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Camping near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

1,330 Reviews

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit contains several campground options ranging from established facilities to dispersed camping areas. Fallen Leaf Campground in South Lake Tahoe offers both tent and RV camping along with cabin accommodations, while Tahoe Valley Campground provides year-round access with full hookup options for RVs. Emerald Bay State Park's Eagle Point Campground and Nevada Beach Campground provide lakefront access, with sites that accommodate tents, RVs, and in some locations, cabin rentals. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets with varying levels of amenities.

Seasonal considerations directly impact camping availability around Lake Tahoe, with many campgrounds operating between May and October. "Great campground, right in town, awesome hosts, right across from a beach! Dog friendly," notes one visitor about Campground by the Lake. Winter conditions typically close higher elevation sites, while lower elevation campgrounds like Tahoe Valley remain accessible year-round. Campground reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when visitation peaks, especially for weekend stays. Many campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov or state park reservation systems. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall due to wildfire concerns, and bear-resistant food storage is mandatory throughout the Tahoe Basin.

Campers consistently rate lakeside locations among their favorites, with Nevada Beach and Eagle Point Campgrounds receiving high marks for water access and scenic views. Campground by the Lake offers convenient town proximity while still providing outdoor recreation options. According to one visitor, "This campground is in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. Restrooms are clean and heated. Hot showers are free. Sites were flat and clean." Traffic noise can be an issue at some in-town locations, while more remote campgrounds offer greater solitude. Bears are commonly sighted in campgrounds throughout the region, with multiple reviews mentioning bear activity, particularly at Tahoe Valley Campground where bears were observed "roaming around and eating from the picnic tables." Developed campgrounds with amenities like showers, drinking water, and electricity tend to fill quickly during peak season.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (373)

    1. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    35 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 544-0426

    $47 - $128 / night

    "The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."

    "From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."

    2. Tahoe Valley Campground

    29 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It was very crowded and we stayed in our site and away from public areas. Pool was open as well as restrooms/showers. They talked about bears visiting but we didn’t spot any there."

    "The location is pretty good with close by restaurants and stores. We used our bikes and took some great rides from there. Campsites were nice size, didn’t feel too crammed in."

    3. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    23 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    6 miles

    $25 - $45 / night

    "4d-120.0849062) while exploring the Emerald Bay section of Lake Tahoe."

    "Our site was #56 which had a partial view of the lake through the trees in the distance. It was also located directly across from the bathrooms and campground host who’s name was David."

    4. Zephyr Cove Resort

    26 Reviews
    Zephyr Cove, NV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 589-4907

    $59 - $94 / night

    "We've always like zephyr cove as it's a bit away from the south shore hectic crowds. Zephyr cove rv park has a ton of rvs, but rent camping as well."

    "Short walk across the highway to the beach, which is nice, but couldn’t get over proximity to other campers. We enjoyed our night but likely won’t visit again."

    5. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    8 miles

    $165 / night

    "Lake tahoe is one of the most beautiful place in California. There are plenty of state parks and campsites around the lake, but D.L. Bliss is one of my favorite."

    "We got a site right along the lake (stairs to the beach were just adjacent to our site) and there were only 2 other people in the entire campground."

    6. RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

    19 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    4 miles
    +1 (800) 544-1801

    $75 - $92 / night

    "Close to the lake with water, electric, and limited sewer hookups. Though right off the highway, traffic sounds aren’t too bad."

    "The sites toward the back, away from the road, are much quieter and more private. Easy walk to the beach. Campground is busy in the summer months."

    7. Campground by the Lake

    18 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (530) 542-6096

    $41 - $45 / night

    "Campground is right on the main drag through town and just across the street and a short walk to the lake, although the lake does not permit dogs in this area."

    "This large campground (which is run by the city) is right in the middle of South Lake Tahoe and across the highway from The Lake."

    8. Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

    15 Reviews
    Stateline, NV
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 588-5562

    $47 - $49 / night

    "It's right on the California-nevada state line near Lake Tahoe. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in the US. A lot of the campsites have a view of the lake."

    "The absolutely best thing about camping here was being a short, short walk from the shore of Lake Tahoe. "

    9. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    12 miles

    "Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

    "come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars"

    10. General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

    16 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 525-7982

    $35 - $475 / night

    "This campground is on the West side in California about halfway up Lake Tahoe. You take a very winding and narrow two-lane road."

