Best Tent Camping near Kirkwood, CA

Kirkwood is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Kirkwood, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Tent Sites Near Kirkwood, California (73)

    1. Lovers Leap Campground

    6 Reviews
    Twin Bridges, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    "Very clean vault toilets and drinking water. Safe and quiet with nice hosts. Popular with climbers and there’s a short trail that leads down to a river that’s very scenic. Good cell reception."

    "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!"

    2. Luther Pass

    6 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    7 miles

    "About 12 sites near the Big meadow trailhead. they fill fast! no water, but pit toilet, garbage, fire rings and tables"

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

    4. Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone

    5 Reviews
    Twin Bridges, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 744-3320

    $5 / night

    "You can hike in for 6 miles each way (12 miles round trip) via the Echo Lakes trail, or park and take the water taxi ($12) to cut off 2.5 miles of the hike each way."

    "One of my top 5 favorite place to go backpacking. Love the feeling of being immersed in nature and the views of all the lakes. We took the water Taxi that shaved about 5 miles off our hike."

    5. Middle Creek & Expansion Campground - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2023 SEASON

    2 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "We stayed here just after the campground opened for the season, the upper campgrounds were still closed but lower blue lakes was open. We had the entire campground to ourselves."

    "Large grass area that looked like it could be for camping, it was on top of the lake overlooking it. It was absolutely beautiful. Didnt see any campers but it didn’t say don’t camp here."

    6. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping."

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

    7. Pacific Valley Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-1381

    $10 / night

    "The camp sites aren't too close together, they have picnic tables, fire rings and grills, and there's a toilet. I saw that there was a trail head at the back of the campground."

    "Sites are located along the meadow and around a loop in the back portion of the campground where there’s a trail head into the wilderness."

    8. Wet Meadows Reservoir

    1 Review
    Markleeville, CA
    13 miles

    "And we were pleasantly surprised to find a nice spot overlooking the lake."

    9. Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed

    4 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 882-2766

    $18 / night

    "It was perfect weather and we hiked to the town of Markleeville which is the cutest town ever!   The camp host was super nice and a beautiful stream runs next to some spots.  "

    "Close to Markleeville and convenient to pop over to the town and pick up things from the general store. The campground is small and it’s more of a “passing through” spot."

    10. Bear River Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 295-4360

    $115 - $145 / night

    "Camping on the bear river out of Weimar California. camping is very close to the river. reservations are require, fee is $10 per site. Activities include swimming, rafting, fishing and gold panning."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Kirkwood, CA

1030 Reviews of 73 Kirkwood Campgrounds



Guide to Kirkwood

Kirkwood, California, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of well-reviewed spots nestled in the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.

Tips for tent camping near Kirkwood

  • Bear Valley Dispersed Camping provides a free and accessible option, allowing you to set up your tent in a serene environment with plenty of trails nearby.
  • At Luther Pass, arrive early to secure a good spot, as it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Wet Meadows Reservoir, which requires a high-clearance vehicle to access but rewards you with stunning views and tranquility.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $10

  • Camping at Bear Valley Dispersed Camping is completely free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • The Markleeville Campground charges around $10 per site, offering a charming spot close to a picturesque stream.
  • At Fashoda, you can enjoy a beautiful lakeside camping experience, with prices typically around $10.

Tent campers should check out Aloha Zone in Desolation Wilderness

  • The Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone is a top pick for those seeking breathtaking views and a true wilderness experience, accessible by hiking.
  • Azalea Cove Campground offers a unique boat-in option, perfect for adventurous campers looking to explore the area by water.
  • For those who enjoy fishing and hiking, Kirkwood Campground provides a well-reviewed spot with access to nearby trails and a serene lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kirkwood, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kirkwood, CA is Lovers Leap Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kirkwood, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 73 tent camping locations near Kirkwood, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.