Best Campgrounds near Carnelian Bay, CA

Camping near Carnelian Bay, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the many trails around the area. Campers love the access to hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful," at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
• Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. One camper at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park noted, "We took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island," highlighting the campground's proximity to water.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "There were three bears around the campground," reminding everyone to be cautious and store food properly.

What campers like:

• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe, where one reviewer said, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground, receive praise for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "Toilets were well maintained and didn’t have an awful smell like most others."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Sparks Marina RV Park said, "The security immediately came to us and the guys helped us and explained everything."

What you should know:

• Bear Activity: Be aware of bear activity in the area. A camper at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe warned, "Well there is a lot of bear activity," emphasizing the importance of using bear boxes.
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park, lack certain amenities. One reviewer noted, "Cell service at the campground was subpar," so be prepared for limited connectivity.
• Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during holidays and weekends. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "The General Market was randomly closed for 4 days," indicating that some services may be affected during busy times.

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water. A camper at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park advised, "If you have a large cart to transport your kayak down a long trail, you might manage," highlighting the need for careful planning.
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Would definitely stay here again," indicating a positive experience with meal prep.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Granite Flat noted, "No way our 30’ travel trailer would fit in the site," so check dimensions before booking.
• Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One reviewer at Washoe Lake State Park Campground said, "Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs," making it easier for RVs.
• Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue at some sites. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "The sites are small but have full hookups," so be ready for some dirt.

Camping near Carnelian Bay, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and stay safe!