    "I had the opportunity to stay in this campground when it was nearly empty."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

346 Photos of 373 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

1330 Reviews of 373 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Campgrounds

  • S
    Nov. 2, 2025

    White Rock Lake

    Very remote

    High clearance Vehicles only . Free camping, fire permit required. Has a water crossing. Inaccessible by vehicle in winter months. Approximately 10 sites for vehicles. I towed my off-road trailer with my lifted Jeep and stayed for a few days.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Very well maintained campground

    Very clean, maintained campground. Flush toilets, and showers available (tokens required). Our visit was late fall so not crowded at all. We were able to change to a more level campsite when we arrive - staff were very accommodating. Bear boxes, large picnic tables, clean fire rings, and water at each site. We are planning to return for a longer stay to hike through the Sequoia groves.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Gold Ranch Casino & RV Resort

    Clean, quiet

    Typical RV park with spaces closer together, so we picked a back-in space along the outside edge and it was perfect for our dogs. A hiking trail right outside of camp. The rest is surrounded by highway and the casino parking lot. Not super busy for a weekend in November.

  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    West Walker River Roadside Camp

    Great Spot!

    We really liked this spot we were only ones here so we got to pick where we parked. Right off the road but there is an incline on the road to get to the back section where we camped. We are raised and drive a 170 extend van and we’re able to make it. Creek is right next to you. Fall colors are amazing.

  • T
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Comstock Meadows RV Park & Mini Mart

    Fulltime residents only

    11/01/25
    I am not here to rate this park. Just need RVers to know it is for full time residents only. 
    Rating above is not accurate. 
    I called for an overnight stay and was told only fulltime residents and there is a waiting list.

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

    Large area, space for RV's and smaller vehicles.

    There is a few large, flat, hard-pack areas to park in and multiple dirt roads that lead off to smaller, more secluded sites. Many of the roads will require 4-wheel drive and high clearance but they are not too bad. Some of the area is free while other parts appear to require payment. Many travel trailers out here with huge set-ups and multiple vehicles.

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Meh.

    As everyone has noted, it is only about 30 feet from the highway...so that is what it is. For $15 for Nevada residents and $20 for non-residents, it's not anything special. It apparently is first come - first served, since there is no Ranger, no host, and the parks.nv.gov website never works properly.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Grouse Ridge Campground

    My Favorite Spot near Truckee

    This is as isolated as it gets. There are a number of pullouts and sites along the road up to Grouse Ridge CG - they're all excellent. Don't expect water or cell reception or toilets. In this area, you're on your own. If the road is muddy, you may not want to take the risk as the mud is slick and getting stuck out here is a true disaster. Even in June, there was still mud, and it even snowed on me which was a thrill to wake up to a white wonderland. Did I mention that you're on your own? Have fun.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    Super quiet, super remote

    If getting away is on your list, then Independance Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road). It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote. I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...). And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof. No services, but there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV. This is my second favorite spot in this area. I'll go again many times :-)

Guide to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Camping near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails nearby, including those leading to breathtaking views of the lake. One camper mentioned, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful," about their experience at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park noted, "We took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island," highlighting the fun water activities available.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground shared, "We did get a visit from a bear one night," reminding everyone to be cautious with food storage.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Many campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review from Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground said, "The restrooms were clean, and the campground itself was decent."
  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers rave about the stunning views. One reviewer at Granite Flat noted, "The campground is in a beautiful setting, easy to get to, and right off the Highway."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Bears are common in the area, so proper food storage is essential. A camper at Upper Eagle Point Campground warned, "It’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Zephyr Cove Resort mentioned, "The campground was completely full," indicating that it can get crowded.
  • Seasonal Closures: Be aware of seasonal closures. A camper at Donner Memorial State Park Campground noted, "Both the campground and the day use areas were closed" during their visit.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always supervise children, especially near water. One camper at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe emphasized, "The lake is a 5 min walk away."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals to keep everyone happy. A visitor at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Granite Flat said, "No way our 30’ travel trailer would fit in the site."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A reviewer at Washoe Lake State Park Campground noted, "Full hookups except water was shut off for the season."
  • Book Early: Reservations can fill up fast, especially in peak season. A visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground advised, "Definitely book six months in advance."

Camping near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique challenges this beautiful area presents!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit offers a wide range of camping options, with 373 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and 38 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit?

What parks are near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit that allow camping, notably Eldorado National Forest and Martis Creek Lake.

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