Top Tent Camping near Carnelian Bay, CA
Looking for tent camping near Carnelian Bay? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Carnelian Bay campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Carnelian Bay, CA (77)
1. Silver Creek Campground
7 Reviews•14 Photos•32 SavesFor the remainder of the 2021 season - no open fires of any kind. Propane stoves for cooking allowed, but permit required! https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit Silver Creek Campground is located along the Truckee River and adjacent to Highway 89 South, seven miles south of Truckee, and not far from Tahoe City. The campground offers several single-family sites. Sites range from shaded by large trees to very open. Seven sites are designated for tent-camping only. These sites are a short walk-in and overlook the Truckee River. Other sites are close to Highway 89. All sites are a short walking distance to the river. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring and grill. Each site has a bear box that must be used to store food and other scented items such as toiletries and pet food. Firewood available at the campground at host site. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.Most roads within campground are paved. Larger RVs not recommended. Highway 89 road noise can be heard.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
2. Kaspian Campground
3 Reviews•11 Photos•175 SavesOverview
Kaspian Campground is located in a mature forest of pine trees overlooking the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Campers will be nestled in a sparse forest of pine trees and evergreen shrubs, just minutes from the bright blue water of Tahoe. The lake and its sandy beaches provides ample recreation opportunities.
Recreation
Kaspian Campground is ideal for visitors planning a full day of biking around Lake Tahoe. Bike trails that traverse the western shores of the lake begin near the campground. Visitors enjoy water sports on the lake and relaxing on its sandy beaches.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a former picnic area, across the street from the lake. Campsites are spaced for privacy and surrounded by tall ponderosa pine and white fir trees. Some sites offer spectacular views of Lake Tahoe through the trees.
Nearby Attractions
Kaspian Campground is less than 10 miles from the popular Meeks Bay.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (530) 541-1537 for general information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$27 - $29 / night
3. Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
5 Reviews•13 Photos•255 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
$5 / night
4. Lovers Leap Campground
6 Reviews•4 Photos•100 SavesRecreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.Lovers Leap__CampgroundFees
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
- Alcohol
5. Lake of the Woods
4 Reviews•7 Photos•62 SavesLake of the Woods is a nice small lake. It can be quite popular especially on weekends. There are approximately 15 camping spots with fire pits and picnic tables situated along the shoreline. There is no piped water available. This lake generally opens later in the spring as it sits at a high elevation and takes longer for winter snows to melt to gain access. Camping is free and on a first come - first served basis. The lake has both public and private property. Fire restrictions may be different depending on where you locate your camp.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
6. Bowman Campground
7 Reviews•19 Photos•176 SavesBowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
2 Reviews•5 Photos•32 SavesBoca reservoir is a popular spot for water recreation of all kinds. Heavy motorized boat and personal watercraft use, and water skiing on summer weekends. Also popular for wind surfing on the east shore. Kayaking and canoeing when the water is calm (morning and evening). Swimming and fishing too. Year round fishing. Ice fishing during winter depending on conditions. Camping on both the east and west shores of Boca Reservoir. A boat ramp is located near Boca Campground on the southwest end of the reservoir, but may be subject to closure during low water levels. Most single family sites and group campgrounds can be reserved at www.recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777. NO CAMPING OR CAMPFIRES ALLOWED OUTSIDE OF DEVELOPED CAMPGROUNDS. Directions: From Truckee take Interstate 80 east for six miles to the Hirschdale exit. Go north and under I-80 for approximately one mile to Boca Reservoir.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$20 / night
8. Luther Pass
6 Reviews•2 Photos•435 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Lake Forest Campground
1 Review•38 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Lake Spaulding Campground
4 Reviews•5 Photos•237 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Carnelian Bay
1090 Reviews of 77 Carnelian Bay Campgrounds
- U
UT801
Ranger
Campground by the Lake
Great option if available for Lake Tahoe
Camped here for what we thought would be a couple of nights for an event. However, event was canceled due to massive wild fire (air quality index was horrible, so stayed 1 night and left ASAP next morning). 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. Nice walking/biking paths, but heavily commercial district means lots of traffic going by. Site (#E06) is huge with enough space for several RVs, but we parked sideways adjacent to the picnic table and had spot near to bathrooms/showers which are clean but a bit ragged around the edges.
Food aside: Dinner of Curly's pork with cheese and Hatch green chile tortillas. Good to come back here at some point when not high season and can stay more in camping zone, this is a pretty commercial district.
- PPaul K.
Guide
Tahoe Valley Campground
A little pricey
We were only after a night, so didn’t need much. Travelling this time of year when campgrounds are closed makes for desperate last minute decisions. BUT if you’re staying here, go across the road to Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. the best pizza!
