Best Tent Camping near Chilcoot, CA

First stop in my early summer road trip. Stayed for two nights. Easy self pay station at the front entrance. To get to the campground at the first right little dirt road before the pay station. Entrance into the park patch to the campground has a limited day-use fee also and there is group they use facilities with a large barbecue and outdoor sink that you would be able to wash dishes at if necessary. Great shaded spot in the middle of the desert. This was quite the unexpected little Oasis. Comes with peacocks. Limited number of spots available for tent camping or RV camping with no hookups. There are water spickets available and the park part of this Campground has flush toilets. The campground itself comes with a fire ring and a picnic bench. Trees are plentiful shade is wonderful the heat in this area in the summer time is Relentless but the shade is perfect at this location. There are peacocks on the property that apparently come from somewhere else I believe there are at least three of them they do make noise at night but it's not ridiculous unless there are coyotes on the property. Beware this is the desert there is wild life. Do not leave your food out at night. Bear boxes are not provided but keep your food items inside of your tent or your vehicle or lock them up. I did not have any issues because I am Savvy to the situation. I had a wonderful time hiking around and exploring the area through the trails making my way to the Carson River. This place is a gem and I will be back!

We stayed for two nights during the end of June 2018. Despite being summer, the temperature drops significantly at night. Even with cold weather sleeping bags, my son and I were really cold. There’s no electricity or bath houses, so charge all your devices and shower before your visit, lol. The potable water pumps are tricky to learn how to use at first, and the water is very cold.

The sites are large and relatively flat, so tent camping is easy. While there are some sites that cannot be reserved online, I highly recommend that you do not rely on getting one that is first come, first serve. We saw three trucks filled with families trying to go after the last non-reservable site. So, reserve yours online!

Be aware that there might be bear that get close to your sleeping quarters as the area is full of them. I was never scared, but my son swore that he saw one while he was going to bed. I was still up chit chatting with neighbors, so I did not see anything. Earlier that day, the Forest Ranger came through the camp to do an interpretive by showing everyone various mammal furs, two of which were bears. He told us that they have learned to be attracted to ice chests (coolers) and plastic boxes; they know these can contain food, so cover them with blankets or towels when secured in your car or around the campsite. Of course, food should be locked away at night and when not being prepared.

This campground is located next to Prosser Reservoir, so there are beautiful views of the lake. The sites on the back side of the grounds have the best views. Even if you don’t get a lake view, do not worry as there are plenty of places to hike with lots of spectacular views! Pick up a copy of ‘Lake Tahoe’s Spectacular Wildflower Trails’ by Julie S. Carville, and pick a trail! Sagehen Creek Trail (Hike #12 in the book, I believe) is very close by Prosser Family Campground.

The coolest thing about this place is that you can drink while enjoying the natural views! Wahoo!

• Large croup camp site with lots of flat places to pitch a tent. • Clean pit toilets. • 3x Bear food and 4x trash/recycling bins. • 2 (or 3?) water spigots • 4 big picnic tables • Some shade • Uneven terrain around sites and lots of fallen trees • Lots of parking, including triller/RV parking. Parking is paved and flat.

• Walking distance to the river • Big fire pit

We enjoyed this site! Excellent for a big group. I think we had 18 people. There could an additional bear bin to support as much food/scented items as a group of 25 would need. We ended up using the extra bear-proof trash bins as overflow scented item/food storage. Worked well.

Granite Flat is a great way to get out and camp without worrying too much about forgetting something. Now, I know no one WANTS to head back into town for the ice, eggs, or brew they forgot. But if you do, you're only 2 miles from the grocery store.

This campground is right along the Truckee river! It is RV/Camper, tent & dog friendly. Though there are very few "tent only" sites.

They have non-flushing restrooms with TP! (fancy outhouses)

You can park up to 2 cars per site

There is fresh, clean water located at pumps thruought the campground

PLENTY of space to pitch a tent

Bear boxes provided (we were lucky enough to see a mama and two cubs across the river from us!)

Fire pits and picknick tables

Super friendly camp hosts

We stayed here at 3 tent only sites, the night after our wedding with a group of friends! We all loved it and will definitely be back. You can float from one end of the campground down to the other end or keep going if you can find a ride (Uber) back to the campground! I hear the fly fishing on the Truckee river is fantastic as well. Due to the fact that we JUST got married the day before, we actually had our DJ come the the campsite and spin there. The people in the nearby sites were totally cool with it and we were respectful of quiet hours. So, as you'll see in the video, we had music. But typically the festival DJ doesn't come with the campsite. ;)

One negative to this campground is that the highway is right next to it. The Tahoe region is EXTREMELY popular so I'd suggest booking early if you can (though it seems you can find sites last min too) and know that if you're next to the highway, you'll hear cars/trucks passing through. By no means did any of my party feel that the vehicle noise was intrusive on our experience though. But it's food for thought.

Lastly, again you're near town and can head into Truckee for some tasty brew and food at many local breweries, breakfast, & BBQ spots! Plus the town of Truckee is super cute and should be explored of you haven't been.