Best Campgrounds near Kirkwood, CA

Kirkwood in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California draws campers for many different outdoor activities. South Lake Tahoe, just a drive away, has several camping options including Fallen Leaf Campground with both tent and RV sites. This campground has flush toilets and potable water, which works well for families camping with kids. Tahoe Valley Campground is another choice nearby, with enough room for larger setups and full hookups for RVs. The roads to these campgrounds are usually in good condition, though winter visits might require chains or 4WD vehicles. Always check current road conditions before heading out to avoid problems. Fire rules change based on weather and time of year, so it's smart to look up current restrictions. You should make reservations ahead of time, especially in summer when spots fill quickly. Most South Lake Tahoe campgrounds use online booking systems that let you lock in your spot before arriving. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground isn't far from Kirkwood and has natural hot spring pools you can enjoy after setting up camp. Both camping and pool access need reservations here. If you want something more remote, Scotts Lake Rd has dispersed camping areas with fewer amenities. Just remember to take all your trash with you and follow Leave No Trace practices while camping there. The Kirkwood area has camping that works for different needs, from full-service campgrounds to basic backcountry sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Kirkwood, California (327)

    1. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    33 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    16 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. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    13 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."

    3. Tahoe Valley Campground

    27 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    8 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"

    5. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    22 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    17 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."

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

    19 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    16 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."

    7. Lovers Leap Campground

    6 Reviews
    Twin Bridges, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    "A great campsite not too far from South Lake Tahoe. While most campsites are on the smaller size, there are a few which can accommodate larger tents."

    "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. Natural and quiet, even though 50 is not far away!"

    8. Silver Lake West

    10 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2792

    $30 / night

    "Good location near the swimming holes and Kirkwood"

    "This is a great place to camp if you want to go to Silver Lake or other area lakes for water recreation or hiking."

    9. Luther Pass

    6 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    7 miles

    "Several others around, but it was quiet & safe. Pit toilets, and river water nearby."

    "Be mindful that this some spots are right next to a busy Highway.

    Overall, would return again and arrive at an earlier time."

    10. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    20 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 327 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kirkwood, CA

1141 Reviews of 327 Kirkwood Campgrounds



Guide to Kirkwood

Camping near Kirkwood, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the lake, there are several campgrounds that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers rave about the proximity to hiking trails. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is a 5 min walk away not to mention near the start of many hiking trails in desolation wilderness," highlighting the easy access to nature from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. A camper at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park noted, "It was a huge plus that added to our trip and loving this campground," referring to the nearby beach access.
  • Fishing: Cast a line in the local lakes. One camper at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground shared, "We used a size ten Tribble hook with about a foot leader and pinch weights with rainbow powerbait for those that want to catch fish for lunch."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review from Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. One visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground noted, "The restrooms were clean, and the campground itself was decent."
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. A camper at Ice House Campground said, "The campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be cautious of wildlife. A camper at Ice House Campground warned, "There were three bears around the campground the night we just stayed which was a little eerie to sleep with."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A review from Zephyr Cove Resort mentioned, "Showers are also individual with locking doors. I appreciate that. They all seemed to be functional, and clean enough for camping."
  • Seasonal Access: Check the season for availability. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe is open from May 16 to October 11, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always keep food secured to avoid bear encounters. One camper at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground advised, "Be sure to use your bear box."
  • Plan for Fun: Bring games and activities for downtime. A family at Pinecrest Campground enjoyed paddleboarding and watching movies at the amphitheater.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rv Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort mentioned, "Spaces are relatively close together, perhaps if a little more off-grid space was what you were looking for."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds have dirt sites. A reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground noted, "My biggest issue with this campground is the dirt. It’s this ash dirt that gets everywhere."
  • Plan for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground appreciated the "electric hookups" available.

Camping around Kirkwood, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kirkwood, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kirkwood, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 327 campgrounds and RV parks near Kirkwood, CA and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kirkwood, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kirkwood, CA is Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kirkwood, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Kirkwood, CA.

What parks are near Kirkwood, CA?

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