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Best Campgrounds near Kirkwood, CA

1,198 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kirkwood, California (332)

    1. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    35 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. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    18 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"

    3. 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."

    4. Tahoe Valley Campground

    28 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    15 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."

    5. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +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 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Luther Pass

    7 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."

    9. 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!"

    10. 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Kirkwood, CA

353 Photos of 332 Kirkwood Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kirkwood, CA

1198 Reviews of 332 Kirkwood 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.

  • 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!

  • Rajesh N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great area for car camping

    It is a great site just near the road. We arrived on Monday afternoon and there were lots of places. There were other people but everyone has enough space. There’s a pit restroom which seems comparatively new. We didn’t get bugs problems. We car camped.

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

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?

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?

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.

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