23 of the Best Lake Tahoe Camping Destinations

When you think of Lake Tahoe, you may not think of camping — but you should!

Go camping high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where Lake Tahoe’s extensive shoreline offers many places to pitch a tent or park your rig. Scenic lakefront views provide the perfect backdrop to a weekend in nature to enjoy family-fun recreation beneath the pine tree-lined coast.

I’ve lived in California for awhile, and some of the best scenery can be found in this amazing state. Camping is a great way to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of California.

Discover some of the best Lake Tahoe camping destinations near the north and south shores! Pack your tent, grab your hiking shoes, and get ready for s’mores, here are some of the best campgrounds in Lake Tahoe California.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND

Escape the crowds surrounding the Lake Tahoe shores and opt to stay at the Fallen Leaf Campground, located on the north shore of Fallen Leaf Lake. Pitch your tent at one of the more than 200 camping sites with scenic views from the lake’s shore.

Towering pine trees overhead provide plenty of shade while enjoying a picnic or exploring nearby hiking trails around the lake. The campground has some resident black bears that are often seen by guests — so keep your distance. On sunny days, you can seize the day by boating or swimming in the lake.

You’ll find tent and RV sites, as well as six yurts. Each yurt and standard site has a bear-proof food storage locker, campfire ring, pedestal grill and picnic table. The campground is typically open from mid-May through mid-October.

·      Directly on the Lake

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

CAMP SHELLEY

Cheerful kids speed around the trails on bikes as you pull into one of 25 sites at Camp Shelly. This family-friendly campground keeps its spaces limited to provide a better camping experience, like recently updated bathrooms and a game room.

Enjoy camping beneath the pine forests only steps away from Baldwin Beach. Utilize the onsite bear lockers, unless you want some unexpected company in the evenings.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables 

CAMPGROUND BY THE LAKE

Bring out the big rigs because Campground by the Lake gives ultimate classic RV park vibes. This popular campground has lots of space for adventurous campers from April to October, including 50 full hookup spots and 120 non-hookup spots that welcome tents.

Campground by the Lake has one of the best locations in South Lake Tahoe. It’s near El Dorado Beach for easy access to outdoor recreation, or leisure in town with shopping, dining, etc.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

ZEPHYR COVE RESORT

Waking up to lakefront views against the backdrop of snow-capped summits makes it easy to understand why many visitors staying at the award-winning Zephyr Cove Resort make reservations several months in advance.

Park your RV beneath the pine tree groves along Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, or pitch your tent just a pebble’s toss away from the water. Then, cruise the lake on the M.S. Dixie ll paddlewheeler or dine at Zephyr Cove Restaurant. There’s even WiFi for uploading your Explore-Page-worthy camping photos to Instagram. 

·      Directly on the Lake

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Picnic Tables

NEVADA BEACH CAMPGROUND

Instead of tropical palm trees, Nevada Beach exhibits its own version of paradise with space pine trees shading the sandy beaches extending back into the national forest. Nevada Beach Campgrounds puts you in the heart of this unique landscape, which offers 54 sites. Get your tent set up in time to catch the alluring sunset behind the Sierra Mountains.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

EAGLE POINT CAMPGROUND

If you can’t get enough of the lake views at Emerald Bay State Park, consider staying overnight at the Eagle Point Campground. It gives prime real estate right on the lakeshore, with views of Emerald Bay peeking between the pine trees. The tranquil setting lets you enjoy the musical sounds of nature away from the rumble of engines, since its 97 campsites are strictly reserved for tent campers.

·      Directly on the Lake

·      Tent Spots

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

General Creek Campground has made Sugar Pine Point State Park a popular destination for campers, with 175 campsites. From the great camping experience to the recreational activities, there is tons to do to stay entertained.

Kids can run across the shaded grassy fields to the shores of Lake Tahoe, while you maintain a perfect visual from the campsite grill. After eating, use the food storage lockers to keep the bears away for the night.

·      Tent Spots

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

CAMP RICHARDSON CAMPGROUND

With the award-winning Camp Richardson Resort & Marina next door, it’s only fitting to deliver the same five-star experience for guests who prefer to immerse themselves in the lake’s natural beauty.

Camp Richardson is a massive year-round campground with more than 300 sites, including an RV park. Get acclimated in the Badger’s Den campground section to enjoy boating or biking on the Willow Loop. Eagle’s Nest is ideal for larger groups, with ‘double’ and ‘triple’ sites available.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

EMERALD BAY CAMPGROUND

Summertime is always buzzing with activity at the Emerald Bay Campground. It puts you in the heart of one of the most scenic bays in Lake Tahoe, where you’ll stay just steps away from these panoramic lake views. Once your tent is all set, head down the nearby trails to the beach, or go for a nature walk through Emerald Bay State Park on the Rubicon Trail.

·      Tent Spots

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

MEEKS BAY CAMPGROUND

Beach-lovers can spend all day on the sandy shores near Meeks Bay Campground. The large golden sand beach provides plenty of room for laying out your blanket beneath the umbrella and taking in views of the turquoise bay. There are 40 sites at the campground sitting perfectly between D.L. Bliss State Park and Sugar Point Park, so there are many hiking, biking, and other recreation options at Lake Tahoe.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

DL BLISS STATE PARK

It can be tiring spending the day in DL Bliss State Park — hiking to landmarks like the Rubicon Point Light, or taking in the unique viewpoints of Lake Tahoe. Retreat to your tent or RV at the designated campgrounds, where the evening is full of families returning from Lester Beach or Calawee Cove. Cook up a meal on the grill for a picnic dinner before enjoying marshmallow-roasting beneath the stars.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

