Celebrating National Park and Recreation Month
Lake County Public Services Department and Water Resources Department Invest in Healthy and Inclusive Recreation
Lake County Public Services creates inclusive parks and programs that promote wellness, celebrate culture, and protect open spaces. The Water Resources Department supports this work by managing Highland Springs Park, a popular destination for trails and outdoor recreation.
The County’s vision is to create vibrant parks, programs and trails that encourage recreation for all, honor cultural heritage and protect the environment for future generations. The department brings this mission to life through planning, stewardship and community collaboration.
Lake County invests in programs that help youth thrive. This year, children ages 7-11 can again enjoy outdoor games, crafts, water play and visits with police officers and firefighters at this year’s free Kids Summer camp on July 29–31 at Xabatin Park in Lakeport. Enjoyable experiences such as these encourage creativity, build confidence and connection. Other summer offerings include:
Swimming lessons at Middletown Pool (ages 1-12).
Sports camps in Clearlake and Lakeport
To stay updated with Summer Camp & Programs, click here.
In addition to seasonal programming, Lake County’s parks system offers year-round recreation options for nature lovers:
Lake access for swimming or boating at Alpine Park and Lucerne Harbor in Lucerne, Keeling Park and Davis Beach in Nice, Lakeside Park in Kelseyville, Clarks Island and Clearlake Oaks Boat Launch in Clearlake Oaks, and Rodman Slough Park and Hamilton Boat Launch in Lakeport.
Fishing at Alpine Park, Rodman Slough Park, Lucerne Harbor Park, Keeling Park, Lakeside Park, and others.
Bird watching in Rodman Slough, Trailside Park, Highland Springs, and virtually every park in the county.
Lake County’s park system also offers exciting options for active recreation, including for pets:
Exercise circuits at Lucerne Creek Park, Kelseyville Park, and very soon Hammond Park.
Picnic areas and playgrounds countywide.
Dog parks in Nice, Kelseyville, Lakeport and Lucerne.
Sports facilities such as baseball/softball fields, cornhole, tennis, basketball, disc golf, skatepark, trails, swimming pool, and others, plus pickle ball and a new multi-sports court coming soon.
For the full list of recreational opportunities, click here.
Lake County has multiple exciting park development projects now underway.
Hammond Park (Nice): New playgrounds, sports courts, dog park improvements, wetland overlook and more. Construction is anticipated to begin summer 2025.
John T. Klaus Park (Clearlake Oaks): A 600-acre regional park in design review, funded by Klaus Trust. Expected to open in 2026.
Cobb Park: A 13-acre community park in design and environmental review, also scheduled to open in 2026.
These investments reflect the County’s dedication public input, thoughtful growth and ensuring parks well serve all residents.
For more information on Park Planning Development Projects, click here.
For deeper nature immersion beyond parks, as featured in our May 2025 newsletter, the redesigned and expanded Konocti Trails network invites residents and visitors to explore Lake County’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Developed with community collaboration, Lake County trails offer the following:
Hiking
Biking
Horseback riding
Kayaking
Wildlife and bird watching
Dog-friendly recreation
With more than 300 bird species and wildlife including tule elk, blacktail deer, black bears, mountain lions and the endangered Clear Lake hitch, these trails offer a deeper connection to nature.
Click here to visit Konocti Trails website.
Lake County’s natural beauty is treasured by residents and visitors alike. Many thanks to the Public Services team for making a rich variety of outdoor recreational opportunities accessible for all.