Are you in need of a campground near South Lake Tahoe, CA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—South Lake Tahoe is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$47 - $128 / night
"Fallen Leaf Campground is located on south lake Tahoe about a mile from the beach."
"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."
"South Lake Tahoe had gotten 20 inches of snow in the 14 days prior to our arrival, then got four more inches while we were there."
"It was very crowded and we stayed in our site and away from public areas. Pool was open as well as restrooms/showers. They talked about bears visiting but we didn’t spot any there."
$25 - $45 / night
"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."
$59 - $94 / night
"We've always like zephyr cove as it's a bit away from the south shore hectic crowds. Zephyr cove rv park has a ton of rvs, but rent camping as well."
"Short walk across the highway to the beach, which is nice, but couldn’t get over proximity to other campers. We enjoyed our night but likely won’t visit again."
$35 - $165 / night
"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."
$75 - $92 / night
"Close to the lake with water, electric, and limited sewer hookups. Though right off the highway, traffic sounds aren’t too bad."
"The sites toward the back, away from the road, are much quieter and more private. Easy walk to the beach. Campground is busy in the summer months."
$41 - $45 / night
"This large campground (which is run by the city) is right in the middle of South Lake Tahoe and across the highway from The Lake."
"Campground is right on the main drag through town and just across the street and a short walk to the lake, although the lake does not permit dogs in this area."
$47 - $49 / night
"It's right on the California-nevada state line near Lake Tahoe. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in the US. A lot of the campsites have a view of the lake."
"The absolutely best thing about camping here was being a short, short walk from the shore of Lake Tahoe. "
"Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."
"come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars"
$35 - $475 / night
"Only $35 dollars, which is the cheapest you'll find north of South Lake Tahoe. Perfect for tent camping. Not busy at all during the non reserve season. Would go again for sure."
"You can drive and park over there or walk or ride a bike.
The campground bathrooms and showers were so clean, the camp hosts were AWESOME and our site was huge!"
ScoutThis is a great spot. We were out there the whole weekend and enjoyed the campground and lo9k forward to going back. There are first come first serve spaces available and that worked out great. The campground was not packed or to noisy over the weekend. We look forward to going back
GuideThe turn off to the dirt road was 300 ft past where the app said it was. Once we got deeper into the forest my gps wasn’t on the the route depicted on Dyrt, but it’s a fun trail. We went in about a mile in our RAM Promaster converted van then turned around and took a big flat spot closer to the road.
TravelerStayed here overnight. Could easily stay here for a few days and see all the fun things around Reno, Carson City and Virginia City. Great camp hosts, clean showers, flush toilets, garbage and dump available.
TravelerThe location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.
ScoutSites are clean and well cared for. Each site has a patio area with turf and a picnic table. Staff meets you at the front, guides you to your site and helps you pull in. Staff also pointed out all the relevant features (hookups, parking spot for towed vehicle, restrooms/showers, pool, laundry and dumpsters)
TravelerArrived pretty late so didn’t want to disturb others to check out all the sites, luckily there is a huge parking lot type area right in the front. Stayed for a night there with some other cars , no problems. Nice area. Easy drive in.
TravelerUse the coordinates to get to the Boca campground site and make a right, the exact coordinates will take you to a boat ramp , the campground itself was fire we stayed at site 25 , had a private walk way to the beach
TravelerDuring our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground
TravelerAwesome site, stayed in my van on the boat launch. There are tent sites above the boat ramp with bear boxes and fire rings. Left side of tent sites is very loud due to the rushing river. Very secluded from others, only 2 others on the boat ramp in vans. do not attempt to do this in anything smaller than an SUv sedans would definitely not be able to make it to this site. Road has lots of holes and rocks sticking up out the ground.
Camping near South Lake Tahoe offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the lake, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping around South Lake Tahoe is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, but being prepared can make all the difference. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot for you in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in South Lake Tahoe?
Lovers Leap Campground is highly recommended for its friendly hosts and respectful atmosphere, making it a great option not far from South Lake Tahoe. Meeks Bay offers a beautiful lakeside setting with a sandy beach on the western shore, about 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. For those seeking more seclusion, Kit Carson Campground provides spacious, tree-shaded sites along a river suitable for fishing and swimming, located about 20 miles from town. Each offers unique advantages depending on whether you prioritize lakefront access, proximity to town, or natural surroundings.
When is the best season for camping in South Lake Tahoe?
Summer (June through August) is the prime camping season in South Lake Tahoe, offering warm days perfect for swimming, hiking, and water activities. Late spring (May) and early fall (September) provide fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, though nights can be chilly. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe is especially beautiful in summer, with accessibility to both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe via bike trails. Winter camping is possible at select locations like Tahoe Valley Campground, which remains open year-round and can be magical after snowfall, though proper winter camping gear is essential.
What amenities are offered at South Lake Tahoe campgrounds?
Amenities vary widely across South Lake Tahoe campgrounds. General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park offers affordable camping with basic facilities at $35 per night. For dispersed camping options, SNO Echo Lake provides a parking lot with a single toilet and T-Mobile service. Most established campgrounds include standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Water access is available at many sites, though not all. Proximity to recreational opportunities is a significant benefit, with many campgrounds offering direct access to hiking trails, beaches, and fishing spots. Some campgrounds feature additional amenities like showers, camp stores, and boat launches.
Are there RV camping facilities available in South Lake Tahoe?
Yes, South Lake Tahoe offers several RV-friendly camping options. Campground by the Lake, owned by the city of South Lake Tahoe, provides a gorgeous setting with beach access across the street, though it has limited hookups and charges extra for dump services. For more comprehensive RV amenities, Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion offers big-rig-friendly sites. Winter RV camping is also available at select locations, with some campgrounds maintaining plowed access to sites during snowy conditions. Most RV parks require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
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