BAYVIEW CAMPGROUND

Last-minute campers always have a chance to find a first-come, first-served spot at Bayview Campground, but that’s only if you’re daring enough to reach it. This seasonal campground takes you 7,100-ft above sea level to the edge of the Desolation Wilderness, and requires a Wilderness Permit to access. But this remote area is full of natural beauty, with hikes to Cascade Falls, Cascade Lake, and other attractions in the national forest lands.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

TAHOE STATE RECREATION AREA

Experience the great outdoors in the Tahoe State Recreation Area for boating on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe or trekking the surrounding woodlands. Accompany your outdoor adventures with a stay in the designated campgrounds from May to September. You’ll find 31 RV and tent spaces, with places to cook and eat. It’s just a quarter-mile drive from Tahoe City, so it’s a popular option for weekend trips.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

LAKE FOREST CAMPGROUND

Twenty spacious sites at Lake Forest Campground make it popular for RVers and trailer camping. Ascend the slopes through the Tahoe National Forest to reach this campground, where you can just pick a spot for the night without reservations.

Lake Forest Campground is excellent for getting away from the crowded lake shores and enjoying a bit of serenity in the high forest. Hiking trails take you to viewpoints of Lake Tahoe.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

KASPIAN RECREATION AREA

Enjoy a bit of privacy when camping at Kaspian Recreation Area. With only nine camping sites, it’s one of the most intimate Lake Tahoe Campgrounds.

The lucky few who get to camp in Kaspian Recreation Area will have nature knocking on their tent doors. First, head down to the dock to climb into your kayak and explore the cool waters of Lake Tahoe. Then, lounge on the half-mile strip of sandy beach to enjoy the lakefront views. Finally, see what wildlife you encounter while hiking in the mature pine forest.

·      Directly on the Lake

·      Tent Spots

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND

Having well-maintained grounds always makes the camping experience more pleasurable. Thankfully, the hosts at William Kent Campground are attentive to each of its 81 sites, tucked within the pine and fir tree-shaded grounds. You will be pleased with any spot you drive up to. Feel free to wave hello to the friendly hosts before departing on one of the nearby biking trails.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

ALDER CREEK CAMPGROUND

Wake up to the sounds of Alder Creek trickling past you when you stay at the local campgrounds. From May to September, Alder Creek Campgrounds welcomes visitors to its shaded grounds in Tahoe Donner. Alder Creek Trail and Emigrant Trail lead you through the area’s woodlands. In the evening, return to camp for a competitive game of volleyball or ping pong with other friendly campers.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

GOOSE MEADOWS CAMPGROUND

Anglers across the country are well-aware of the world-class fishing opportunities at Truckee River. Many of the campers staying overnight in the Goose Meadow Campgrounds keep their tents and RVs stocked with the latest fly fishing gear to catch their next trophy. 

The campground has 24 sites designed for primitive camping, but with the river and Lake Tahoe not far, you won’t spend much time here during the day anyway!

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

PROSSER FAMILY CAMPGROUND

While Prosser Reservoir is just a fraction of the size of Lake Tahoe, its artificial status makes it impressive, resting next to its natural neighbor. Peer through your tent door to admire the picturesque views of the reservoir, with trees dotting the rocky cliffs, when you stay at the Prosser Family Campground. Then, enjoy watersports like speed boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the reservoir when you’re ready to get active.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Full Hookups

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

SAGEHEN CREEK CAMPGROUND

Tucked deep inside Tahoe National Forest, Sagehen Creek Campground is one of the hidden gems in the Lake Tahoe region. You won’t find many people visiting these remote grounds, so you might even have it exclusively! The campgrounds allow RVs and tent camping. Before the sun sets, take a stroll along the Sagehen Creek Trail to explore the banks and reservoir or visit the lush meadows adjacent to the campgrounds.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Hot Showers

·      Toilets

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

BOCA CAMPGROUNDS

Witness one of the wonders created by the Boca Dam with views overlooking the Boca Reservoir. These scenic vistas make the Boca Campgrounds a frequent choice for campers near Lake Tahoe.

The campground’s 27 sites cycle through tons of families visiting for one or more nights between May and October. You can enjoy boating and swimming in the reservoir before drying off on a hike through the Tahoe National Forest.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

SILVER CREEK CAMPGROUND

After the ski crowds have descended from the slopes in Squaw Valley, a new group of visitors starts to arrive in May—campers! Stay in the iconic Olympic Valley at the Silver Creek Campground. Sitting on the banks of Truckee River, these grounds are the perfect home base for exploring nearby hiking trails or visiting Palisades village.

·      RV Spots

·      Tent Spots

·      Dump Station

·      Fire Ring

·      Picnic Tables

LAKE TAHOE CAMPING FAQ

Can I camp on the beach in Lake Tahoe?

Meeks Bay Campground has camping sites close to the Lake Tahoe shore, making it feel like you’re practically on the beach.

Can you camp at Lake Tahoe for free?

Most of Tahoe National Forest is open to camping for free. There are certain rules you need to follow though, and there aren’t any amenities. You can find out more information about camping in Tahoe National Forest here.

When is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe?

Generally speaking, the best times to visit Lake Tahoe are March-May and September-November. With that said, there are plenty of activities and amenities to enjoy year-round.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

• YOUR CALIFORNIA VACATION
• CAMPING LIST: Camping Packing List: 84 Things You Need (And Our Advice On The Best Brands!)
• PISMO BEACH: 17 Things To Do In Pismo Beach For Fun In The Sun
• CARLSBAD: 19 Super Fun Things To Do In Carlsbad, California
• LONG BEACH: 14 Things To Do In Long Beach For Coastal Fun

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE TAHOE