Camping near Olympic Valley, California offers seasonal access through high-elevation mountain terrain, with most sites positioned at 5,500-8,000 feet above sea level. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 65-80°F with nighttime lows often dropping below 45°F even in July and August. Winter camping in the region requires specialized equipment due to snow accumulation from November through April at most locations.
What to do
River recreation: Access the Truckee River for water activities at campgrounds like Granite Flat, where "you can float from one end of the campground down to the other end or keep going if you can find a ride (Uber) back to the campground!" The river offers great fishing opportunities as several reviewers note the "fishing is excellent from the banks of the river."
Winter skiing accessibility: Several Olympic Valley camping areas serve as convenient bases for winter sports. At Village Camp Truckee, guests appreciate that "the area is well laid out with plenty of room" making it ideal for winter equipment storage. A visitor explained it's "a great location if you're exploring North Lake Tahoe" and provides easy access to nearby ski resorts.
Historical sites: Explore local history at campgrounds with educational components. One young visitor at Donner Memorial State Park Campground shared: "I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun... We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front." The park includes an interpreter center described by another camper as "informative" with "ranger programs" that highlight regional history.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campers value privacy despite the busy area. At Sugar Pine Point State Park, reviewers appreciate that "the sites are oddly close to one another" but feature "shrubs or trees separating campsites" to create more private spaces. One camper noted, "Plenty of spots and most spots you're away from people."
Beach access: Direct lake access ranks highly among camper preferences. At D.L. Bliss State Park Campground, one visitor shared: "The beach is unbelievable with water as clear as the east shore" while another mentioned it feels like "you're at the beach. Beautiful sandy shores with glacier clear water at the lake."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently rate campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms higher. A camper at Donner Memorial noted, "Showers, trails, Visitor's Center and Museum, great access to Donner lake, boat rental concessions right there." Another at Sugar Pine Point State Park wrote, "Nice showers & bathrooms! $25 with access to beach across the road-no brainer!"
What you should know
Bear activity: Olympic Valley camping requires strict food storage protocols. A visitor at Silver Creek Campground warned, "We even saw a bear across the river, so don't forget to put your stuff in the bear boxes!" At Sugar Pine Point, a camper reported, "a mom bear did appear around 10:30pm in our site but she left once she confirmed the bear vault was properly closed."
Reservation timing: The most desirable sites book quickly, especially lakefront options. "Hard to get reservations" is a common note among reviewers, with one at Donner Memorial explaining, "This is a really fun family campground suitable for tents or trailers/RVs... close to Truckee... close to Lake Tahoe." Book 6-12 months in advance for summer weekends.
Road noise: Several campgrounds sit near highways with noticeable traffic sounds. At Silver Creek Campground, reviews consistently mention, "Road noise is real. It lessens late, like after midnight, but it never really impacted my sleep." Another camper noted, "The only real negative is that the campground is right off the highway and you get a lot road noise day/night."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Children enjoy the river access at many Olympic Valley campgrounds. A visitor at Granite Flat shared: "The water was cool and the best way to beat the heat. Be sure to bring tubes or something to float down the river!" Another parent noted children can "ride a bike across the street to Lake Tahoe."
Spacious sites for activities: Choose sites with adequate room for play. At D.L. Bliss State Park Campground, families appreciate that "the sites are definitely close together and the pads are tight" but many campers mention the "creative design of the sites" that "create such a fun experience." Another visitor noted "kids age 0-99 rule the day as there are boulders all around for to climb."
Indoor backup options: Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Families appreciate having nearby indoor alternatives when camping at Olympic Valley. A camper staying at Village Camp Truckee noted: "This place is beautiful cabins are cozy and everything is centrally located to conveniences and shopping! We had a blast bring the family it's a good family vibe your kiddos will love it!!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. At Meeks Bay, reviewers note "spots are also kinda small and close together" while D.L. Bliss visitors warn "our site was really not very flat so leveling the trailer was tough." Check specific campground limitations before booking.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited in the Olympic Valley area. A Village Camp Truckee visitor explained, "This is a well maintained campground with full hook ups. Not much to do at the RV park but we were out site seeing most the time anyways." Most forest service and state park campgrounds offer no hookups.
Dump station access: Plan dump station visits strategically. "Great shower and restroom facilities. I would come back to this campground and recommend" noted one RVer about D.L. Bliss. Many but not all established campgrounds provide dump stations during operating season, typically May through October.
