Tent camping options in Eldorado National Forest range from secluded alpine spots to lake-adjacent sites with varying accessibility. The forest spans elevations from 2,000 to over 10,000 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates throughout the region. Most tent camping areas remain snow-covered and inaccessible until late May, with higher elevation sites often closed until mid-June.
What to do
Fishing in alpine lakes: Union Valley Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities with relatively uncrowded shores. A camper at Fashoda noted, "Perfect! Right on the water! Big sites lots of shaded areas. Great temperature outside of the valley!"
Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail: The trailhead near Luther Pass provides access to this renowned long-distance path. According to a Luther Pass camper, "Great location to the TRT. Stayed here the night before getting on the TRT. Very quiet and plenty of sites open."
Mountain biking: Bear Valley offers excellent off-road biking terrain with numerous technical trails. One visitor to Bear Valley Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Location was near trails to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking."
Rock climbing: Lovers Leap draws technical climbers with routes suitable for various skill levels. A visitor commented, "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."
Stargazing: Clear mountain air provides exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Bear Valley Dispersed Camping shared, "Perfect spot for star gazing!! We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot!"
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at Azalea Cove Campground, where a reviewer noted, "Sites were empty, clean, had toilets, bear boxes and next to the lake. If you don't mind bears then this is a great spot."
Proximity to water: Several tent sites sit directly adjacent to lakes or streams. At Fashoda, campers enjoy "running water, showers on Union Valley Reservoir what more can you ask for! Highly recommend you get a reservation."
Minimal development: For those seeking primitive tent camping near Eldorado National Forest, Bear Valley Dispersed Camping delivers. One camper described, "There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road, you can keep driving as far as you want, it is easy to find a good spot to park and set your camp."
Solitude: The forest's size enables campers to find isolation even during peak periods. A visitor to Silver Creek Group Campground shared, "We're not really about the big crowds- staying here still allowed us to be close to Tahoe but far enough away for a nice private campsite with great hammock trees!"
What you should know
Pack-in requirements: Some of the best tent camping sites require hiking gear in. At Azalea Cove Campground, "Don't bring to much down cause you have to carry it back up lol learned my lesson! 1/2 mile hikish downs and back to vehicle."
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season, with complete bans common during summer. At Bear Valley, one camper noted, "There's a campground with its own fence around it for private camping With signs posted very near it, 'no camping here' in the other spots without the signs good to go."
Dispersed camping regulations: Free camping exists throughout the forest but requires careful site selection. A Bear Valley camper advised, "There are no Volt toilets here nor running water but pretty good Verizon signal."
Weekend crowding: Sites fill quickly Thursday through Sunday. At Luther Pass, "Luther pass, aka South/North Truckee Rd, was extremely crowded. I would suggest arriving early to get a decent spot."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Families typically find more amenities at developed sites. At Kirkwood Campground, "A little pricey but nice hidden away campsites. The older gentleman that runs the site is wonderful."
Consider water access: Lakes provide natural entertainment for children. At Jenkinson Campground, "We brought our paddle board and we're walking distance to the lake front. Lake was quiet, trails well maintained and facilities were cleaned regularly."
Waterfall exploration: Several campgrounds offer waterfall hikes suitable for families. One Jenkinson visitor shared, "The hike to the waterfall is wonderful and depending where you start depends on length. You have to see it though! 33ft and the perfect spot to swim when it warms up."
Plan for elevation adjustments: Higher elevations mean cooler temperatures even in summer. A Jenkinson Lake camper noted, "The front half of the lake is sometimes quite close quarters full of large RVs and campers. The real gems are further back into the campground."
Tips from RVers
Limited suitable sites: Many forest roads restrict larger vehicles. A Luther Pass visitor warned, "Holy Christ for the love of god take away the rv tag. There isn't a single spot for an rv, I tried it with my 19' single axle unit and nearly ripped the spare tire off the back the road was so steep."
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds prohibit generators, requiring self-contained power. At Bear Valley, campers must be prepared for primitive conditions with "no Volt toilets here nor running water."
Narrow access roads: Forest routes often include tight turns and steep grades. A Bear River camper observed, "The camp sites were very close to the main road which usually wouldn't be so bad but drivers fly down the road."
