Clear Lake State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Lakeside Park Lucerne Alpine Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Clear Lake State Park is a beautiful park located in the state of California and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
The park is situated along the banks of Clear Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in California. There are many reasons to visit the park, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Visitors can take advantage of the park's three campgrounds, which offer a range of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins.
One of the main points of interest at Clear Lake State Park is the lake itself. The lake is famous for its fishing opportunities, as it is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the lake's clear waters or take a boat out for a day of water sports.
In addition to the lake, Clear Lake State Park is also home to a number of hiking trails. The trails wind through the park's beautiful landscape, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. There are also several picnic areas throughout the park, where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the natural beauty of the area.
Interesting facts about Clear Lake State Park include its history as a popular location for Hollywood movies. The park has been featured in films such as "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "The Big Lebowski." The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.
The best time of year to visit Clear Lake State Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during peak season, so it is recommended to plan ahead and make reservations if camping.
Overall, Clear Lake State Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of California. With its stunning lake, hiking trails, and wildlife, the park offers something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Upper Bayview Campground
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Lower Bayview Campground
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Cole Creek Campground
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Hike Bike Campground
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Kelsey Creek Campground
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Lake view Dispersed Camping
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Lakeside Park
Lucerne Alpine Park
Highland Springs Recreation Area
Mendocino National Forest
Austin Park