Silver Lake area offers a practical base for glamping in Kirkwood, California, located at elevations between 6,500-8,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Winter camping requires snow preparation with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summer brings mild days and cool nights. Highway 88 serves as the main access route connecting most campgrounds to Kirkwood and South Lake Tahoe.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Silver Lake East campground connects directly to several hiking paths. "The campsite host had fire wood for sale. There were new bathroom facilities installed... We arrived near sundown. Unpacked our gear and then walked to The Pots from our campsites. The views were amazing," notes Spring C. from Silver Lake East.
Winter activities: Snow camping opportunities exist for prepared campers. "We ended up camping in a truck camper at Tahoe Valley Campground after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice. It was the weekend after Thanksgiving and snowing so there were a handful of people at the campground and the entire place was very quiet," shares a camper from Tahoe Valley Campground.
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies provide excellent night viewing. "Saw 2 falling stars while stargazing on the beach!" reports Carolyn P. about Nevada Beach Campground, highlighting the benefit of low light pollution in this area.
What campers like
Lake access: Proximity to water ranks high among camper preferences. "Fallen Leaf Lake is at the rear of the camp. While smaller and not as well known it is also not overly trafficked, crystal clear and surrounded by hiking paths along the water," explains Ryan W. from Fallen Leaf Campground.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-sized camping areas. "Sites have lots of space, table, fire ring and generally level drive pads. Water spigots are not too far. Showers scattered throughout camp though not every bathroom has them," notes Marcus K. about Fallen Leaf Campground.
Bear boxes: Safety features for food storage protect campers and wildlife. "Each site had bear boxes and even though they are very close to each other with little separation, they are big sites with lots of tall trees," reports a camper about Fallen Leaf Campground. Bear activity occurs throughout the region, so proper food storage remains essential.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Book far in advance to get a spot in summer," advises Marcus K. about Fallen Leaf Campground, with similar reports across most sites in the region.
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is mandatory. "You really need to pay attention to your food. Bears are not just possible here, they are likely," warns a Fallen Leaf Campground reviewer. All campgrounds provide bear boxes at sites.
Weather variability: Mountain conditions change rapidly. "Even in the summer it can snow...BE WEATHER AWARE," cautions a camper from Lover's Leap Campground, where elevations increase exposure to sudden weather shifts.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The showers were nice but pricey. Four U.S. Quarters for 3 minutes. You can get done what you want but no more," explains Ryan W. about Fallen Leaf Campground, while many sites offer only vault toilets or limited facilities.
Campground store access: Some locations provide on-site supplies. "Camp store has some basics like ice, firewood, and s'mores stuff," notes a camper from Fallen Leaf Campground, making family meal planning easier.
Camping with pets: Dog policies differ at beaches and trails. "There is a smaller dog-friendly area of the beach, so if you're bringing your pup(s), your beach access will be limited to that area only," explains Carolyn P. from Nevada Beach Campground.
Tips from RVers
Road accessibility: Some campgrounds have limited access for large vehicles. "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," reports Steve R. about Tahoe Valley Campground.
Winter RV considerations: Cold weather camping requires preparation. "Unhook and go see Emerald Bay. Make sure you check out the waterfall and short like to eagle lake. All from the Eagle Falls parking lot," advises Randy J. from Zephyr Cove Resort, noting that leaving your RV parked while exploring can be beneficial in winter conditions.
Site selection: Premium spots fill quickly. "We had a large spot right on the creek. Its less then a ten minute walk to silver lake," shares a camper from Plasses Resort, showing the importance of booking early for prime locations.
