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Map showing campground location near South Lake Tahoe, California
Camper submitted image from Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSEDView 22 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near South Lake Tahoe, California

Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

8 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Day hikers and trail traffic define the daytime experience at Bayview Campground, a 13-site Forest Service camp set directly across Highway 89 from the Inspiration Point overlook of Emerald Bay State Park. Trailheads for Cascade Falls and the Desolation Wilderness routes to Granite Lake start behind the sites, which means a steady flow of hikers passes through the campground throughout the day, particularly on weekends. The noise and foot traffic drop off noticeably after 6 p.m. The camp sits a short drive from camping near South Lake Tahoe, making it a practical staging point for exploring the western shore of the lake.

Sites are set among a grove of conifers that provide consistent shade. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. Parking spaces run roughly 20 feet in length, which limits the camp to tent campers, small camper vans, and similar rigs. No RVs of any meaningful size will fit comfortably. There is no running water on site, so campers should arrive fully supplied.

Note that Bayview Campground is permanently closed, per the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Ian Q. notes the site "will be used as parking," likely serving the Inspiration Point overlook and nearby wilderness trailheads. Campers looking for comparable access to Desolation Wilderness trailheads and Emerald Bay views may want to check Emerald Bay State Park Campground or dog-friendly campgrounds near Eldorado National Forest as alternatives.

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Map & DirectionsBayview Campground is located in California near South Lake Tahoe

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

In South Lake Tahoe, CA, where US Rt. 50 and State Rt. 89 split into Rt. 50 east and Rt. 89 north, take Rt. 89 north (to Tahoe City) 7.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Coordinates

38.94582278 N
120.09850975 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
    Last on 7/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/13/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
    Last on 7/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/13/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups

Drive Time

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Bayview Campground

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4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the prime location across from Emerald Bay with excellent trail access and well-maintained sites offering good shade and amenities. Several guests noted concerns about heavy daytime crowds from hikers and tourists, though most found it much quieter in the evenings.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2022

Great, but gone...

Only stayed there a handful of times, but even though the facilities were minimal, the views and location were first rate.  We used it mainly as base camp for Desolation Wilderness hikes.  Sadly, according to the management district contact line, the campground is closed and will be used as parking (presumably for Inspiration Point across the highway and, hopefully, for Wilderness hiking and backpacking).  Truly a shame.

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2020

Wonderfully back-to-basics campsite🏕

My daughters and I (3 girls!!👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏼🧍🏻‍♀️)went camping at Bayview. The host is friendly and efficient. A true “on your own” vibe. Drive down to Baldwin Beach ($10 parking) to SUP for the day carefree. Beautiful, clean and perfect distance between sites during COVID!

  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Erica P., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Erica P., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Erica P., July 27, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2019

Awesome Views Tahoe Emerald Bay

This is by far the most beauty area on Lake Tahoe. The site is just a few miles north of South Lake Tahoe on the western side of the lake. The campsite is best suited for tent campers or those traveling in small camper vans. Our sprinter van was able to park in the site ok without the need for levelers. The site is a great first night stop for those looking to back pack in the National Forest. Emerald Bay is just across the highway and will no disappoint. You fee like your looking at a fiord in Norway. Great option backpackers and tent campers in the Tahoe area. Camp has good tree cover and was cool even in the summer. This is a popular option for camping you will need to plan your visit to avoid the crowded summer hiking and tourist season.

  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Steve & Ashley G., June 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Steve & Ashley G., June 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Steve & Ashley G., June 17, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2018

Well maintained, but busy and lacks some key amenities...

The 13 sites of the first-come first-serve Bayview Campground are part of the well maintained US Forest Service property located in a prime area literally right across the street from the Inspiration Point Overlook of Emerald Bay State Park and is central to several awesome hiking trails in the South Tahoe area. Two of the hiking trails which lead into the incredible (and uncharacteristically names) Desolation Wilderness to Granite Lake and Cascade Falls start literally behind this campsite. Because of these trails and the crowded Vista across the street there are hordes of people coming in an out throughout the day looking for parking, especially during the weekend. Thus, do not expect a quiet/secluded campsite during the day, it does appear to become quieter after 6 pm as less people are walking/hiking around and staring at you while you camp.

The campsites have a decent amount of room between them and are nestled within a grove of beautiful trees, giving you plenty of shade during the day and a great place to put up your hammock. The sites also have all of the basic camping stuff like a fire pit, picnic table, and bear locker provided. Note that these sites are really tent only (No RV will fit in here, maybe a small 5th wheel) and parking spaces are pretty small and can probably only fit one car (or 2 tiny ones) in most spots, about 20 feet total length.

Bathrooms are decently maintained and for the amount of traffic that makes its way through the campground, actually clean! (Might help that the vista across the street also has a few pit toilets as well)

However, there is no running water, so make sure to prepare for your camping and any that you might need if you hike out into the wilderness and the weather conditions because when it’s dry you can’t have a fire and there won’t even be any water flowing in the stream that runs through the campground to even get some water to filter/boil.

The fee is $18/night - 6/people (1 car, $7 for a second) and 2 pets are allowed. Great place to stay if you are looking for a convenient location right off Highway 89 and central to a ton of prime South/East Tahoe hiking trails, but lacking in amenities and extremely busy with day trippers.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Campgrounds in the middle of a nice grove of trees
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  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Elliott B., September 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Elliott B., September 27, 2018
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

Crowded but good location

Crowded site in emerald bay, often filled with Jerry and his family. Not as expensive as other sites, good trail access and good attendants.

  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Melissa D., August 29, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2018

Nice Campground. (better when construction is done)

While we were her there was construction on the road going on. Because of this there was a very bright light shining on us most of the night. regardless we had a good time here. Restroom was clean for what it was. we always sleep in hammocks so we were happy to find several campsites with places to “hangout”. the bear boxes are easy to use and very welcomed!

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2016

In the middle of the best worlds, Desolation Wilderness and Tahoe Vista Points

This first-come, first-serve campground is located in front of the Vista Point to Emerald Bay and at the trailhead of Cascade Falls and Desolation Wilderness. Because of that, you will have a lot hikers walking thought the campground during the day. Campgrounds are nice, good shade because of the trees, picnic table, fire ring and a place to store food. Toilets are nearby. This is a very convenient spot to access Tahoe and the city or to start your hike and explore Desolation Wilderness without the backpacking. Ranger lives on site and she was really helpful and nice. You can get to Granite Lake in around 1 hour of hiking.

Best for: Convenience. Hike and play the whole day and come to sleep and enjoy the campground at night when everyone is gone!. Dogs are allow in the campground and on the trails!.

Tip: Since is a first-come, first-serve, you can arrive around 8 or 9am, when other campers are getting ready to leave.

  • Review photo of Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Kalai L., July 9, 2016
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED has water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED?

Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

Are fires allowed at Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED have wifi?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED does have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Bayview Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

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