Best Campgrounds near Carnelian Bay, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Carnelian Bay. Carnelian Bay is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Carnelian Bay camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Carnelian Bay, California (356)

    1. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 582-7892

    $35 / night

    "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."

    2. Granite Flat

    18 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-3558

    $22 - $44 / night

    "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."

    3. William Kent Campground

    13 Reviews
    Tahoe City, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 583-3642

    $42 - $118 / night

    "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."

    4. General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

    15 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 525-7982

    $25 - $475 / night

    "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."

    5. Village Camp Truckee Tahoe

    10 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 290-6210

    "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."

    "Year round camping with a convenient location."

    6. Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Carson City, NV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 687-4319

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Nice campground situated close to the shores of Washoe Lake. Great amenities; picnic tables, fire pits and shade structures at many of the campsites."

    "We stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City."

    7. Davis Creek Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Washoe Valley, NV
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 849-0684

    $30 / night

    "Easy access right off the freeway but tucked into trees so you don't hear any road noise. Nice hiking trails, clean restrooms and very nice staff. Well maintained!"

    "This is relaxing and very quiet area but next to the hwy. Nosie at night. Ranger is very cool. But nice spot"

    8. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    17 miles

    $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."

    9. Zephyr Cove Resort

    26 Reviews
    Zephyr Cove, NV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 589-4907

    $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."

    10. Tahoe State Recreation Area Campground

    8 Reviews
    Tahoe City, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 583-3074

    $35 / night

    "Great small campsites right next to Tahoe City and right off the lake. Camp hosts are friendly and attentive. Great biking trail that cuts through the camp and follows the Truckee river."

    "Lake Tahoe is a great area year round for camping and skiing, went winter skiing at Lake Tahoe 2004, lodges and cabins for rent, great passes and the lake is beautiful in the summer!!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 356 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carnelian Bay, CA

1241 Reviews of 356 Carnelian Bay Campgrounds



Guide to Carnelian Bay

Camping near Carnelian Bay, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the area. Campers love the access to hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful," at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. One camper at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park noted, "We took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island," highlighting the campground's proximity to water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "There were three bears around the campground," reminding everyone to be cautious and store food properly.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe, where one reviewer said, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground, receive praise for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "Toilets were well maintained and didn’t have an awful smell like most others."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Sparks Marina RV Park said, "The security immediately came to us and the guys helped us and explained everything."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be aware of bear activity in the area. A camper at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe warned, "Well there is a lot of bear activity," emphasizing the importance of using bear boxes.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park, lack certain amenities. One reviewer noted, "Cell service at the campground was subpar," so be prepared for limited connectivity.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during holidays and weekends. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "The General Market was randomly closed for 4 days," indicating that some services may be affected during busy times.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water. A camper at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park advised, "If you have a large cart to transport your kayak down a long trail, you might manage," highlighting the need for careful planning.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Would definitely stay here again," indicating a positive experience with meal prep.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Granite Flat noted, "No way our 30’ travel trailer would fit in the site," so check dimensions before booking.
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One reviewer at Washoe Lake State Park Campground said, "Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs," making it easier for RVs.
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue at some sites. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "The sites are small but have full hookups," so be ready for some dirt.

Camping near Carnelian Bay, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and stay safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carnelian Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carnelian Bay, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 356 campgrounds and RV parks near Carnelian Bay, CA and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carnelian Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carnelian Bay, CA is Donner Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carnelian Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Carnelian Bay, CA.

What parks are near Carnelian Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Carnelian Bay, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.