Tent camping near Olympic Valley, California offers options in the granite-dominated Sierra Nevada landscape ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F with significant temperature drops after sunset. The camping season generally runs from late May through October, with most primitive sites lacking cell service and requiring proper food storage due to active black bear populations.
What to do
Fishing for brook trout: Sagehen Creek Campground provides access to a small creek where campers can catch brook trout. A camper notes, "Small Creek runs near the sites with little brookies. Study area near by pay attention where you are fishing."
Explore alpine lakes: Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone offers backpacking access to multiple high-elevation lakes. One visitor described, "We just did 20+ miles, from echo lake in, around, and out to Aloha before heading back over 2.5 days. Aloha is kinda surreal. and in places there are rock path in the middle where a person can walk in a few inches of water."
Historical exploration: Visit museums near camping areas to learn about local history. At Donner Memorial State Park Campground, you'll find "Visitor's Center and Museum, great access to Donner lake, boat rental concessions right there. Ranger programs."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. At Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch, campers can "Stay on a Working Alpaca Farm" where alpacas roam freely, with one guest mentioning, "There were so many alpacas, all very cute and friendly!"
What campers like
Well-spaced campsites: Many tent campers appreciate the privacy at Donner Memorial State Park Campground. A visitor reported, "Good sized camp sites for the most part (I recall one loop has smaller ones) and bear boxes that will hold your cooler no problem."
Access to water features: Kaspian Campground provides direct lake access despite being a walk-in site. A camper noted, "It's hard to miss Kaspian campground because it's right off the road if you're headed south towards South Lake Tahoe... The lake is literally across the road from the campground."
Mountain views: The backdrop of mountains enhances the camping experience throughout the region. At Olde LYFE Alpacas, a guest shared, "We walked along the creek and just relaxed. Very quiet and the backdrop of the mountains was beautiful."
Accessibility options: Some campgrounds offer accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges. One camper at Donner Memorial shared, "We are traveling to Idaho and stopped here for the night. I am in a wheelchair so we had a handicap sight. All the sights were clean and had nice fire pits with a grill grate."
What you should know
Season limitations: Most high-elevation sites have restricted access seasons. Woodchuck Campground operates from "Jun to Oct," while Wentworth Springs Campground runs from "June to October."
Road conditions: Access to remote tent camping sites often requires specialized vehicles. For Woodchuck Campground, a visitor warned, "The road up was brutal, definitely recommend 4x4. Took us about 40 minutes to get 3 miles on the dirt road that ascends the mountain."
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping requires permits. For Desolation Wilderness, "You must obtain an overnight wilderness permit, year round. The permits have quotas enforced April through September. Permits cost $5 per person per night for first night, or $10.00 per person for 2+ nights (14 day max)."
Fire restrictions: Rules regarding campfires vary by location and season. At Sagehen Creek Campground, "Site has large fire rings but make sure you are allowed to burn. Usually restrictions by end of season."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with diverse terrain features keep children engaged. At Peter Grubb Hut, families will find "Kitchen, firewood, fireplace, and a bunch of bunks" along with hiking opportunities to nearby Castle Peak.
Swimming opportunities: Water access ranks high for family tent camping near Olympic Valley. One young camper shared about Donner Memorial: "I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect!"
Climbing options: Natural features provide recreational opportunities. Donner Memorial offers "boulders all around for to climb, a lake to swim in, trails to hike and paved loops for riding bikes."
Educational experiences: Many campgrounds feature learning opportunities. A visitor noted that at Donner Memorial, "The interpreter center is informative," making tent camping near Olympic Valley educational for children.
Tips from RVers
Camp amenities: RV campers appreciate facilities that make longer stays comfortable. Donner Memorial offers "Showers, too. RV, tent, group, boat-in sites all available here."
Supply access: Proximity to towns allows for resupply runs. A tent camper who frequently visits Olympic Valley shared that at Sagehen Creek Campground, "No dumping but there are toilets," requiring campers to plan accordingly for water and supplies.
Site spacing: The layout of campgrounds affects privacy between RVs and tent campers. At Red Fir Group Campground, "Bear boxes are a plus too. There is a bear that we call Yogi because he likes to make his rounds. So do the best to bear proof your site (back of the truck or in the car is not smart) and he will leave you alone."
