421 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Alpine Meadows, California sits within a diverse camping landscape that spans from developed state parks to primitive forest service sites. The area includes popular destinations like Donner Memorial State Park Campground in Truckee, which offers both tent and RV camping with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access lakeside options such as Meeks Bay and Fallen Leaf Campground near Lake Tahoe, or more secluded forest settings at Granite Flat Campground. Many sites feature standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while some provide additional facilities like showers and electrical hookups.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in the Alpine Meadows region. Most campgrounds operate from late May through September or October, with limited year-round options. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with campers reporting temperatures in the 30s during late May. Bear activity is common throughout the area, requiring proper food storage in provided bear boxes or secure vehicles. According to one visitor at Alpine Meadow Campground, "The sites themselves are large, and the ones on the far end of the park open up to the field between the grounds and the lake, yet every site is in the trees, keeping it a bit cooler in the summer." Advance reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and recreational opportunities as major draws to the region. The proximity to lakes and rivers receives frequent mention in reviews, with many sites offering direct water access or short walks to shorelines. Tall pine trees provide welcome shade at most campgrounds, creating natural buffers between sites. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with many locations reporting limited or spotty coverage. Noise levels differ between campgrounds, with some visitors noting highway sounds at locations near major roads, while others praise the peaceful settings of more remote options. Wildlife sightings, particularly bears, are commonly reported, reinforcing the importance of proper food storage and waste disposal.
"The campground is in a beautiful setting, easy to get to, and right off the Highway."
"Nice campsite located right on Highway 89, 1 mile from Truckee and a short drive to Tahoe City. Right on the Truckee River and has 68 family sites and 7 walk in sites."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability"Some friends and I stayed at this campground because of its proximity to Lake Tahoe, where we had planned to take a day trip to kayak. I thought the campground was very peaceful."
"make our stay perfect.The highlights of our trip:Spotless bathrooms: Exceptionally clean and well-maintained facilities.Great layout: The sites are well-spaced, giving you plenty of privacy.Perfect location"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Two of them have quick walking access to the lake. One is situated between. Most campsites are large."
"Nice state park right next to the Donner Memorial Site and Donner Lake. We were in site 133 which was not the easiest site to get in with a trailer."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"The sites were large considering the prime Tahoe location - we had plenty of space for our 9x8ft tent. "
"Conveniently located within walking distance of a lot of different places. Beautiful campground. Only enough parking for one car per a spot. Decent bathrooms."
from $42 - $118 / night
Check Availability"This campground is on the West side in California about halfway up Lake Tahoe. You take a very winding and narrow two-lane road."
"I had the opportunity to stay in this campground when it was nearly empty."
from $35 - $475 / night
Check Availability"Lake tahoe is one of the most beautiful place in California. There are plenty of state parks and campsites around the lake, but D.L. Bliss is one of my favorite."
"We got a site right along the lake (stairs to the beach were just adjacent to our site) and there were only 2 other people in the entire campground."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"Exit off 1 80 go round a few roundabouts and u r there. It is a beautiful area with major attractions within a 1/2 hr. Lake Tahoe being the most iconic."
"Close to Truckee, a very nice looking rv park, plenty of nice size spots surrounded by trees. Quiet and well maintained. This is the one to stay at when visiting Tahoe-Donner."
from $96 - $526 / night
Check Availability"Just a small walk away from Lake Tahoe shore. Big beautiful trees cover the entire campground. A couple bathrooms that surprisingly do not smell bad and have a running faucet."
"The beach is about a 5 minute walk from any spot. Only complaints are the beach is not dog friendly so if you have your dog you can’t go onto the beach but, you can drive close to a dog beach."
from $55 - $57 / night
Check Availability"The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."
"From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."
from $47 - $128 / night
Check Availability"4d-120.0849062) while exploring the Emerald Bay section of Lake Tahoe."
"Our site was #56 which had a partial view of the lake through the trees in the distance. It was also located directly across from the bathrooms and campground host who’s name was David."
from $25 - $45 / night
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TravelerThe campsites are so big and it's right on the river. The bathrooms are clean, hiking is forever and it's 8 miles up from the highway so most people don't know about it. It's quiet and there is a big sandy beach.
TravelerAll sites are First Come First Serve. Arrived on a Thursday with only 1 other camper at the grounds. By Saturday morning it was full and loud. All sites are close enough to the lake, that your priority should just be what ever fits your set up. Traveling in a 25ft Class C felt like I didn't belong and space was tight. Almost no sky for solar or starlink, and AT&T service gave me a single bar.
I'd return if I had a small towable or in a tent. Overall very scenic and peaceful during the week days.
As of August 2026 price was $10 a night.
TravelerWe were able to get a spot on a Saturday evening thanks to some no-shows! Large space for our rpod.
GuideLots of sites available midweek. Summer weekends may be all about dirt bikes. $20 cash/night self check-in no reservations. No campfires or outdoor charcoal fires are allowed in August. Bear containers. Tables. Lake views and access.
ScoutThe campground was clean and quiet
GuideSpent two nights in site 13, it was the site directly across from the camp host. Host was kind, very present and always cleaning and ensuring the camp was spotless! DO NOT take a trailer beyond the little gate to the “back” of the camp ground, the northern most part. We took our 32’ trailer through the gate because satellite images show a cul-dê-sac like turn around area. It is still present, however it is also a campsite and with people occupying the site, turning around is impossible. We had to back our trailer back down the road and into the main area again.
Bathrooms are clean! River nearby was refreshing and has a few small human made dams that allow for wading and safe play areas for kiddos. Chilly nights and hot days!
