Indian Valley Reservoir vs. Clear Lake

My girlfriend and I are planning on going camping and I would like any opinions anyone may have. We are looking for a primitive style camp spot with kayaking and is dog friendly. I have hunted around Indian Valley Reservoir and I know of a boat-in-only campground on the west side. I have never fished this reservoir though. I am told that Clear Lake has great crappie fishing, but I am not sure of the whole elbow to elbow campground thing. Any suggestions?? I live in Livermore and am willing to go anywhere.
Thanks for any help!! 

I'm not sure about dogs, but you might want to consider East Park Reservoir.  Bring lots of ice, it's HOT, but there are lots of free campsites all along the banks.  Lots of LMG, catfish, and crappie.

Indian Valley is probably getting kind of snaky now,which could be bad with a dog.The Kokanee are probably done there but bass, sunfish,and catfish should be on the chew.But the drive in to the lake is the pits.
  School is starting so the crowds should be thinning out at most campgrounds soon. Clearlake is a big lake with a lot of options. You might consider Mendocino also, they are close to each other and a much easier drive.
 In my opinion the best option is the boat in camping at lake Sonoma,very nice primitive camping on the lake shore. Lots of wildlife around,turkeys,deer,osprey,boar etc. Most of the people will be in boats fishing and most camping spots are in the no wake areas. There are bass,sunfish,land locked steelies,crappie, and catfish in the lake.

In my opinion the best option is the boat in camping at lake Sonoma,very nice primitive camping on the lake shore. Lots of wildlife around,turkeys,deer,osprey,boar etc. Most of the people will be in boats fishing and most camping spots are in the no wake areas. There are bass,sunfish,land locked steelies,crappie, and catfish in the lake

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Seeing Brian's (bsteves) post on the boat in camping at Lake Sonoma a few years back, I was pretty impressed by the pics. I'd like hit that spot - especially when it gets colder.....less boaters / skiers to deal with

Sounds like a great time. Maybe we can hook up this winter and catch some fish!!!