Best Dog-Friendly Camping near South Lake Tahoe, CA

Fallen Leaf Campground's pet-friendly accommodations feature tent, RV, cabin, glamping, and yurt options with dedicated pet areas and waste stations. Located near South Lake Tahoe, this established campground allows alcohol, provides drinking water, and maintains picnic tables at each site. Nevada Beach Campground also welcomes pets with accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to cabins and glamping setups. Campground by the Lake offers a convenient location across from Lake Tahoe where dogs are permitted throughout the campground but not on the beach area directly across the street. Well-kept with showers, water access, and trash facilities, the campground maintains clean sites with fire pits in good condition. Dogs must be leashed at all times throughout all area campgrounds.

Hiking trails surrounding South Lake Tahoe provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with numerous pet-friendly paths accessible directly from campgrounds. Tahoe Valley Campground sees frequent wildlife activity including bears visiting campsites nightly, requiring campers with pets to properly secure food and waste. The campground's full hookup sites accommodate RVs with pets, though some campers note sites can be tightly packed. Both Fallen Leaf and D.L. Bliss State Park campgrounds offer more spacious sites with natural buffers between camping areas, providing better options for those with reactive dogs. Showers at most facilities require quarters, so visitors should bring change for cleaning up after outdoor adventures with pets. Winter camping with dogs remains available at Tahoe Valley Campground and several other year-round facilities, though water connections may be unavailable during freezing temperatures.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near South Lake Tahoe, California (250)

    1. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

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

    $47 - $128 / night

    "Fallen Leaf Campground is located on south lake Tahoe about a mile from the beach."

    "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."

    2. Tahoe Valley Campground

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

    "South Lake Tahoe had gotten 20 inches of snow in the 14 days prior to our arrival, then got four more inches while we were there."

    "The area is nice, it is not near the lake but the lake is only a small drive away. The place is crowded and they pack you in here, but our site (113) was a nice place in the corner."

    3. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    23 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    5 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."

    "No one was there in January so we were able to take the dogs for a decent hike into the back sites. If you are planning to walk in to a site with a tent the actual site location matters."

    5. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    7 miles

    $35 - $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. Campground by the Lake

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

    $41 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

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

    $47 - $49 / night

    "Pros: Great location with views of the beach. Walking distance to beach. Sites are spacious enough. Saw 2 falling stars while stargazing on the beach!

    Cons: Crowded. Lots of RVs."

    "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."

    8. General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

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

    $35 - $475 / night

    "Only $35 dollars, which is the cheapest you'll find north of South Lake Tahoe. Perfect for tent camping. Not busy at all during the non reserve season. Would go again for sure."

    "You can drive and park over there or walk or ride a bike. 

    The campground bathrooms and showers were so clean, the camp hosts were AWESOME and our site was huge!"

    9. Meeks Bay

    16 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 525-4733

    $55 - $57 / night

    "The beach is about a 5 minute walk from any spot. Only complaints are the beach is not dog friendly so if you have your dog you can’t go onto the beach but, you can drive close to a dog beach."

    "Just a small walk away from Lake Tahoe shore. Big beautiful trees cover the entire campground. A couple bathrooms that surprisingly do not smell bad and have a running faucet."

    10. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 694-2248

    $35 / night

    "Camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips and directions to a general store about 40min drive away."

    "We had both our dogs and never had to keep them on leash as the site site is pretty back from the road. We will come again but possibly stay in yurt."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near South Lake Tahoe, CA

1338 Reviews of 250 South Lake Tahoe Campgrounds


  • V
    Aug. 18, 2021

    Lovers Leap Campground

    Excellent spot in Tahoe

    A great campsite not too far from South Lake Tahoe. While most campsites are on the smaller size, there are a few which can accommodate larger tents. The hosts were very friendly and on the whole, those who camp here are courteous and respectful of others and the site. I highly recommend this campground to anyone looking for a campsite that’s laid back, quiet and away from the crowds other sites like Richardson draw. Definitely a site worth coming back to

  • Steve & Ashley  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Meeks Bay

    Nice Lakeside Camping

    We stayed here for two nights last year during a Northern California Camping trip. This site is on the western side of Lake Tahoe about 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. It’s a beautiful lake side campground with a very nice sandy beach for those willing to brave the cool waters. The sites are on top of each other. So you will need to pick your site carefully. This is also a popular campground and you will need to plan ahead or get lucky claiming a walk up site. The camp staff were very helpful and the facilities were great. This is a safe choice for a Tahoe visit, especially those traveling with kids.

  • Berton M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2020

    Kit Carson Campground

    Tahoe River Gem

    Kit Carson is located about 20-miles from South Lake Tahoe. There 20 or so camping spots that are spread out among the trees. The campground is located along a river that's a nice place to fish or swim. The water temperature during the summer wasn't that bad.  The campground offers the standard fire pit, table and bear locker. It also has pit toilets and no showers.  

    Across the street is a small cafe that has internet service. They offer breakfast, coffee/tea and some sandwiches. 

    In the town of Markleeville, 10 miles away, there's Grover Hot Springs which is a fun place to visit.  

    The only downside is that Highway 89 runs along the campground so traffic can be heard. Don't let this deter you from staying here.  

