RV camping near Olympic Valley, California offers a blend of mountain terrain and water recreation at elevations ranging from 6,100 to 7,000 feet. Most campgrounds stay open from late May through mid-September, though seasonal closures vary based on snow conditions. Campers should prepare for significant temperature swings between day and night, even during summer months.
What to Do
Lake activities at French Meadows: The reservoir provides a calm environment for kayaking and swimming. "We did an 11-mile hike in Granite Chief Wilderness which is accessible about 5 miles up a gravel road from the campground. On the way back we stopped for a swim in the river that feeds the reservoir... That was a highlight of our weekend trip," notes a visitor to Lewis Campground.
Family recreation at Tahoe: Beyond the water, family-oriented activities abound. "We came into south lake to visit family. This campground is right in town but there's enough space and trees to give it a natural setting. Bathrooms are great and it's pretty quiet considering it's popular. Looks great for families and there's a dog park, pool and trails," according to a camper at Tahoe Valley Campground.
Mountain biking access: The area provides numerous trail options. "If you mountain bike, there's some decent trails close by to ride. There's also legit fishing lakes within about a 20 minute radius," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Snowflower.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain good standards for comfort. "The bathrooms were very clean. The WiFi was okay. The grounds are very nice and the staff are too! Very happy campers," writes a visitor to Sparks Marina RV Park.
Water recreation: Swimming options rank high among camper preferences. "We enjoyed our short stay here. We were able to do laundry. The bathrooms were very clean. The WiFi was okay. The grounds are very nice and the staff are too! Very happy campers," notes a Sparks Marina RV Park visitor.
Off-season quiet: Winter camping brings a different experience. "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. 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," reports a Tahoe Valley Campground camper.
What You Should Know
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly. "WARNING- two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground. 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," cautions a visitor to French Meadows.
Road conditions: Access requires careful driving. "The road to get to the site is extremely windy and narrow with no rails so be careful! Being that it's COVID I was worried about bathrooms but they were as well kept as you could have it."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts amenities. "We were here in August. Slightly long to get to on the windy roads at night time, but during the day the drive back wasn't bad. Water pumps were good in the locations where water was present, but due to lower water levels, the pumps on the higher grounds had no water; had to walk to the lowest pumps."
Tips for Camping with Families
Planned activities: Some campgrounds offer organized recreation. "They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights. Hot showers and well lit clean bathrooms. Hard to find solitude or silence," mentions a camper at RV Village Campground.
Beach access: Lake proximity matters for kids. "Lake Tahoe is always beautiful so you can't go wrong here. Kids will have a fantastic time and be sure to enjoy a Rum Runner from the lakeside restaurant. Lots of fun activities. A perfect family vacation."
Quiet hours enforcement: Check campground policies. "Nicely kept campground but no night enforcement for quiet hours. Had several rowdy groups keeping us up til 2am. A few air horns, car alarms going off. No camp hosts or ground keepers around. For the amount of amenities, I would've thought they'd have night employees."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Trees affect parking ease. "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. Nice store for basic needs, nice laundry room," reports a visitor to Gold Ranch Casino & RV Resort.
Winter hookups: Cold weather limits some services. "Snow camping! We ended up camping in a truck camper at Tahoe Valley Campground after being caught in a snow storm. The RV sites have hookups (although we weren't able to connect to water because of freezing temperatures) and there are many amenities available including hot showers, laundry facilities and a general store."
Check-in process: Procedures vary by campground. "Sites are clean and well cared for. Each site has a patio area with turf and a picnic table. Staff meets you at the front, guides you to your site and helps you pull in. Staff also pointed out all the relevant features."
