Eldorado National Forest camping options range from small primitive sites to larger family-oriented campgrounds, spanning elevations from 2,000 to 9,500 feet. The forest contains over 80 lakes and 400 miles of rivers, creating diverse water recreation opportunities throughout its 596,724 acres. Camping conditions vary dramatically by elevation, with lower elevations accessible year-round and higher areas closed by snow for up to six months.
What to do
Paddling at Ice House Reservoir: The reservoir offers calm waters ideal for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. "Tent camped in spot 72. No shade what so ever, and it was a hot day! However loved the spacing of the campsites... Short walk to the lake which was beautiful, spent the day floating and drinking," reports Jessica B. about Ice House Campground.
Hiking from campsites: Many campgrounds connect directly to hiking trails. "Hiking trails right out of camp. Rushing river to the west. You can walk or ride a bike across the street to Lake Tahoe, but you are separated from the chaos of the lake," explains Ryan W. at Fallen Leaf Campground.
Rock climbing: Several areas provide access to climbing routes. "The cliffs at Lovers Leap are spectacular, and this valley is beautiful. The town of Strawberry has a friendly general store. This is a destination for climbing, and there is also hiking along the old Pony Express trail," notes Amanda P.
What campers like
Quiet campsites: Many visitors appreciate less crowded alternatives to Lake Tahoe. "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. Location is great and close to some of the less crowded beaches," writes Carolyn P. about Sugar Pine Point Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Bear encounters are common but manageable with proper precautions. "We had 3 bars of AT&T connection there. Will be back," mentions Caroline U. about Iron MT. Dispersed, adding that the "view from this area is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets too. It is a pretty open area with lots of room to camp. It is now an abandoned ski resort."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance gets high marks from visitors. "Nicely kept campground but no night enforcement for quiet hours," notes cassidy R. about Tahoe Valley Campground, while at China Flat, Jessica B. appreciates that "vault toliets, though fairly well maintained."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season. At Silver Fork Dispersed, Alex advises: "You are required to have a permit for any day/overnight use in Eldorado, including this area. They can be easily acquired at recreation.gov."
Winter closures and permits: Many sites close seasonally. Ted T. warns about Iron Mountain: "The site was covered in snow, and there was a sign saying no camping in snow clearing conditions. Additionally you aren't allowed in without a Sno-park permit from November 1st to may 31st."
Bear management: Proper food storage is essential and enforced. Ryan W. notes at Fallen Leaf: "You really need to pay attention to your food. Bears are not just possible here, they are likely." Similarly, at Eagle Point Campground, gisselle reports: "We encountered a mama bear and her 2 cubs quite a few times but everyone worked together to make noises."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Sites near shallow water areas are best for families. Nicole B. recommends Ice House: "We had a nice family campsite (53) very large, flat campsite. Across our site was the reservoir. This year the water was a bit high still however we heard typically they have nice beachy areas. Fishing was excellent!"
Multi-generation activities: Look for campgrounds with options for different ages. "Really nice campground for families - bike trails, hiking trails, and access to the lake! Nearby showers are nice, too!" advises David N. about Sugar Pine Point.
Camp infrastructure: Choose sites with amenities that make family camping easier. "Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, bear box, and parking pad. Sites are kept clean. Staff is friendly," reports Gína W. about Eagle Point Campground, though she cautions, "Some campsites are way too close together."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers should check for flat parking areas. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, Alex P. notes: "Dispersed camping not far from Lake Tahoe. Easy to drive into just be careful of potholes and large puddles from rain, even in summer."
Hookup availability: Water and electricity options are limited. Steve R. recommends Tahoe Valley Campground: "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers."
Generator policies: Noise restrictions vary between campgrounds. Timothy A. reports about Fallen Leaf Campground: "Great campground. Nice location. Only complaint would be generators running most of the day from all the RV's."
