RV camping near Echo Lake, California offers access to the Sierra Nevada wilderness at 7,414 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most RV sites in this alpine region close during winter months when snow accumulation can reach several feet, though a few facilities maintain year-round access with plowed roads.
What to do
Lakeside recreation: At RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort, visitors have easy beach access within walking distance. "Easy walk to the beach. Campground is busy in the summer months," notes Elizabeth R. The site also offers bike rentals for exploring nearby trails.
Winter activities: Some campers visit during winter for snow activities. Basia M. experienced "snow camping" at Tahoe Valley Campground and shared, "We ended up camping in a truck camper after being caught in a snow storm... nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"
Fishing opportunities: French Meadows Campground provides trout fishing access with specific regulations. Toby R. advises, "Great trout fishing. Bear country be advised. Extreme fire danger the summer months and closed due to snow in winter."
What campers like
Outdoor pools: Many campsites feature swimming pools for summer recreation. "They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights," Dani P. says about Tahoe Valley Campground, adding that it has "hot showers and well lit clean bathrooms."
Mountain views: Silver City RV Resort offers scenic mountain panoramas. John W. describes "great views of the Sierras and the Carson valley" and notes that "all sites are perfectly flat, paved pull-throughs; easy in, easy out parking."
Lakeside dining: Camp Richardson provides restaurant access near the beach. "Very close walk down to the Lake and the Beacon restaurant where you can have world famous RumRunner," says Janet G. The restaurant offers waterfront dining with specialty drinks.
What you should know
Limited availability: Peak season reservations fill quickly. Sarah B. from Camp Richardson noted, "We showed up and still managed to find a camp spot that same day which is rare for this gorgeous location."
Site terrain: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. Graham K. shares this warning about French Meadows Campground: "Two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground...you are rolling the dice and could be rolling in your tent all night from being on a hill."
Noise considerations: Campground quiet hours may not be strictly enforced in all locations. According to Cassidy R., Tahoe Valley has "no night enforcement for quiet hours. Had several rowdy groups keeping us up til 2am. A few air horns, car alarms going off."
Bear safety: Bear-proof storage is essential but not always adequate. Sarah B. mentioned, "Our neighbors told us of bear stories coming up to their camp the day before so I was not sure why bear boxes were not included for each site."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds organize regular family events. According to Michael B., Tahoe Valley Campground is "one of the largest and nicest campground for RVers and Tent campers combined. Helpful staff, and park rangers on site. Activities planned each day."
Swimming options: Carson RV Resort offers family swimming facilities. Kim G. reports, "The pool area is beautiful and includes outdoor grills and a gas fire pit."
Recreation facilities: Ghost Mountain RV Campground offers numerous family amenities. Craig & Linda L. describe, "There is a pool, and kids pool. Great showers, basketball courts, volleyball, you can bring your horse. Trails to ride a mountain bike ride or hike."
Water access: French Meadows offers family swimming opportunities. Anastasia P. explains, "Loved the water access, and water was perfect temperature for swimming for our toddlers even."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Be aware of seasonal restrictions on water connections. Basia M. noted at Tahoe Valley Campground, "The RV sites have hookups (although we weren't able to connect to water because of freezing temperatures)."
Space constraints: Gold Dust West RV Park sites may have specific size limitations. Gregg K. advises, "Spaces are a bit tight but easily doable. Laundry and showers very clean."
Dumping stations: Honey wagon services are available at some locations. Craig & Linda L. explain that Ghost Mountain features "a nice dump station. There is also a honey bucket truck that comes around to all camp sites Mon, Wed, and Fridays to dump your gray and black tanks."
Road conditions: Access routes can be challenging. Amanda B. warns about French Meadows, "The road to get to the site is extremely windy and narrow with no rails so be careful!"
