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Places to Camp near Eldorado National Forest

1,203 Reviews

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Eldorado National Forest, CA has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Eldorado National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Eldorado National Forest, CA (302)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    1.

    Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    31 Reviews
    85 Photos
    535 Saves
    South Lake Tahoe, California

    Overview

    Fallen Leaf Campground is situated on the north shore of Fallen Leaf Lake and adjacent to Taylor Creek. The south shore of Lake Tahoe is less than a mile away. The campground features 206 sites that include six yurts and standard tent and RV sites. The campground is typically open from mid-May through mid-October. Fallen Leaf Lake is less crowded and not as well-known as Lake Tahoe, making this a great base camp for exploring the many sights and recreational activities in the area. It's a popular campground and tends to fill quickly.

    Recreation

    Both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe offer opportunities for non-motorized and motorized boating, tubing, waterskiing and windsurfing. Fishing is available at both lakes, but anglers generally have better luck at Lake Tahoe. Guests can swim in Fallen Leaf Lake, even though there are no designated swimming areas. The south shore of Lake Tahoe offers the Pope and Baldwin swim beaches. Hikers can access the 1-mile Moraine Trail from the campground. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is directly across Highway 89 and has interpretive programs, guided walks on the Rainbow Trail and to the Stream Profile Chamber. The Glen Alpine and Mt. Tallac trailheads are nearby for excellent day hiking and backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness. The Pope-Baldwin bike path parallels Highway 89.

    Facilities

    Each yurt provides a cabin-like space for a family of five or six people. The yurts sit on a wooden platform and have an electric light and space heater, but no additional electric plug-ins. Interior furnishings include a futon and bunk beds with mattresses. Cooking supplies and bedding are not provided. The tent and RV sites have paved parking aprons. Each yurt and standard site has a bear-proof food storage locker, campfire ring, pedestal grill and picnic table. Coin-operated shower facilities, water spigots and accessible restrooms with flush toilets are scattered throughout the campground. A camp host is on-site, and firewood and supplies can be purchased from the camp store. A public phone is also available.

    Natural Features

    The campsites do not offer views of either the lake or Taylor Creek, but they are nestled among towering native pine, cedar, fir and aspen. Some are adjacent to wildflower meadows. Guests only need to walk a short distance to Fallen Leaf Lake, where the forested shoreline and surrounding mountains are reflected in its crystal-clear waters. Prominent peaks include Cathedral Peak (8,200 feet) and Mount Tallac (9,735 feet). The surrounding woods provide habitat for squirrels, racoons, chipmunks and a variety of birds. The campground has some resident black bears that are often seen by guests; please be safe around bears.

    Nearby Attractions

    A century ago, what is now the Tallac Historic Site held the ''Grandest Resort in the World'' and the summer retreats for three of San Francisco Bay Area's socially elite families. Today, the remains of the resort and the restored estates attract thousands of visitors annually to recapture this bygone and significant era in Tahoe's history.

    contact_info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (530) 541-1537 for general information.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July__

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $118 - $120 / night

  2. 2.

    Tahoe Valley Campground

    25 Reviews
    96 Photos
    380 Saves
    South Lake Tahoe, California

    Whether you prefer the luxuries of an RV or the excitement of tent camping, you'll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of towering pines and mountain vistas at Tahoe Valley Campground. You'll enjoy the beaches or a stroll by the river from this South Lake Tahoe RV park. When you've finished playing and relaxing in the great outdoors, the fabulous casinos of Stateline, Nevada offer world famous dining and casino night life for your pleasure.Encore's Tahoe Valley RV Resort offers something for everyone. Bring the whole family to a Lake Tahoe RV park. Some call it camping. We call it fun!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  3. Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    3.

    Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    22 Reviews
    85 Photos
    688 Saves
    South Lake Tahoe, California

    Eagle Point Campground at Emerald Bay State Park is run by California State Parks. With its rugged shoreline and blue-green water, Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world. Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle (800 A.D.), is part of the park. The building is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere. Tours are available of this 38-room mansion. Emerald Bay offers a panoramic view of the lake from Eagle Falls. Hikers can head into nearby Desolation Wilderness or walk the rugged lakeshore to D.L. Bliss along the Rubicon Trail.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $15 - $35 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

    4.

    D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    101 Photos
    483 Saves
    Tahoma, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  5. Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground

    5.