- AAnthony F.
Scout
Hope Valley Dispersed
Hope Valley dispersed
Free camping
ron R.Ranger
BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
Not easily accessible
The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.
- ron R.Ranger
Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
Complete trash dump
It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.
Shane T.
Traveler
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Great spot!
We stayed one night on our way through the area. Spot was nice level and clean. We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode In to south Tahoe and had a great experience.
Mason W.Scout
Zephyr Cove Resort
Simple, clean, but loud
Very simple and clean park but it is right next to the highway with very limited amenities. Their “amenities” they list online are not accurate but again it’s nice and clean. Also make sure you have a secondary form of transportation since this place is secluded due to private neighborhoods so there is no access to town via bike or on foot.
- BBradford H.Traveler
Loon Lake
Old boat ramp, rock and uneven
Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.
Paxton B.ScoutMerrill Valley Dispersed Camp
The road is terrible
Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone
Raymond V.GuideZephyr Cove Resort
Tight spaces but close to lake
Tight spaces but close to the lake if you want to enjoy the water and beach. Toilets and showers where filty but okay. Lots of chipmunks to enjoy..
- kkellyScout
Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion
Peaceful lake
Large sites very peaceful. Most sites close to the lake. We visited the last week of August. Expect to see bears. Hosts were clear about the need to keep campsites clear of food. Since you could not dump dish water on ground because of the bears it was more effort to wash up after meals. It would be nice if there was a dish washing station . We have seen this at other campsites we have been to. The have AT&A cell service had good service
- MMarty P.Guide
Logger Campground
Beautiful campground with lake views.
Love our stay at Logger Campground, very clean vault toilets, and facility. Most of the spots are very tight, narrow spaces. Make some when you book, you get the right size spot. Pay dump just offsite.
- rrob D.Guide
Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
Nice USFS campground
All camp sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Please ensure fires are permitted before starting a fire. The campground was clean and quiet. Pit toilets were clean and well stocked. Please note that I was there during the week. I imagine that during summer weekends it can get quite noisy with boat and jet ski traffic being so close to Reno. I would definitely stay again.
- HHope H.Traveler
Bear Valley Campground
Remote Forest Camping
FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads, high clearance helpful, 4wd not needed. Not all sites are flat. People from the area (i guess) seemed to be "reserving" sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs... they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility. Took a hike. Very pretty. No OHV noise, but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.
Anna B.Guide
Moon Rocks Camp
Camping on Mars
(September 28th, 2023) Got here after dark and found an empty clearing to park in for the night. The moon and the stars were so bright, it felt like we were on another planet. Got to explore the area in the morning, such a cool spot! Very quiet when we were there.
- TTaylor A.Guide
Lodgepole Campground
Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias
I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!
- OOnyx E.Guide
Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
Large dirt pull off
Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!
- SShawn M.Traveler
Bowman Lake Dispersed
Lake side Campsites
If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.
- OOnyx E.Guide
Silver Fork Campground
Peaceful getaway
Beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around! There’s a fire pit and bbq set up at each site and bathrooms and drinking water around the campgrounds. Seems like an amazing spot for a family camping trip! I believe it was $28 a night for a single spot or $14 with a discount. Cons for a nomad is there’s 0 service out there even hiking to the top of the mountain. It’s also about an hour of winding roads from the nearest town to get there. IMO not worth it when there’s plentyyyy of free camping pull offs you pass on the way there.
Stephen B.Scout
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Beautiful, popular, treacherous
I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.
The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.
No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.
Kirsten G.Guide
Bordertown Casino RV Resort
Easy stop on the way thru
Easy stop going north - level site, free showers. Laundry was 4.00 for aload to wash/dry. Had a nice simple meal at casnio
Azizah T.Ranger
Ice House Campground
Quiet campground with frequent bears
I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.
Anthony K.Scout
Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
Hold on
There’s no legal “dispersed” camping at Luther Pass; there are 11 tent sites with a maximum stay of five days. Very nice campground, though.
- RRebecca J.Traveler
Union Valley Reservoir
Beautiful !
Loved the time spent. Crozier fire started. Made for a bitter sweet sunset.
- Julia H.Traveler
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Great
Lots of people ! 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. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol.
- vvictoria D.Traveler
Tahoe Valley Campground
Great place
They have pull through sites and back in sites. This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort
- BBradley O.Traveler
Truckee River RV Park
Website states switched to permanent tenants
I have not stayed here but the website states switched to permanent residents. Likely hard to find a spot.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carnelian Bay, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carnelian Bay, CA is Silver Creek Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Carnelian Bay, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 tent camping locations near Carnelian Bay, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.