B
Brandy H.
Traveler
TravelerVirginia City RV Park
Amazing views
Small but very nice, good bathrooms/showers. Short walk to town with tons to do here
Best Campgrounds near Kirkwood, CA
Camping options around Kirkwood, California range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains. Developed sites like Fallen Leaf Campground in South Lake Tahoe and Grover Hot Springs State Park in Markleeville provide amenities for both tent and RV campers. Several dispersed camping areas, including Scotts Lake Road and Iron Mountain, offer free primitive camping on public lands. The region also features cabin accommodations at Tahoe Valley Campground and specialty options like Eagle Point Campground near Emerald Bay. Most campgrounds sit at higher elevations, between 6,000-8,000 feet, providing access to alpine lakes and forest recreation.
Most Kirkwood-area campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to winter snow at higher elevations. Silver Lake West and similar campgrounds typically close by mid-autumn when mountain passes become impassable. Reservations are recommended during summer months when popular lakeside campsites fill quickly. Dispersed camping on national forest land requires appropriate permits and adherence to fire regulations, particularly during dry summer conditions. Cell service ranges from limited to non-existent in more remote areas, and campers should come prepared with supplies as the nearest services may be distant. According to one visitor, "Hwy 88 dispersed camping is good to know about when all the main campgrounds are full - several sites have fire rings though no picnic tables if you like more secluded camping."
Waterfront camping ranks highly among visitor experiences, with several campgrounds offering lake or river access. Luther Pass Camping provides basic amenities with vault toilets and fire rings while remaining close to South Lake Tahoe attractions. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings at higher elevation sites, though road noise can be an issue for campgrounds situated near highways. Reviews consistently note the importance of arriving with ample supplies as services are limited. While many sites accommodate both tents and RVs, larger rigs may face challenges at some of the more rustic campgrounds. A camper described Bear River Lake Resort as having "sites that are very unlevel and tight for larger rigs, but in the trees," highlighting the trade-offs between scenic locations and convenience that characterize many camping areas in this mountain region.
Best Camping Sites Near Kirkwood, California (339)
1. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
35 ReviewsSouth Lake Tahoe, CA16 milesWebsite+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. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
19 ReviewsEcho Lake, CA8 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"
3. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground
21 ReviewsMarkleeville, CA13 milesWebsite+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."
4. Tahoe Valley Campground
28 ReviewsSouth Lake Tahoe, CA15 milesWebsite+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."
5. Iron MT. Dispersed
10 ReviewsEldorado National Forest, CA9 milesWebsite+1 (916) 324-4442"There are also many OHV trails close by."
"I camped right on the edge where the view was as far from the highway as possible. The only downfall is that you can hear the highway. I went on a Tuesday."
6. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park
23 ReviewsSouth Lake Tahoe, CA17 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."
7. RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
19 ReviewsSouth Lake Tahoe, CA16 miles+1 (800) 544-1801$50 - $60 / 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."
8. Luther Pass
7 ReviewsEcho Lake, CA7 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."
9. Lovers Leap Campground
6 ReviewsTwin Bridges, CA8 milesWebsite"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!"
10. Silver Lake West
10 ReviewsBear Valley, CA12 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Kirkwood, CA
338 Photos of 339 Kirkwood Campgrounds
Jeff B.
Caples Lake Campground
kaela L.
Plasses Resort
Brett B.
Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
Melissa R.
Silver Fork Campground
jim N.
Luther Pass
Van S.
Lovers Leap Campground
Rajesh N.
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Alicia
Iron MT. Dispersed
Amanda D.
Silver Lake East- Eldorado
Michele F.
Lower Blue Lake Campground
Adam H.
China Flat Campground
Marika M.
Silver Lake West
Recent Reviews near Kirkwood, CA
1233 Reviews of 339 Kirkwood Campgrounds
Marie D.
GuideWilson Canyon BLM
Awesome location
Coming from Yerington, turn right on Copperbelt Rd before you cross the river to access the camping areas and OHV trails. Right on the river. We pulled in off paved hwy 208 to dirt road 30' flat towing a Jeep with no issues. Several places to camp, not all RV friendly. We unhooked up front and scouted a site first. Vault toilets, fire rings, and trash cans. 14 day limit. Fishing, hiking, OHV, something for everyone here. Free dump station right down the road at Log Cabin rest area in Yerington. Only 10 mins to town for supplies. Best spot we've found this year.
Mike E.
LegendObsidian Campground
Only for Jeeps and smaller vehicles
Three miles up a good dirt road. Campground is not maintained highly. I think the Forest service rarely comes here. Trees are encroaching on the roadways and campsites. Don't come in here with a trailer longer than a little teardrop type. Take turns and narrow driveways in the campground. There are a few nice fairly level turnouts on the way up here along the road or possible dispersed camping. There is one nice large turnout area right across from the campground on the other side of the road.
Lauren M.GuideScotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Closed
Drove here to camp but a gate blocked the entrance. Looks like a stunning place- must just be closed for the season.
Peter H.
ScoutSand Flat Campground free
Sand Flat Campground free
Right behind Sand Flat Campground up the road. We were in March 26 and had a fabulous time!! Right in the forest close to the highway
Michele Z.TravelerUSFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Quiet
Near the highway and a few houses but still far enough from them that it’s pretty easy to get to and quiet.
Jeanine B.ScoutTop of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Road Closed
Bummed I got here and the road is closed. They close the road to the site seasonally from December 15- April 15. Road to was paved.
