The Kit Carson area sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains, creating distinctly different camping seasons. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer days reach the 70s-80s with cool nights. Yurt camping locations throughout the region typically maintain availability from late May through October, though some properties like Tahoe Valley Campground offer yurt accommodations year-round.
What to do
Swimming spots: The Pots: Located near Silver Lake East-Eldorado, this hidden swimming area offers natural stone pools in the river. "Across the highway at the Silver Lake East campground is an awesome hidden secret called 'Potholes.' Shhhhh!" notes Daniel D.
Rock climbing: Lover's Leap: The granite cliffs near Lovers Leap Campground provide routes for various skill levels. "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," according to Caitlin S.
Biking: Lake Tahoe trails: The paved bike paths near South Lake Tahoe connect multiple camping areas. "We loved the bike paths all throughout the area. Rode in to south Tahoe and had a great experience," shares Shane T. from Fallen Leaf Campground.
Stargazing: Nevada Beach: The dark skies over Lake Tahoe provide excellent viewing conditions. "Saw 2 falling stars while stargazing on the beach!" reports Carolyn P., who stayed at Nevada Beach Campground.
What campers like
Proximity to multiple lakes: The Kit Carson area offers access to both smaller alpine lakes and Lake Tahoe. "The lake, oh my, maybe the most beautiful lake in the entire Tahoe region. It isn't as big, but it is flat like glass, deep, and crystal clear," writes Ryan W. about Fallen Leaf Campground.
Clean facilities: Campground hosts in the area maintain high standards. "Bathrooms and laundry facilities had plenty of hot water," notes Susan N. at Zephyr Cove Resort, though she adds they "could have been cleaner."
Access to restaurants: Many campgrounds in the Kit Carson area provide dining alternatives to camp cooking. "There is a lodge by the lake with a grocery store, and you can rent some gear for water activities," explains Jekaterina M. about Silver Lake East.
Yurt accommodations: Permanent yurt structures at Tahoe Valley Campground provide a glamping alternative. "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," shares Basia M.
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears are common throughout the Kit Carson area. "You really need to pay attention to your food. Bears are not just possible here, they are likely," warns Ryan W. at Fallen Leaf Campground. All sites have bear boxes and require proper food storage.
Reservation timing: The most popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "It is hard to get a site. Be ready. Set alerts," advises Ryan W. Book campsites and yurts 6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Cell service limitations: Most areas have minimal connectivity. "Be prepared to be off grid, there practically no cell service in the area... you can get weak connection here and there but if you need to use internet best place to do that is kirkwood meadows. It's about 7miles away," explains Jekaterina M.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "It's right next to the highway - no trees no nothing between the site and the highway. And there is only 20 feet between the highway and the site. Noise is unbearable," reports Piotr Ś. about certain sites at Zephyr Cove Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Avoid crowded loops: Choose outer loops at larger campgrounds for more space. "The outer loop is where you want to be if you are looking for any privacy or traveling alone. The inner loop, with its lack of privacy, was the spot for large groups," advises Ryan W. at Fallen Leaf Campground.
Pack for temperature swings: Prepare for 30°F temperature changes between day and night. "Even in the summer it can snow...BE WEATHER AWARE," warns Ryan W.
Check pet policies: Not all beaches and trails allow dogs. "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," notes Carolyn P. about Nevada Beach Campground.
Consider alternative activities: The region offers activities beyond lake recreation. "Winter visitors can explore Kirkwood Resort for skiing, while summer activities include river swimming at locations like 'The Pots,'" explains Caroline U. about the options near Martin Meadows.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer partial or no hookups. "No hookups for RVs," notes Daniel D. about Silver Lake East, while Nevada Beach Campground has water but no electrical connections.
Site sizes vary: Campgrounds accommodate different RV lengths. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups," shares Steve R. about Tahoe Valley Campground.
Generator restrictions: Noise regulations limit generator use at most campgrounds. "Great campground. Nice location. Only complaint would be generators running most of the day from all the RV's," mentions Timothy A. about Fallen Leaf Campground.
Winter camping options: Limited year-round RV camping with yurt alternatives exists. "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. The RV sites have hookups (although we weren't able to connect to water because of freezing temperatures)," explains Basia M.