    The camp hosts, Gunny, was very friendly and welcoming. 

    Cell Service: Poor - Verizon

  • David & Sue C.
    Feb. 13, 2021

    Tahoe Valley Campground

    Winter Wonderland !!

    We had a great time at this winter paradise!! South Lake Tahoe had gotten 20 inches of snow in the 14 days prior to our arrival, then got four more inches while we were there. Practice your backing up, the plowed snow made some of the pull through sites back in only!! The huge, beautiful trees made for some additional obstacles. The best part of our stay was the assistance we received from TERRY in changing sites and getting set up. The campground is close enough to all the activities in South Lake Tahoe. The plowed snow and ice made walking through the campground very difficult, but there wasn’t anyplace else you could put it. The dog park was great!! When you’re traveling with a Great Dane and Australian Shepard, that’s a big deal!! We’ll stay here again...maybe in the summer!!

  • Berton M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2020

    Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    Lake Side

    Fallen Leaf Campground is located on south lake Tahoe about a mile from the beach. It's a great staging campground to all that south lake Tahoe has to offer to include, hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, gambling and much more. 

    The campground is large but most of the campsite are spread out. However there are a few that are right on top of each other so be wise in choosing. There's a path to the actual Fallen Lake which is beautiful. 

    Cell Service: Bad

  • Linda M.
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Campground by the Lake

    Perfect Location for Lake Tahoe

    Gorgeous campground, owned by the city of South Lake Tahoe. Not many hookups, but perfect location for visiting SLT. Beach across the street. Only 3 stars because of hookup situation and extra charge to dump.

  • S
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    Beautiful but Crowded

    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. The only downside was our campsite was pretty close to our neighbors' on either side. When walking through the campgrounds, other sites were more spaced out and secluded than ours. Overall the ease of location, along with beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake walking distance made the campsite a great spot for a visit to Lake Tahoe!

  • Jason S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2021

    Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    All the Beauty of Tahoe with a fraction of the crowds

    Fallen Leaf Lake Campground is a sweet spot to get away. It is just south of South Lake Tahoe, and generally won't be as crowded. Weekends get busy for sure. We have been several times and my 3 boys loved being near the mountains, out of the heat, and so close to an awesome body of water. Hopefully next time we can get a site next to the lake. Either way, the campground is clean, and the sites are large.

  • S
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    Fallen Leaf

    Large campground. Some sites very spacious. Fallen Leaf Lake is accessible within campground. Bike trail from campground to Lake Tahoe bike trail. Ten min drive to Emerald Bay and 20 min to Stateline of South Lake Tahoe. Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful.


Guide to South Lake Tahoe

Tent camping sites at South Lake Tahoe often sit at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet, requiring campers to prepare for substantial temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. The region experiences relatively dry summers with daytime temperatures ranging from 70-80°F but can drop into the 40s at night. Winter camping remains available at select locations though water connections typically shut down when temperatures consistently drop below freezing.

What to do

Explore backcountry trails: Emerald Bay State Park's Eagle Point Campground provides excellent access to wilderness hiking. "Great hiking. Chill vibes. I can't recommend this spot enough. Compared to the parking lot style campgrounds or resorts throughout Tahoe-region, this is really camping," notes Ryan W. from Fallen Leaf Campground.

Visit historic sites: The Baldwin ruins near Fallen Leaf Lake offer a glimpse into local history. "The Baldwin ruins aren't worth it, but the walk around the lake or along the Morraine Trail is," advises a camper. For more substantial historic exploration, Sugar Pine Point State Park features the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion where you can "tour the mansion or a great picnic spot," according to Debi R.

Paddle crystal-clear waters: Smaller lakes sometimes offer better paddling experiences than Lake Tahoe itself. "The lake, oh my, maybe the most beautiful lake in the entire Tahoe region. It isn't as big, but it is flat like glass, deep, and crystal clear," writes a reviewer about Fallen Leaf Lake. Bring your own equipment or rent from nearby outfitters.

What campers like

Spacious sites with natural buffers: At D.L. Bliss State Park Campground, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "One thing my wife and I love about this campground is the creative design of the sites. They are close together but beautiful and create such a fun experience," notes Brady R. This stands in contrast to more crowded options in the area.

Winter camping opportunities: Several campgrounds remain open year-round. "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," writes Basia M. about her November experience. "Nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"

Clean facilities: Campground by the Lake maintains well-kept facilities. "Restrooms are clean and HEATED. Hot showers are free. Fire pits were in good condition. Sites were flat and clean," reports Kerry V. at Campground by the Lake, which sits directly across from Lake Tahoe but doesn't allow dogs on the beach area.

What you should know

Wildlife encounters: Bears are active throughout the Tahoe region and require proper food storage. "You really need to pay attention to your food. Bears are not just possible here, they are likely," warns a camper at Fallen Leaf Campground. Another visitor at Upper Eagle Point Campground shares, "We encountered a mama bear and her 2 cubs quite a few times but everyone worked together to make noises."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South Lake Tahoe, CA?

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

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near South Lake Tahoe, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 250 dog-friendly camping locations near South Lake Tahoe, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.