Glamping and camping options near Markleeville, California range from 5,500 to 9,000 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada range. Alpine County, where Markleeville is located, experiences significant temperature variations with summer daytime temperatures reaching 80°F but dropping to near freezing at night. Most campgrounds are accessible from May through October when mountain passes remain open and clear of snow.
What to do
Hiking at Fallen Leaf Lake: Trails accessible directly from the campground lead to multiple vantage points around the pristine water. "The hiking in the area was spectacular. Lots of trails, snow fields, wild flowers, and wonderful views," notes a visitor to Highland Lakes Campground.
Mountain biking: Extensive trail networks connect many campgrounds to backcountry routes. "We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode in to south Tahoe and had a great experience," reports a camper at Fallen Leaf Campground.
Fishing in alpine lakes: Silver Lake and surrounding water bodies offer trout fishing opportunities. "The lake has a beautiful, and easy to walk to from the campground, especially from the sites in the 40s and 50s," explains a visitor to Silver Lake East Campground.
Off-season snow camping: Several campgrounds remain accessible during winter months for snow adventures. "We ended up camping in a truck camper at Tahoe Valley Campground after being caught in a snow storm... nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!" shares one winter visitor.
What campers like
Secluded glamping experiences: Luxury tent options provide isolation from crowded lake areas. "This campground is right in town but there's enough space and trees to give it a natural setting," notes a visitor to Tahoe Valley Campground.
Lakeside locations: Many campsites offer proximity to alpine lakes for swimming and paddling. A Nevada Beach camper mentions, "Great location with views of the beach. Walking distance to beach. Sites are spacious enough. Saw 2 falling stars while stargazing on the beach!"
On-site amenities: Various campgrounds offer unexpected conveniences. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs... Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers. Nice store for basic needs, nice laundry room," reports a Tahoe Valley visitor.
Dog-friendly areas: Specific beach sections welcome pets for water play. "We were right near Dog Beach where your pooch can play on the beach unleashed," explains a guest at Nevada Beach Campground.
What you should know
Elevation considerations: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically at higher elevations. "This area is beautiful. At almost 9000 feet elevation, it is a great place to escape a heat wave on either side of the Sierra. Reno was having 104 degree highs... 20 degrees cooler here," explains a Highland Lakes camper.
Road conditions: Some access roads require higher clearance vehicles. "The road in is bumpy and there is a shallow creek that you will need to drive across, but I had no problems driving a 2wd Honda Fit compact car up," notes a Highland Lakes visitor.
Noise levels: Highway-adjacent sites can experience traffic sounds. A visitor to Zephyr Cove Resort cautions, "The highway noise and loud motorcycle revving goes on all night. The spots are very small, you are pretty much on top of your neighbors."
Reservation challenges: Popular sites book quickly during peak season. "This campground is at the end of a long dirt road. Given the COVID situation, reservations are not accepted and driving that road to end up without a campsite would be very unfortunate but highly likely," warns a visitor about remote sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Some locations offer structured fun. "They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights. Hot showers and well lit clean bathrooms," reports a visitor about Tahoe Valley.
Select bear-safe campsites: Wildlife encounters require preparation. "You really need to pay attention to your food. Bears are not just possible here, they are likely. The staff here gets the first shout out... and the rangers who advise on bears like Cinnamon are all great," shares a Fallen Leaf Campground visitor.
Consider loop location: Outer campground loops typically offer more privacy. "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 a Fallen Leaf camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger 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 a Zephyr Cove Resort camper.
Weather preparation: Temperature drops can be dramatic, even in summer. "I would recommend a 4 season tent, even in the summer. On my last trip it was a little too cold for my taste so we drove back down the road and camped along the creek," advises a Highland Lakes visitor.
Dump station availability: Limited facilities exist in remote areas. "Full hook up, tooo expensive," notes a Tahoe Valley visitor, highlighting the premium paid for full-service sites in the region.
