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Clearlake Oaks is a census-designated place in Lake County, California, on the northeastern shore of Clear Lake, about eight miles northwest of the city of Clearlake and set at an elevation of roughly 1,300 feet. The 2020 census counted about 2,500 residents in a community that mixes rural and suburban-rural living, with most residents owning their homes. Clear Lake is the defining feature of the area. Estimated at 2.5 million years old, it is considered the oldest lake in North America and ranks among the largest natural freshwater lakes in California, covering about 43,000 acres with roughly 100 miles of shoreline. The lake's warm, productive waters support a renowned largemouth bass fishery that draws anglers from across the region, along with boating, water skiing, and other water sports through much of the year. Clearlake Oaks grew as a small lakeside settlement with a commercial core, a marina, and a public park, beach, and pier along the shore. The Keys neighborhood, known for its canal system, gives many homes direct boat access and creates a distinctive waterfront character popular with retirees and families. The surrounding hillsides are wooded with oaks, and the area's warm summers and mild winters support year-round outdoor activity. Public education is provided by the Konocti Unified School District, which serves Clearlake Oaks along with the nearby communities of Clearlake, Lower Lake, Spring Valley, and a portion of Cobb Mountain. The community is rural in scale, with shopping and services concentrated in nearby Clearlake and Lakeport. Clearlake Oaks suits residents seeking quiet, affordable lakeside living with strong fishing and boating access in the heart of Lake County.

Population 2,551

County Lake

Active Listings 185

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Clearlake Oaks in?

Clearlake Oaks is in Lake County, California, on the northeastern shore of Clear Lake. The community lies about eight miles northwest of the city of Clearlake in the Clear Lake basin.

What is Clearlake Oaks known for?

Clearlake Oaks is known for its setting on Clear Lake, the oldest lake in North America and one of California's largest natural freshwater lakes. The community is a base for bass fishing, boating, and lakeside living.

What is The Keys in Clearlake Oaks?

The Keys is a residential neighborhood in Clearlake Oaks built around a canal system that gives many homes direct boat access to Clear Lake. It is popular with boaters, anglers, and families seeking waterfront living.

What school district serves Clearlake Oaks?

Clearlake Oaks is served by the Konocti Unified School District, which also serves Clearlake, Lower Lake, Spring Valley, and a portion of Cobb Mountain. The district operates East Lake School in the community.

City Guide

About Clearlake Oaks

Real Estate & Housing

Housing in Clearlake Oaks ranges from modest older homes in the community's core to waterfront and canal-front properties in The Keys, where a system of man-made canals gives many lots direct boat access to Clear Lake. Lot sizes vary, and the area retains a semi-rural character with hillside and oak-studded parcels. The community's affordability and lake proximity appeal to retirees, anglers, and second-home buyers seeking a slower pace.

Neighborhoods

The Keys is Clearlake Oaks' most distinctive neighborhood, a residential area built around a canal system that allows many homes to dock boats at the back door. The main lakeshore holds a cluster of older homes, a marina, and a park and pier, while the surrounding hillsides support more spread-out, semi-rural properties. This mix gives the community both a compact waterfront core and quieter, larger-lot settings.

Lifestyle in Clearlake Oaks

Life in Clearlake Oaks revolves around Clear Lake. Residents fish for largemouth bass, launch boats, and spend warm-weather months on the water, while the area's mild climate supports outdoor activity most of the year. The community is quiet and rural in pace, with services concentrated in nearby Clearlake and Lakeport. A mix of retirees, families, and part-time residents gives the town a relaxed, lakeside character.

Schools & Education

Public education is provided by the Konocti Unified School District, which serves Clearlake Oaks along with Clearlake, Lower Lake, Spring Valley, and a portion of Cobb Mountain. The district operates campuses across the Clear Lake basin, including East Lake School in Clearlake Oaks. Its regional footprint means students attend schools spread across the lake area, with transportation and programs coordinated district-wide.

Getting Around

Parks & Recreation

Clear Lake is the center of recreation in Clearlake Oaks. Anglers target largemouth bass in waters known for both quantity and quality, and the lake supports boating, water skiing, and camping through much of the year. The community's marina, park, beach, and pier provide public water access, while the surrounding hills offer hiking and wildlife viewing. Lake County's wineries and natural areas add further day-trip options.

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