The staff here gets the first shout out. Lana Banana and Mary at the front create a real pleasant atmosphere as you roll in. I camped here twice already this year and once a while back. The rest of the staff (shout out Martin) and the rangers who advise on bears like Cinnamon* are all great.
Pros:
- Camp store has some basics like ice, firewood, and s'mores stuff.
- The sites have bear boxes and even though they are very close to each other with little separation, they are big sites with lots of tall trees.
- Flush bathrooms and showers dispersed throughout camp.
- Hiking trails right out of camp.
- Rushing river to the west.
- You can walk or ride a bike across the street to Lake Tahoe, but you are separated from the chaos of the lake, and a bit more insulated from the storms.
- The lake (see below).
- Cell service is unlikely.
- Sites have nice bear boxes, are very well maintained by the hosts (multiple hosts per loop), newer firepits that aren't too tall, and picnic tables.
- Plenty of ground wood to collect to help with the campfire. Make sure you have a a CA fire permit. Takes 4m online and is free.
Cons:
- You really need to pay attention to your food. Bears are not just possible here, they are likely.
- It is hard to get a site. Be ready. Set alerts.
- Traffic getting in and out can be a bit of a pain in the busy season.
- Even in the summer it can snow...BE WEATHER AWARE.
- The store doesn't sell propane.
The lake, oh my, maybe the most beautiful lake in the entire Tahoe region. It isn't as big, but it is flat like glass, deep, and crystal clear. It is cold as an icicle–colder. Cold as a frozen heifers nose. That's probably a saying somewhere. Either way, bring a hammock. Bring a paddleboard (which will get checked for invasives), and bring yourself ready to relax.
Great hiking. Chill vibes. I can't recommend this spot enough. Compared to the parking lot style campgrounds or resorts throughout Tahoe-region, this is really camping and the rates are low comparatively, though not low, actually. $48/night. There are a few yurts if you go for that sort of thing.