- NNicole V.Guide
Topaz Lake Recreation Area
Beautiful Views
Quiet, right on the lake. Stayed in the dry camping area. Site 13 close to level. Cold showers, no warm water options but very clean. Dispersed area open but muddy/snow with recent storm - also not clear on where you could stay.
- JJose M.
RangerWilliam Kent Campground
The place is great
Nice place clean bathrooms and most importantly on one side of Lake Tahoe
Guide to Kirkwood
Camping near Kirkwood, California encompasses several Forest Service districts that intersect within the Sierra Nevada range. Most campgrounds in this region sit at 7,000-9,000 feet elevation, creating a short camping season due to snowpack that can linger into June at higher sites. Weather patterns change rapidly at these elevations, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months and nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even during peak season.
What to Do
Hot springs soaking: Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground offers access to natural mineral pools. "The fields and trails that are near this campground are phenomenal. It's a 5.2 mile hike down to the Freeman Creek Giant Sequoia Grove," notes one visitor who recommends the nearby hot springs facility.
Rock climbing: Lovers Leap Campground caters to rock climbing enthusiasts with easy access to climbing routes. As one camper shares, "I love climbing at Lovers Leap and this campground is part of what make climbing here so simple and straight forward."
Swimming in rocky pools: Take a short walk from campsites to natural water features. One Silver Lake West camper describes, "Being close to silver lake and the pothokes there is plenty to do... we had a great spot near some running water to aid in the comfort."
What Campers Like
Private beach access: Many campers value lakefront locations. One visitor to Eagle Point Campground mentions, "Super clean site, friendly park rangers, and loved the easy hike down to the private beach."
Affordable dispersed camping: Free camping options provide budget alternatives. A camper at Iron Mountain Dispersed reports, "The view from this area is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets too. It is a pretty open area with lots of room to camp. It is now an abandoned ski resort."
Trail connectivity: Proximity to hiking trails rates highly. A visitor to Luther Pass explains, "Great location to the TRT. Stayed here the night before getting on the TRT. Very quiet and plenty of sites open... The creek is nice."
What You Should Know
Bear activity: Bears frequent many area campgrounds. A camper at Eagle Point noted, "We encountered a mama bear and her 2 cubs quite a few times but everyone worked together to make noises."
Unpredictable weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. A Grover Hot Springs camper reports camping "in summer and winter and found it very pleasant both seasons," indicating the variable conditions throughout the year.
Road access limitations: Some sites have challenging approaches. One Luther Pass visitor warns, "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."
Seasonal water features: Streams and small waterfalls depend on snowmelt. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, one visitor explains, "Rocky and steep road access to Scott's lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose established sites with facilities: Family-friendly options provide basic amenities. One camper describes Fallen Leaf Campground stating, "Camp store has some basics like ice, firewood, and s'mores stuff. The sites have bear boxes and even though they are very close to each other with little separation, they are big sites with lots of tall trees."
Look for swimming options: Water features entertain children. A visitor to Eagle Point Campground recalls, "I got a bit lost when just exploring the campground area and noticed there wasn't a bad spot in the whole camp area... my friend and I took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island."
Consider weather protection: Mountain afternoons bring wind. A Silver Lake West camper warns, "the wind can be overwhelming, and our 10-day early July stay had ONE calm day."
Tips from RVers
Choose appropriate sites: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. At Tahoe Valley Campground, an RVer mentions, "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers."
Consider generator noise: Engine noise affects camping experience. At Eagle Point, one camper complains, "Only complaint would be generators running most of the day from all the RV's. Other than that it's a great family friendly site."
Prepare for tight access: Roads to many sites are narrow. A visitor observed, "The pads if you are pulling a trailer or in a RV are narrow. As are the roads. We watched several people come real close to dropping into a ditch."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping sites near Kirkwood, CA?
Where are the best camping sites near Kirkwood, CA?
The Kirkwood area offers several excellent camping options. Silver Lake West is a popular choice due to its beautiful setting close to Silver Lake and proximity to Kirkwood resort. Many sites are nestled under trees, and it provides good access to water recreation and hiking trails. Another great option is Clark Fork Campground, which features 88 spacious sites with ample room between neighbors. It's particularly good for larger groups of families and friends with available double sites. For those seeking alternatives, consider Lovers Leap Campground for a more secluded experience or Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping near Hope Valley for a free, more primitive camping experience.
When is the best season for camping in the Kirkwood area?
When is the best season for camping in the Kirkwood area?
The prime camping season in the Kirkwood area runs from late spring through early fall, typically May through September, depending on snow conditions. Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather with warm days and cool nights, perfect for hiking and water activities. Kit Carson Campground is excellent during this period, situated in a scenic valley alongside the West Fork of the Kit Carson River. Late spring (May-June) brings wildflowers but potential lingering snow at higher elevations. Early fall (September) provides beautiful foliage and fewer crowds at places like Silver Lake East-Eldorado, but nights get colder. Always check road and campground conditions before heading out, as high-elevation sites can close early due to weather.
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Kirkwood?
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Kirkwood?
Campgrounds near Kirkwood offer varying levels of amenities. American River Resort provides more developed facilities with clean bathrooms, private showers, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. It's also within walking distance to town for shopping and dining. For a more rustic experience, Hampshire Rocks offers waterfront sites with basic amenities and convenient highway access. Many public campgrounds in the area, like Silver Lake campgrounds, typically provide pit toilets and fire rings but no showers or hookups. Some locations near lakes, such as Silver Lake East, offer nearby lodges with small grocery stores and water recreation equipment rentals. Be prepared for limited to no cell service throughout the Kirkwood area, especially at more remote campgrounds.
Keep Exploring