriff's Office (approx. 15 min drive), Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport (~20 min drive).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are available throughout the park. Blue plastic bags for recycling are provided at the park entrance.

Water FeaturesLocated between Clear Lake and Kelsey Slough, offering fishing and limited swimming opportunities.

Camp HostCampground hosts are described as friendly and knowledgeable, assisting with reservations and firewood sales.

Weather at Kelsey Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4

184 reviews

Recommended

Kelsey Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Kelsey Creek Campground are mixed, highlighting the beautiful lakeside location, friendly staff, and amenities like clean showers and flush toilets. However, complaints include water quality issues, mosquitoes, and campsite privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 184 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities, the friendliness of staff, and the beauty of the lakeside setting. Many users praised the accessibility features and spacious...

Based on 184 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include murky lake water, limited shade at certain campsites, lack of restroom availability during sewer problems, and the prevalence of mosquitoes. Some reviews noted noisy neighbors and lack...

Based on 184 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing bug spray, quarters for showers, and locking food storage to deter raccoons. Users also recommend choosing shaded campsites and avoiding swimming during algae blooms.

Based on 184 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate spring and early summer as the best times for camping, with fewer bugs and better water quality. Late summer and fall experience high mosquito activity and algae bloom concerns.

Based on 184 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Clear Lake is delightful... near the lake... awesome." "Beautiful, shaded, spacious campground." "Wonderful campground with kid-friendly campsite circles." "Cabins are great... clean... peaceful...

Based on 184 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews include: 59 (lakeside but small and less shaded), 72 and 73 (shaded and spacious), 64 (close to lake but murky water), 78 (too small, switched to 79, which was roomier).

Based on 184 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews often highlight the accessibility features of cabins, trails, and restrooms, though one user noted some raised walkways are too narrow for wheelchairs to pass.

Based on 184 reviews