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Best Campgrounds near Echo Lake, CA

1,300 Reviews

Echo Lake, California sits at the gateway to Desolation Wilderness, offering a spectrum of camping experiences from developed campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Fallen Leaf Campground, located approximately 5 miles southwest of Echo Lake, provides established sites with bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings among towering pine trees. The surrounding Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit encompasses numerous camping options including Eagle Point Campground at Emerald Bay State Park and dispersed camping areas for those seeking more solitude. Tahoe Valley Campground offers year-round accessibility with full hookups for RVs, while backcountry permits allow for primitive camping in Desolation Wilderness accessed directly from Echo Lake.

Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness, with quota restrictions enforced from April through September. As one camper noted, "You can hike in for 6 miles each way via the Echo Lakes trail, or take the water taxi ($12) to cut off 2.5 miles of the hike." The high elevation (7,400+ feet) means snow can linger into June, with the prime camping season running from mid-June through September. Bear activity is significant throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in all camping areas. Cell reception is typically spotty or nonexistent, particularly in wilderness areas. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall, with complete bans in Desolation Wilderness where camp stoves are the only cooking option permitted.

Campers consistently highlight the pristine alpine lakes and granite landscapes as standout features of the Echo Lake area. "Aloha is kinda surreal, and in places there are rock paths in the middle where a person can walk in a few inches of water and appear to be walking on water," one visitor remarked about Lake Aloha, accessible from Echo Lake. Developed campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, while more remote sites offer greater solitude but require additional preparation. Wildlife encounters, particularly bears, are frequently mentioned in reviews, with proper food storage being essential. The contrast between easily accessible lakefront campgrounds and challenging backcountry sites provides options for various experience levels, from families seeking amenities to experienced backpackers looking for solitude.

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Best Camping Sites Near Echo Lake, California (366)

    1. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    35 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

    23 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. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    18 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"

    6. 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."

    7. Campground by the Lake

    17 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."

    8. 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."

    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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Recent Camping Photos near Echo Lake, CA

364 Photos of 366 Echo Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Echo Lake, CA

1300 Reviews of 366 Echo Lake Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Not worth the fee

    Bathrooms are located in the day use area and a bit of a walk from the camping area. RV dump is closed “until further notice”. Right off Hwy 50 so expect noise. Compared to other state parks along Hwy 50, this one is a dump.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Serene Camping

    There were definitely a few long term campers here. But the place was very clean. No cell service fyi. Easy to get to, road is dirt but has very few bumps.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lower Blue Lake Campground

    Beautiful location!

    My cousins and I stayed in sites one through three. They are extremely close to the lake, near the dam. We were able to leave our chairs and kayaks down by the water, and felt totally secure. we were able to kayak down to the other end of the lake, where there is a small waterfall. our sites had to be reserved, but there are some FCFS sites as well. Pit bathrooms are OK. The portable water spigot was broken, so we had to get some water from Middle blue lake Campground, about a mile away. The water issues is the only reason I am taking a star off, this place is beautiful, and we are definitely coming back. A couple of the sites will accommodate, decent sized rigs.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Good spot for a night or two but nothing here

    Easy to get to and easy to park at although not a great spot for tents. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees.

  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

  • M
    Aug. 28, 2025

    North Fork Campground

    Nice quiet campground and river

    I stopped by here to check out the campground and found it to be very nice quiet and clean. There is a nice river running along the side with a waterfall and a few nice deep swimming holes. I got the only FCFS site and it was nice.

  • jay B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Great spot to dry camp near Tahoe

    This campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Carson RV Resort

    Clean, nice, loved the staff!

    laundry room, showers, bathroom, pool were all very clean! The staff was super helpful, friendly, and available whenever we needed them. Would stay here again!

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

Where are the best campsites at Echo Lake?

The best campsites at Echo Lake are found in the Desolation Wilderness Aloha Zone, accessible via a 6-mile hike from Echo Lake. Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone offers a magical dispersed camping experience with stunning alpine lake views. Many campers describe the area as surreal, with unique rock paths that create the illusion of walking on water. For those wanting to reduce hiking distance, a water taxi service ($12) cuts off 2.5 miles of the hike. For a drive-in option near Echo Lake, Kit Carson Campground provides sites along the West Fork of the Carson River about 5 miles away, offering a more accessible alternative with traditional campground amenities.

How close is Fallen Leaf Lake to Echo Lake camping areas?

Fallen Leaf Lake is approximately 12 miles from Echo Lake camping areas, with both located in the South Lake Tahoe region. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe sits directly on Fallen Leaf Lake and offers sites nestled among towering pines. To travel between the two areas, you'll need to drive around the south end of Lake Tahoe, which typically takes 25-30 minutes. Both locations serve as popular access points to different parts of Desolation Wilderness, with Echo Lake providing entry to the Aloha Zone while Fallen Leaf offers its own wilderness access points. For a different experience between these areas, Campground by the Lake is located along the route in South Lake Tahoe.

What are the camping regulations at Echo Lake, California?

Camping at Echo Lake, California requires a Desolation Wilderness permit for overnight stays, which can be reserved through recreation.gov. Group size is limited to 12 people maximum. Campfires are prohibited throughout Desolation Wilderness, so campers must use camp stoves for cooking. Practice Leave No Trace principles including proper food storage (bear canisters recommended), packing out all trash, and camping at least 100 feet from water sources. For those seeking established campgrounds in the area, Clark Fork Campground offers 88 spacious sites with formal regulations, while Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping near Hope Valley provides free camping options with different regulations. Always check current regulations with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit before your trip.

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