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Established Camping

Emerald Bay State Park Boat-In Camp Area

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Thank you for your patience as we finalize the 2026 inventory. Please continue to check back. We will be releasing the inventory as soon as it becomes available.

If you require special assistance, please contact park by calling 530-525-9543 or Emerald.BayADA@parks.ca.gov 72 hours or more in advance.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Emerald Bay State Park Boat-In Camp Area is located near Lake Tahoe, offering a terrain of forested areas and lakefront views. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer, providing varied seasonal experiences. Nearby attractions include the Vikingsholm Castle and Eagle Falls, which are accessible for exploration.

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Location

Emerald Bay State Park Boat-In Camp Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.9598888069999 N
120.096555255 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reservations


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5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2016

Great views

Amazing views, what do you expect, it's Tahoe! Campsite is only accessible via boat or hike in from the road. Hike down wasn't bad at all, you can take a paved service road down, about 1.5 miles. Easy access to nearby hiking trails, Vikingsholm mansion, and Eagle Falls. The hike in/boat access limits the number of people, so the site isn't too crowded. Highly recommended with such beautiful views of the lake!

  • Review photo of Emerald Bay State Park Boat-In Camp Area by Angel K., June 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Emerald Bay State Park Boat-In Camp Area by Angel K., June 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Emerald Bay State Park Boat-In Camp Area by Angel K., June 24, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the boat-in campground at Emerald Bay?

Emerald Bay Boat Camp can be accessed in two ways: by boat directly to the shoreline campsites, or by hiking approximately 1.5 miles down from the road on a paved service road. The hiking option is relatively manageable, making it accessible for those without watercraft. For boaters, you can navigate into Emerald Bay and dock at the designated camping area along the shore.

Are there photos available of Emerald Bay Boat Camp facilities?

Photos of Emerald Bay Boat Camp facilities are available through the California State Parks website and various camping platforms including The Dyrt. These images typically showcase the shoreline campsites, surrounding landscape, and available amenities. For the most current visual representation of the facilities, check the official California State Parks website or contact the park directly before your visit.

What do reviews say about camping at Emerald Bay Boat Camp?

Emerald Bay Boat Camp offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe in a unique setting. The campground features easy access to nearby hiking trails, Vikingsholm mansion, and Eagle Falls. Its secluded nature, being accessible only by boat or hiking in, adds to the appeal and creates a more private camping experience. The spectacular Tahoe scenery makes it a favorite destination for those seeking natural beauty combined with recreation opportunities.

What camping options are available at Emerald Bay State Park?

Emerald Bay State Park offers the boat-in campground along the shoreline, which can also be accessed by hiking in. The campsites accommodate tent camping in a primitive setting. The park limits access methods to maintain the natural environment, with no drive-up camping available at this specific location. For those seeking standard vehicle access camping, explore other nearby Lake Tahoe area campgrounds. Always check with California State Parks for current availability and reservation requirements.