Scout5 stars for the campground itself. I've been camping at Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park since 1984, when I was just 20 years old. I have loved every camping trip since(at least 30 plus times)! The campsites are great, the grounds, and trails are well-maintained, and safe. I love that the general store is easy to get to and has ice and extras that we may have forgotten to bring. However, we have noticed over past few years that the restrooms in the campground have become increasingly filthy. I get that people walk in with dirt all over their shoes, so of course the floors will be dirty, but it's unacceptable to allow the toilets to be so gross! I will leave out the unpleasant details! I asked a young park ranger how often the restrooms are cleaned and he said every day. Apparently they source out the cleaning. It's obvious that all they do is sweep the floors, empty the trash and provide more TP. The sinks, and floors look like they haven't been scrubbed in a long time, and I noticed the toilets looked as bad the day we got there to the day they left. I remember in the 80's and 90's seeing rangers doing a very thorough cleaning each morning. We would walk in and could smell the cleaning chemicals, and the floor would be wet from mopping. Also, the showers are dirty too. They removed the benches in the individual shower stalls so there's no place to put your clean clothes. Do better Lodgepole!
TravelerWe got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12. Being near the lake was great and having a camp store and bathrooms. Showers cost 50¢ for 5 min which isn’t bad but since the campsite is so expensive it would have been nice for them to be free.
ScoutIt’s hard to get a reservation, but it’s worth it if you can. Beautiful sites, decent showers, lovely staff. Recommend!
Camping sites near Alpine Meadows, California include options at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions. Winter temperatures routinely drop below freezing from October through April, with summer nights often dipping into the 40s even during July and August. Donner Memorial State Park and the surrounding national forest lands offer contrasting camping experiences within a 30-minute drive of Alpine Meadows ski resort.
Paddle on Donner Lake: Just 15 minutes from Alpine Meadows at Donner Memorial State Park Campground, visitors can rent kayaks for exploring the clear waters. "I rented a kayak and took a lovely paddle enjoying the serenity and beauty of the High Sierras. Around my campfire, I could here birds singing and wind blowing through the trees," notes Teresa J.
Float the Truckee River: The river current at Granite Flat Campground provides a natural water attraction. "Be sure to bring tubes or something to float down the river! The water was cool and the best way to beat the heat," advises Jonathan G., who camped there during a hot weekend.
Hike the Rubicon Trail: Campers at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground can access this scenic lakeside path. "Rubicon trail is absolutely stunning, and can be rather long since it goes into emerald bay. Nonetheless worth the hike," reports Azizah T., who visited in July when temperatures were "mid 70s in the day and lower 50s during the night."
Spacious campsites: Alpine Meadows area campgrounds often provide generous sites. At Sugar Pine Point State Park, campers appreciate the layout. "Lots of space and privacy between campsites. Close to Lake Tahoe. About 1 mile walk to the beach," notes Debi R., who recommends taking bikes to use the lakeside path.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Donner Memorial State Park, "The restrooms were SUPER clean with flush toilets and hot showers. Short walk to Donner Lake and Donner Museum," reports Kerry V., who appreciated these features during a July visit.
Accessibility to towns: Camping near Alpine Meadows provides convenient access to supplies. "Close to Truckee so you can easily get supplies. Lots of trees give a private feel even though it is a busy campground," Patricia O. writes about Donner Memorial, noting the "good sized camp sites for the most part" and bear boxes large enough for coolers.
Bear activity: Bears frequently visit campgrounds throughout the region. At Eagle Point Campground, "We had a bear visit our campsite, so it's crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes, and the campground staff enforces this rule diligently," warns Ashley S.
Temperature fluctuations: Nights remain cold even during summer months. "We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front," reports 12-year-old Bobby S. about Donner Memorial State Park, where summer days can be warm but nights cool rapidly.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Granite Flat, "The highway is loud during the day, that's the only downfall from this beautiful spot," notes Chad F., who still rates the campground highly for its location on the Truckee River with "fishing excellent from the banks."
Family-friendly beach access: Fallen Leaf Campground provides ideal settings for children. "Donner Memorial has three camps within this large campground. Two of them have quick walking access to the lake. One is situated between. Most campsites are large. Kids age 0-99 rule the day as there are boulders all around for to climb, a lake to swim in, trails to hike and paved loops for riding bikes," explains Eleni R.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences. "There is a nice museum/visitor center and lots to do in the area," Patricia O. mentions about Donner Memorial, which includes historical exhibits about the infamous Donner Party.
Activity planning: Daily temperature patterns should guide scheduling. "Mornings are glassy on the lake for paddle boarding and kayaking as well, but choppier in the afternoon," Ryan W. notes about Fallen Leaf Lake, suggesting that water activities work best before midday when winds typically increase.
Size restrictions: Many Alpine Meadows area campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "We have a 25 ft travel trailer and with my husbands truck it was definitely a tight squeeze. Plus our pad was really not very flat so leveling the trailer was tough," warns Stacie L. about her stay at William Kent Campground.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Alpine Meadows lack full hookups. Granite Flat has "no flushing restrooms with TP" and no showers, according to Sherry L., who adds that "you're only 2 miles from the grocery store" if you need supplies.
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires preparation. "The sites are somewhat uneven, so you will need levelers if you are sleeping in a van or small RV," advises Steve & Ashley G. about D.L. Bliss State Park, which they still recommend as a "great option for tent or van campers touring the west side of Lake Tahoe."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Alpine Meadows, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Alpine Meadows, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 421 campgrounds and RV parks near Alpine Meadows, CA and 41 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Alpine Meadows, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alpine Meadows, CA is Granite Flat with a 3.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alpine Meadows, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots near Alpine Meadows, CA.
What parks are near Alpine Meadows, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Alpine Meadows, CA that allow camping, notably Martis Creek Lake and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
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