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Camping near Eldorado National Forest

1,354 Reviews

Eldorado National Forest encompasses a range of camping options from established campgrounds to free dispersed sites. Developed campgrounds such as Ice House and China Flat offer amenities like drinking water, toilets, and fire pits with ratings averaging above 4.5 stars. Silver Fork Campground receives particular praise for its river access and clean facilities. For self-sufficient campers, dispersed areas like Iron Mountain provide free camping with expansive views from its 7,500-foot elevation on an abandoned ski resort property. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, while Fallen Leaf Campground near South Lake Tahoe also offers cabin and yurt options.

Camping seasons vary significantly across the forest, with most developed sites operating from May through October when mountain roads are clear of snow. Winter access to dispersed areas requires snow permits between November and May, as one visitor noted finding Iron Mountain "covered in snow" with no camping allowed during snow clearing operations. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some dispersed areas offering limited connectivity while others remain completely offline. Elevation plays a major role in temperature variations, and the forest's proximity to South Lake Tahoe means popular sites fill quickly during summer months. "We were happy to find a spot after already visiting 3-4 of our regular spots that were already full, and this was on a Wednesday," reported one camper at China Flat.

The forest's river access represents a significant draw for many visitors. Sites along the Silver Fork of the American River receive consistently high ratings for their swimming holes and fishing opportunities. A visitor described the experience as "beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around," noting fire pits and BBQ setups at each site. Campers particularly value the privacy between sites at China Flat, where the camp host maintains exceptionally clean facilities. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed sites along forest roads provide alternatives to developed campgrounds. Views from Iron Mountain impress visitors with "spectacular" sunsets, though highway noise is occasionally noticeable. Multiple reviewers mention the camping area's flat terrain and easy access, making it suitable for overnight stays during longer journeys through the Sierra Nevada.

Map showing campgrounds near Eldorado National Forest, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Eldorado National Forest (367)

    1. Ice House Campground

    16 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 245-6891

    $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."

    2. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 324-4442

    "There are also many OHV trails close by."

    "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."

    3. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    35 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 544-0426

    $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."

    4. China Flat Campground

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    "Pro-tip: the spot next to the camp host is the best. The ones down the hill by the river are smaller, dark and cold."

    "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."

    5. Sugar Pine Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Kit Carson, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Tahoe Valley Campground

    29 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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 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."

    7. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    17 miles

    "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"

    8. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Kyburz, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-5061

    "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."

    9. Lovers Leap Campground

    6 Reviews
    Twin Bridges, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    10. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    23 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    20 miles

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Eldorado National Forest

402 Photos of 367 Eldorado National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Eldorado National Forest

1354 Reviews of 367 Eldorado National Forest Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Very well maintained campground

    Very clean, maintained campground. Flush toilets, and showers available (tokens required). Our visit was late fall so not crowded at all. We were able to change to a more level campsite when we arrive - staff were very accommodating. Bear boxes, large picnic tables, clean fire rings, and water at each site. We are planning to return for a longer stay to hike through the Sequoia groves.

  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    West Walker River Roadside Camp

    Great Spot!

    We really liked this spot we were only ones here so we got to pick where we parked. Right off the road but there is an incline on the road to get to the back section where we camped. We are raised and drive a 170 extend van and we’re able to make it. Creek is right next to you. Fall colors are amazing.

  • Lisa Marie L.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Gold Country Campground Resort

    Peaceful and clean campground

    We really enjoyed our weekend here. Super clean and quiet. Lots of play areas for kids and pets allowed. Clean bathrooms full hookups too

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    Super quiet, super remote

    If getting away is on your list, then Independance Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road). It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote. I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...). And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof. No services, but there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV. This is my second favorite spot in this area. I'll go again many times :-)

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful boondocking

    Passing through the area, I was pleased to find this site. Large spaces and plenty of room for more than one vehicle per site.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground

    Water, front and tree shaded campsites

    Campsites, along the shores of the reservoir are small and close together. The other sites are larger and have more privacy. All of the sites have shade. Elevation is about 6000 feet. I camped here 9/17/25.

  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Glory Hole Recreation Area

    Pretty and quiet

    Easy to find, there was no one but my spot was labelled with the tags. Facilities are clean but the shower was cold, at best lukewarm. The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad

  • Shir S.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

Guide to Eldorado National Forest

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe mentioning, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy water sports at local lakes. A visitor at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground shared, "Short drive to the Trail of 100 Giants, sequoia grove with an easy path to walk and take pictures."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Ice House Campground have spotted bears, with one saying, "I’ve even seen a few black bears roaming through my camp sites over the years."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be cautious about bears in the area. A camper at Ice House Campground warned, "The campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground noted, "The store is lovely but not open often."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in summer. A reviewer at Zephyr Cove Resort mentioned, "The campground was completely full."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Plan for Bear Safety: Make sure to store food properly. One family at Ice House Campground shared, "We took precautions, but it would have been nice to know about the bears."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor activities. A visitor at Pinecrest Campground enjoyed, "We played paddle board in the lake, watched the new Minion movie at the amphitheater."

Tips from RVers:

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

What are the best campgrounds in Eldorado National Forest?

Eldorado National Forest offers several outstanding campgrounds to suit different preferences. Kit Carson Campground is highly regarded for its scenic location in a dramatic valley with tall stone walls and the West Fork of the Kit Carson River running through it. Clark Fork Campground is excellent for those seeking spacious sites with good privacy, featuring 88 sites with ample room between neighbors and convenient double sites for group camping. For those who prefer dispersed camping options with more solitude, the forest also offers numerous primitive sites. The best campground choice depends on your priorities: riverside locations, lake access, amenities, or proximity to hiking trails.

Are reservations required for camping in Eldorado National Forest?

Reservations are recommended but not always required for camping in Eldorado National Forest. Many developed campgrounds like Ice House Campground accept reservations, which is advisable during peak summer season and holidays. However, the forest also offers first-come, first-served options such as USFS Silver Fork Dispersed camping areas that don't require reservations. Reservation policies vary by campground, with some operating on a mixed system where a portion of sites can be reserved while others remain first-come, first-served. For the most reliable camping experience, especially on summer weekends, securing reservations through Recreation.gov is recommended. Always check specific campground policies before your trip, as they may change seasonally.

What amenities are available at Ice House Campground in Eldorado National Forest?

Ice House Campground in Eldorado National Forest offers a range of amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. The campground provides potable water, vault toilets, and picnic tables at each site. Fire rings are available for campfires, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. The campground is designed to accommodate various camping styles with boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access options. Both tent campers and RV users are welcome, with some sites being big-rig friendly. While Acorn Campground nearby may offer hot showers, Ice House typically doesn't include shower facilities. Ice House is situated near its namesake reservoir, providing excellent water recreation opportunities just a short distance from your campsite.

What activities can visitors enjoy while camping in Eldorado National Forest?

Eldorado National Forest offers a wealth of outdoor activities for campers. Water recreation is popular, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating on numerous lakes and rivers. Hiking enthusiasts can explore an extensive network of trails, including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing are excellent in the diverse forest terrain. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. American River Resort provides easy access to river activities, while Hampshire Rocks offers waterfront recreation. The forest's varied elevations and ecosystems create diverse experiences throughout the seasons, from spring wildflower viewing to fall color photography.

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