Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Eldorado National Forest, CA has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Eldorado National Forest campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Eldorado National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$36 - $108 / night
"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)."
"Neighbors were close, though not so close to be crowded. Spot was very close to the restroom, advantage and disadvantage when a strong ordor would breeze on through."
$47 - $128 / night
"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."
"From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."
"My 9 yr old son wanted to try camping in or near the snow, and the weather was favorable on this December weekend (high 56, low 39)."
"Nice and flat, right next to the stream, already had some stones for a fire ring. Easy road to get out there."
"Really nice campground for families - bike trails, hiking trails, and access to the lake! Nearby showers are nice, too! Campground is near Tahoma Market if you need ice or last minute goodies."
"Pros: If you’re tired of fighting crowds around Lake Tahoe in peak season, head to the north west side of the lake to Sugar Pine where you’ll find lots of open sites amongst shady pines."
"I camped right on the edge where the view was as far from the highway as possible. The only downfall is that you can hear the highway. I went on a Tuesday."
"The Mormon Emigrant Trail can be accessed from there (East side, going West to Sly Park.) You can hear the Highway a little, but nonetheless very peaceful area."
"The location is pretty good with close by restaurants and stores. We used our bikes and took some great rides from there. Campsites were nice size, didn’t feel too crammed in."
"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."
"The caretakers really do a great job here and the woman who took care of me was very friendly and helpful and got me the exact spot that I wanted next to the river."
"Great swim area for the kids with just a short walk. Love the Kyburz area. Vault toliets, though fairly well maintained. Will visit again and again!"
"A great campsite not too far from South Lake Tahoe. While most campsites are on the smaller size, there are a few which can accommodate larger tents."
"The campsite we stayed in was a little bit of a walk in (could not drive to it) but it was beautiful with just a short walk to the crag. Natural and quiet, even though 50 is not far away!"
$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."
"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"
ScoutNicely kept campground but no night enforcement for quiet hours.
Had several rowdy groups keeping us up til 2am. A few air horns, car alarms going off. No camp hosts or ground keepers around.
For the amount of amenities, I would’ve thought they’d have night employees
GuideIt's suitable enough of a campground, Verizon works. There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly, I have a canopy so it helps make it more than fine. Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt. My dogs love it, my bedding doesn't!
GuideWe couldn’t find this spot. We went up a dirt road near where it said on the map but it didn’t look right and wasn’t very accessible for our car. We ended up camping further down the road in what seemed to be a day use car park? We’re not really sure. It’s definitely worth checking in daylight hours, we struggled as it was 10pm when we arrived
GuideSites have lots of space, table, fire ring and generally level drive pads. Water spigots are not too far. Showers scattered throughout camp though not every bathroom has them. There is a small camp store that has wifi. Book far in advance to get a spot in summer.
GuideUnfortunately , a fire has wiped out this once stunning campground. We will be anxiously awaiting when they revive this area, but the trees that once existed are gone .
TravelerI absolutely adore this dispersed site because of the fond memories that I had growing up using the site while it was fully operational (for 28 years). It used to be a fully operational campground, but it's now decommissioned and only accessible by walking in. That said, this spot likely won’t meet the expectations of most campers looking for convenience or amenities.
The road to the campsites is closed to motorized vehicles, but you can still drive up to a gate where there’s space to park about 5 vehicles—more if you don’t mind double parking with people in your group. From there, it’s a short walk in. Some sites still have old wooden picnic tables, but they’re pretty worn down. If you have a group larger than 8, I’d recommend bringing an extra table or some additional seating. Be mindful of your surroundings—there are many dead-standing trees and potentially hazardous branches, so choose your tent and eating areas carefully.
There are no toilets, no running water, and very few visitors aside from the residents who live along Hells Halfacre Road. However, if you walk down the hill from the campsites, you’ll find a few great swimming holes—definitely worth the effort on a warm day.
If you do visit, please respect the land and the locals. It’s a quiet, off-the-grid kind of place—perfect for those who appreciate solitude and rustic camping.
RangerWe were at another location up the road that was listed on Dyrt and the Forest Service Fire Team came up and started talking and they suggested this site and its awesome. You cross the bridge over the river and the trail is to the right. There are a total of 3 established sites. The 3rd site requires a vehicle with a little more clearance. We got our group to the second site and that included a van camper that was 2wd so its easy to get to the first two sites. All the sites are on the river and have paths down tonthe water with a little beach. When we were there I early June the water was still very cold. It's a popular fishing spot with the locals. Not much traffic at all as its on a side street. Each site is large enough for 3 campers to fit. Stone fire pits hard already been established as well. Would definitely come back given the chance.
ScoutThis campground is well played out, with nice shade trees. There is a decent laundry facility and pool/spa access. All this and easy access from the freeway. For those who enjoy some adult games, there is a casino that you can spend some time and support the Nevada economy. You might earn a prime rib dinner if you get a players card and earn enough points.
ScoutA paved road leads you up into a recently deforested area that seems to have had a fire recently. Found a nice spot near the top with a wide open clearing, perfect for watching the sun set next to a fire. Very quiet. Will likely be back at some point.
Camping near Eldorado National Forest, California, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.
Camping near Eldorado National Forest, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a little planning and awareness, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Eldorado National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 359 campgrounds and RV parks near Eldorado National Forest and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eldorado National Forest is Ice House Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 16 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Eldorado National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Eldorado National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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