Camping options near Olympic Valley span from forest campgrounds to lake-adjacent sites within a 20-mile radius. Most campgrounds open seasonally from May to October due to Sierra Nevada snowfall patterns, with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day with nighttime temperatures dropping to 40-50°F even in July.
What to do
Hiking in Desolation Wilderness: Access premier backpacking terrain from Fallen Leaf Campground near South Lake Tahoe. "The Baldwin ruins aren't worth it, but the walk around the lake or along the Morraine Trail is," notes a camper who appreciated the trail variety.
Beach access: Nevada Beach Campground offers direct lake access with dedicated swimming areas. "We were right near Dog Beach where your pooch can play on the beach unleashed," shares a reviewer who valued having pet-friendly areas separated from main swimming zones.
Stargazing: Clear mountain air provides exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "Beautiful, quiet, and the sky was magnifisent!" reports one visitor to Meeks Bay who found stargazing conditions optimal during summer months.
Winter camping: Tahoe Valley Campground remains open year-round for cold-weather adventures. One visitor recalls, "We ended up camping in a truck camper after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice... And nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"
What campers like
Riverside sites: Boyington Mill Campground places campers directly alongside the Little Truckee River. A reviewer recommends: "I got #8 and I recommend it - it is the one in the corner closest to the river, so you have some privacy and easy river access."
Clean facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms and common areas. At Big Meadows Campground, "The sites boarder a stream. The water level is about 3 inches in July with temperatures in the 80's. This is a dog friendly site."
Proximity to amenities: Many campsites balance natural settings with convenient access to supplies. "Conveniently located within walking distance of a lot of different places. Beautiful campground," notes a William Kent Campground visitor who appreciated being able to walk to nearby services.
Bear boxes: Safety features for food storage come standard at most area campgrounds. One Fallen Leaf Campground reviewer observed: "Sites have nice bear boxes, are very well maintained by the hosts (multiple hosts per loop), newer firepits that aren't too tall, and picnic tables."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: During peak season (June-August), campgrounds fill quickly. "This is a very scenic place to camp and fish," reports a Meeks Bay camper, though others note: "Very nice campground but can get so crowded... Parking was so tight. Campers overlapping on each other's site."
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by season and drought conditions. Always check current fire rules before arrival. At William Kent Campground, campers mention that "the campground hosts this summer were very helpful, with firewood for sale."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds from nearby highways. At Upper Little Truckee campground, reviewers note: "Noisy during the day, but much quieter at night."
Bear country protocols: Food storage in provided bear boxes is mandatory. A Fallen Leaf camper warns: "You really need to pay attention to your food. Bears are not just possible here, they are likely."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near amenities: Zephyr Cove Resort offers glamping in Olympic Valley's vicinity with convenient facilities. "Right across the road from the water, this campground was full of trees with amazingly large pinecones on the ground (crafter alert)," shares a family who found activities for all ages.
Seek campgrounds with activities: Some locations organize family-friendly events. One Tahoe Valley Campground visitor reports: "Super busy campground with kids running around and riding bikes. They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights."
Check for family-specific amenities: Swimming areas, bike paths, and playground equipment vary by location. A Fallen Leaf visitor observed: "Great for families and there's a dog park, pool and trails."
Plan for temperature swings: Even summer nights can drop below 50°F. Pack layers for children. "Even in the summer it can snow...BE WEATHER AWARE," cautions a regular camper at Fallen Leaf.
Tips from RVers
Site length verification: Confirm actual dimensions before booking, especially with larger vehicles. At William Kent, one RVer cautions: "This was our first campground after buying an RV. We had planned to be there before night fall but those plan didn't work out. So we had to maneuver in the dark. We bumped a big rock and a tree branch smacked out antenna on top."
Seasonal accessibility: Many forest service roads leading to glamping options near Olympic Valley close during winter. At Big Meadows, "Our pad was paved, but pretty skinny. Our fold out stairs did not reach the ground due to the small drop off from the pavement."
Hook-up availability: Services vary widely between campgrounds. At Tahoe Valley, "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."
Winter camping considerations: For year-round RV glamping in Olympic Valley area, prepare for frozen water connections. A winter camper at Tahoe Valley noted: "We weren't able to connect to water because of freezing temperatures."