    Ice House Campground

    14 Reviews
    22 Photos
    223 Saves
    Kyburz, California

    Overview

    Ice House Campground is surrounded by a mixed conifer forest on the shores of Ice House Reservoir. Just 12 miles from Riverton, CA, the campground offers hiking, biking, jet skiing and fishing. Ponderosa pine is a pleasing part of the surrounding region. The trees fill the air with a vanilla aroma and it's the tallest known pine tree in the country. To date, the tallest Ponderosa measured was an impressive 268.35 feet tall.

    Recreation

    Enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on Ice House Reservoir. Rainbow, brown, and trout swim in these waters. A boat ramp is located on-site. Hike or bike on the Ice House Mountain Bike Trail, which stretches for 3.1 miles along ridge tops and shaded northern slopes. The trail boasts views of the reservoir and the Crystal Range.

    Facilities

    Amenities include a picnic area, drinking water faucets, vault toilets, showers, and a dump station. Firewood is sold on-site and a nearby resort offers a restaurant, gas and limited groceries.The facility was newly renovated in 2022.

    Natural Features

    Some campsites at Ice House are right on the shoreline while others are set back just enough for plenty of shade from towering ponderosa pines, cedars and Manzanita bushes. The reservoir spans 700 acres at 5,500 feet elevation. The area is part of the Eldorado National Forest, which stretches across the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Its climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

    Nearby Attractions

    Head to Bassi Falls, which can be reached via a 1.2-mile hiking trail. The glorious waterfall cascades over a 109-foot granite cliff.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $28 - $56 / night

  6. Camper-submitted photo from Camp Richardson Resort

    6.

    Camp Richardson Resort

    18 Reviews
    25 Photos
    105 Saves
    South Lake Tahoe, California

    We have two tent campgrounds at Camp Richardson – the Badger’s Den Campground and the Eagle’s Nest Campground. Each campground includes a picnic table, a bear-proof box, and a fire pit. Ready to set up camp? Learn more information on our tent camping prices and rules.

    Each site in our RV Village offers water, electricity, and an onsite dump station. We offer both full hookup sites and partial hookup sites to our campers, and every site includes a picnic table and fire pit. Ready for a more rugged camping trip? Learn more information on our RV camping prices and rules.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Group
  7. Camper-submitted photo from Sly Park Recreation Area

    7.

    Sly Park Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    53 Photos
    209 Saves
    Pollock Pines, California

    Sly Park Recreation Area is a wonderful place to bring the whole family for an unforgettable camping experience. Sly Park camping features 10 campgrounds that contain a total of 191 individual sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue. Vault toilets and water faucets are conveniently located throughout the campgrounds.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Loon Lake

    8.

    Loon Lake

    15 Reviews
    41 Photos
    245 Saves
    Tahoma, California

    Overview

    Loon Lake Campground is situated on the south shores of Loon Lake, and attracts many visitors with its variety of campsites and beautiful waterfront setting. Popular activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and exploring off-road vehicle trails.

    Recreation

    Anglers delight in fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for water skiing. Five picnic areas in the campground and a day-use area provide visitors with nice lake views.

    Facilities

    Campsites come with picnic tables, grills, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers. Firewood is sold on-site.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits just west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

    Nearby Attractions

    The 18-mile Rubicon Jeep Trail begins nearby. An exciting stretch of scenic, un-maintained, rocky road awaits off-road thrill seekers.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (831) 245-6891.

    Charges & Cancellations

    .Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Customers who cancel a GROUP overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $28 / night

  9. Camper-submitted photo from Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    9.

    Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    76 Photos
    171 Saves
    Markleeville, California

    TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE Full Park Closure Due to Tamarack Fire Damage - California State Parks announced that due to damages caused by the Tamarack Fire, Grover Hot Springs State Park (SP) will be fully closed to public access until further notice.

    On and around July 16, 2021, the Tamarack Fire burned through Grover Hot Springs SP and destroyed multiple state park housing structures, the maintenance shop, maintenance vehicles, and several trail structures. Wildfire impacts to park facilities, hazardous materials needing abatement, and risks associated with wildfire-affected “hazard” trees necessitate this closure. The Park will remain closed to the public – to pedestrians as well as vehicles – as staff works on public safety and infrastructure restoration tasks. California State Parks appreciates your patience and your cooperation in staying out of the park while we work toward reopening.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
  10. Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

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1203 Reviews of 302 Eldorado National Forest Campgrounds