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Best Campgrounds near Echo Lake, CA

1,256 Reviews

The Sierra Nevada mountains surround Echo Lake with camping options that range from established campgrounds to more basic sites. South Lake Tahoe sits nearby, with Fallen Leaf Campground being one of the closest spots to hiking trails and good lake views. Tahoe Valley Campground has both tent and RV sites with basic facilities like water and bathrooms. Bears live throughout this area, so proper food storage is essential at all campsites. Trails crisscross the region, including paths that take you to overlooks above Emerald Bay. Many campers bring kayaks or paddleboards to use on Echo Lake during their stay. Most campgrounds provide drinking water, restrooms, and tables for meals. South Lake Tahoe has grocery stores, restaurants, and other services if you need to resupply. Summer brings warm weather and busy campgrounds, while winter camping is possible but requires cold-weather gear. The lakes and forests make this part of California worth visiting for a camping trip. Check ahead about closures, especially in early spring when some roads might still have snow. Both tent campers and RV owners can find suitable spots around Echo Lake. Following Leave No Trace practices helps keep these camping areas in good condition for future visitors. The combination of mountains, lakes, and forests makes Echo Lake a standout camping location in California.

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Best Camping Sites Near Echo Lake, California (362)

    1. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    34 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    6 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."

    2. Tahoe Valley Campground

    28 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    6 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."

    3. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    22 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    9 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."

    4. RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

    19 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    7 miles
    +1 (800) 544-1801

    $75 - $92 / night

    "Close to the lake with water, electric, and limited sewer hookups. Though right off the highway, traffic sounds aren’t too bad."

    "The sites toward the back, away from the road, are much quieter and more private. Easy walk to the beach. Campground is busy in the summer months."

    5. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    11 miles

    $35 - $165 / night

    "Lake tahoe is one of the most beautiful place in California. There are plenty of state parks and campsites around the lake, but D.L. Bliss is one of my favorite."

    "We got a site right along the lake (stairs to the beach were just adjacent to our site) and there were only 2 other people in the entire campground."

    6. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    7 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"

    7. Zephyr Cove Resort

    26 Reviews
    Zephyr Cove, NV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 589-4907

    $59 - $94 / night

    "We've always like zephyr cove as it's a bit away from the south shore hectic crowds. Zephyr cove rv park has a ton of rvs, but rent camping as well."

    "Short walk across the highway to the beach, which is nice, but couldn’t get over proximity to other campers. We enjoyed our night but likely won’t visit again."

    8. Campground by the Lake

    15 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 542-6096

    $41 - $45 / night

    "Campground is right on the main drag through town and just across the street and a short walk to the lake, although the lake does not permit dogs in this area."

    "This large campground (which is run by the city) is right in the middle of South Lake Tahoe and across the highway from The Lake."

    9. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 694-2248

    $35 / night

    "Camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips and directions to a general store about 40min drive away."

    "This is an awesome State Park located in Markleeville, CA. It's in close proximity to Lake Tahoe, CA, and offers many great day hikes for all ability levels in the area."

    10. Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

    15 Reviews
    Stateline, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 588-5562

    $47 - $49 / night

    "It's right on the California-nevada state line near Lake Tahoe. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in the US. A lot of the campsites have a view of the lake."

    "The absolutely best thing about camping here was being a short, short walk from the shore of Lake Tahoe. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 362 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Echo Lake, CA

357 Photos of 362 Echo Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Echo Lake, CA

1256 Reviews of 362 Echo Lake Campgrounds

Guide to Echo Lake

Camping near Echo Lake, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic routes that lead to breathtaking views. One reviewer from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe mentioned, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on the nearby lakes. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park noted, "It was a huge plus that added to our trip and loving this campground."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including bears. A camper at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground shared, "We did get a visit from a bear one night, but our site was clean."

What campers like

  • Spacious Sites: Many campers appreciate the roomy sites that allow for privacy. A review from Tahoe Valley Campground highlighted, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground mentioned, "The restrooms were clean, and the campground itself was decent."
  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers rave about the stunning natural beauty. One reviewer from Granite Flat said, "The campground is in a beautiful setting, easy to get to, and right off the Highway."

What you should know

  • Bear Safety: Always store food properly to avoid bear encounters. A camper at Upper Eagle Point Campground warned, "It’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities like showers or markets. A visitor at Zephyr Cove Resort noted, "Showers are also individual with locking doors, but there is no dish sink that I could find."
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak times. A reviewer from Donner Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, "It’s a popular campground and can be tough to get reservations last minute."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities like pools or playgrounds. A family 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 Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A camper at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe shared, "The stars are my favorite to watch and to actually see the Milky Way is incredible."
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water and wildlife. A visitor at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground emphasized, "You’ll feel alone. We had both our dogs and never had to keep them on leash."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Granite Flat mentioned, "Charged $18 cancellation fee for a site we couldn’t fit into."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Washoe Lake State Park Campground noted, "Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs, clean bathrooms and shower."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds can be dusty, so bring a broom or mat. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "My biggest issue with this campground is the dirt. It’s this ash dirt that gets everywhere."

Camping near Echo Lake, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Echo Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Echo Lake, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 362 campgrounds and RV parks near Echo Lake, CA and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Echo Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Echo Lake, CA is Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Echo Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Echo Lake, CA.

What parks are near Echo Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Echo Lake, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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