Camping near Markleeville, California sits at elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada range. Weather patterns can shift quickly with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months and snow possible from October through May. Water access varies significantly between RV parks in Markleeville and surrounding areas, with water hookups more limited at higher elevation campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park and Marina offers direct lake access for anglers. "Steps away from a reservoir. Close to Bodie and Mono Lake," notes Angie R., who appreciated the convenient location for exploring nearby attractions.
Hot springs access: Many campgrounds serve as base camps for visiting regional hot springs located within 30-minute drives. At French Meadows, visitors can enjoy natural water features. "We got lucky and reserved a site with a 'decent' spot to place a tent but if you have never been and don't know what sites to pick while making reservations online then you are rolling the dice," advises graham K.
Family activities: Tahoe Valley Campground organizes regular family-friendly events. "They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights," reports Dani P., describing the social atmosphere for families.
What campers like
Privacy options: At RV Village Campground at Camp Richardson Resort, campers can find varying levels of seclusion. "The sites toward the back, away from the road, are much quieter and more private. Easy walk to the beach," notes Elizabeth R., highlighting the preference for rear sites.
Off-season tranquility: Winter camping options exist at select RV parks near Markleeville. Basia M. describes winter camping at Tahoe Valley: "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... nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"
Reservoir views: Many campers value lake access despite seasonal fluctuations. At Bridgeport Reservoir, "Dry camping spots are good sized with excellent lake and Mountain Views," according to Jon K., though he notes the "Lake is still filling leaving the fishing better handled from a boat."
What you should know
Wind conditions: High winds can affect camping comfort, particularly at eastern Sierra locations. At Bridgeport Reservoir, one visitor noted, "It was VERY windy (in fact, there was an area-wide high wind advisory) and with our pop-top campervan, it would have been challenging."
Variable site quality: Campground layouts can present challenges for tent setups. At Ghost Mountain RV Campground, some sites may be "small and angled funky" according to amanda G., who still found it "a wonderful place" overall.
Shower availability: Pay showers are common at RV parks Markleeville and surrounding areas. Bridgeport Reservoir charges "$4.00" for hot showers according to Lee D., who also noted "There is no private place to dress when showering."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Ghost Mountain RV Campground provides family-focused amenities. Craig & Linda L. note, "There is a pool, and kids pool. Great showers, basketball courts, volleyball... Trails to ride a mountain bike ride or hike."
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming options from Memorial Day through Labor Day. At Silver City RV Resort, Rich J. describes the facility as "Very clean with lots of amenities....laundry, pool, exercise room, meeting room, showers, and even a fishing pond."
Reservation timing: Busy summer weekends require advance planning. Sarah B. at RV Village Campground reports, "The line at 2pm was horrible! I got there at 2:01 and there were already 20 people in front of me. The process is painfully slow."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pull-through sites are available at several RV parks Markleeville area campers frequent. Steve R. reports Tahoe Valley has "Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers. Nice store for basic needs, nice laundry room."
RV pad surfaces: Site materials affect leveling and dust conditions. At Carson RV Resort, Kim G. found "it is more spacious than typical RV parks" and appreciated that "the bathrooms were amazing and deserving of the 'resort' name."
Width considerations: Space between RVs varies significantly between facilities. At Carson Valley Inn RV Resort, Erik J. notes spaces are "very close together and their idea of a 60 foot space is about 5-6 feet shorter in reality. Our RV+truck tip to tail (unhooked) is about 54 feet long and we had to park the truck sideways to stay within the lines."
