Summary
What You Need to Know About Camping at Lake Tahoe
If you’re considering a camping adventure at Lake Tahoe, it’s essential to understand that setting up your tent right by the water isn’t allowed, although you can get quite close. Most of the campgrounds are located on the south and west sides of the lake, with various options belonging to California State Parks, the US Forest Service, and private owners. For a comprehensive view of their locations, you can check this Google map.
However, finding information across different campground systems can be challenging since no single platform provides availability for all at once. Therefore, it’s important to use the links below to check availability and secure your campsite.
Many campgrounds in the area operate only from mid-May to mid-September or mid-October. Therefore, if your camping reservation is imminent, you may discover that state-operated campsites are already booked. In such cases, it’s advisable to start with privately owned options and then explore national forest sites.
Moreover, black bears frequent many of these campgrounds in search of food. It’s vital to learn how to keep your campsite safe from these curious creatures.
Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove is a privately operated campground and resort situated on the east side of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, less than 10 miles from Stateline’s casinos and the shops and restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, CA. While some campsites offer glimpses of the lake, none are positioned directly beside it.
This campground features 93 RV sites accommodating vehicles up to 40 feet in length, complete with water, sewer, and cable TV hookups. Additionally, tent sites are available, allowing you to drive or walk in. Amenities include laundry, showers, and restroom facilities. Reservations can be made through the Zephyr Cove website.
Nevada Beach
Nevada Beach resides within a national forest abundant with pine trees and is managed by the US Forest Service, located at an elevation of 6,100 feet. Accessing Nevada Beach on Lake Tahoe is easy via a short walk.
This campground accommodates both tents and RVs, and many campsites provide beautiful lake views. However, note that the campground is equipped with flush toilets but lacks hookups. For enhanced privacy, opt for a campsite located in the loop furthest from the beach, where sites are more spaced apart.
Up to two pets are allowed per site, although they must stay away from the beach area. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, but ensure that the person making the reservation will be present during check-in, as others cannot check in on their behalf. An additional fee applies for a second vehicle.
Lake Tahoe KOA
Lake Tahoe KOA is a privately owned campground located approximately 5 miles south of South Lake Tahoe and 9 miles from the Stateline casinos. This site offers both RV and tent sites, available with or without electricity and water hookups.
In addition to traditional campsites, you can stay in deluxe Kamping Lodge log cabins, which come with actual beds, kitchen facilities, and bathrooms. The campground includes a heated swimming pool operational from May through September. Pets are allowed for a nominal fee, though they are not permitted in the Chalet or Kamping Lodge. Reservations can be made via phone or through the Lake Tahoe KOA website. It’s recommended to reserve as far in advance as possible to ensure you secure your desired campsite.
Note that the campground closes from October 1 through April 1.
Fallen Leaf
Fallen Leaf campground is set in a national forest and features campsites nestled among the pines, which do not offer direct lake views; however, Fallen Leaf Lake is within walking distance.
This campground comprises 206 sites, including options for RVs, tents, and town yurts (tent cabins). Facilities provided include coin-operated showers, water spigots, and restrooms with flush toilets. The campground is operational from mid-May through mid-October. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the Fallen Leaf Campground website.
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay is a California state park featuring campgrounds that can accommodate trailers, campers, and motorhomes up to 18 feet in length, open only during summer. Additionally, there is a boat-in campground known as the Emerald Bay Boat Camp, also open in summer. For more details, consider visiting the Emerald Bay State Park website.
D. L. Bliss State Park
D.L. Bliss is another California state park providing 150 family campsites. The park is conveniently close to the lake’s edge as well as hiking trails. It has RV campsites accommodating motorhomes up to 18 feet and trailers up to 15 feet, alongside an RV dump station. Restrooms and showers are available for campers.
While dogs are welcome on a leash, they are restricted to the campground, picnic areas, and paved roads, with no access allowed to the beach or unpaved trails. D.L. Bliss typically shuts down during the winter months; however, nearby Sugar Pine Point Campground remains open year-round. If you’re keen on reserving here, advance planning is crucial due to the California state park reservation system, which can often fill up quickly. More information can be found on the D.L. Bliss State Park website.
Wa She Shu Meeks Bay Resort
Meeks Bay Resort is a privately owned establishment, part of a larger resort that features a lodge and cabins, making it an ideal spot for groups with diverse preferences for accommodations. Additionally, the resort includes a restaurant.
The campground provides RV sites with full hookups, as well as tent sites equipped with picnic tables. Restrooms and showers are also available for guests. However, pets are not permitted anywhere within the resort. Meeks Bay Resort operates from mid-May through mid-October, and additional information can be found on the Meeks Bay Campground website. Be sure to review all restrictions and refund policies prior to making any reservations to avoid unexpected issues.
Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Sugar Pine Point State Park, located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, is about 10 miles south of Tahoe City and features over 100 campsites along with restrooms and an RV dump station. It can accommodate trailers up to 26 feet and RVs up to 32 feet.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, do not exceed 6 feet, and cannot enter buildings, unpaved trails, or the beach. To secure reservations at Sugar Pine Point—especially during peak seasons—advance planning and a few tricks are necessary, which can be explored in depth through relevant guides. For more details, visit the Sugar Pine Point State Park website.
William Kent Campground
William Kent Campground is located within a national forest, boasting sites on both sides of CA Hwy 89. It features over 80 sites, flush toilets, and drinking water; however, it lacks showers and RV hookups.
Reservations can be made through the William Kent Campground website. It’s important to note that the reservation holder must be present during check-in.
