Shawn S.
Legend
LegendBLM next to Truckee River, in Mustang
Right next to a major highway and pretty noisy.
RV Camping near South Lake Tahoe, CA
11 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Several RV parks around South Lake Tahoe can handle motorhomes and trailers of different sizes, with sites that range from basic to fully equipped. Most campgrounds have water, sewer, and electrical hookups specifically designed for RVs. Pull-through sites make it easier to park larger rigs at several locations, eliminating the need for difficult backing maneuvers. The concrete and gravel pads throughout the area are generally level and can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet long. Power options typically include both 30-amp and 50-amp service, working for older and newer RVs alike. Dump stations are available at most South Lake Tahoe campgrounds if your site doesn't have direct sewer connections. The better campgrounds in the area provide full hookups with all utilities right at your pad. Roads to the main RV parks are in good condition and wide enough for larger motorhomes without scraping branches. Most campgrounds have rules about when you can run generators, typically allowing them during daytime hours only. Many sites come with fire rings and picnic tables set up next to your parking spot, giving you more living space. Length limits differ between campgrounds, so it's worth checking ahead before driving a larger rig to the area. The camping spots balance practical amenities with the beautiful mountain and lake setting that draws people to Tahoe. During summer and holiday weekends, RV sites often fill up months ahead, so planning early helps secure a spot. From most RV parks, you can easily reach beaches, hiking trails, and town, making them good starting points for exploring the lake area.
Best RV Campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe (270)
1. Tahoe Valley Campground
"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."
"he showed us where to drop our tow and even helped us…..He helped my husband back into our site and made sure our slide outs were out and everything before heading off."
2. RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
"Great campground, lots of space for the kids to run around and great hiking trails."
"My family stayed on the RV side and we biked to the beach each day. The kids loved the ice cream shop of course and we liked the little general store."
Check Availabilityfrom $80 - $97 / night
3. Silver City RV Resort
"Great location if you want to be near Costco and the capital city. Great views of the Sierras and the Carson valley. "
"This RV resort is situated in the middle of everything! Close to Lake Tahoe, Reno, Virginia City and more!"
4. Zephyr Cove RV & Campground — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
"Beware, if you are pulling a trailer brush up on your backing up skills. Very tight and narrow. Best time to get in the park is during the day."
"a fantastic campground whether you're in a rv camper or tent. they have around 15 walk in campsites accessible from a small parking lot at the top of the hill(probly preferable for those seeking a bit"
Check Availabilityfrom $64 - $407 / night
5. Gold Dust West RV Park
"We stayed at this location during the Sparks Rib cookoff. The only reason for four stars is due to how narrow the spots are."
"Typical casino RV site - showers, laundry and full hookups. Hardly anyone there so we got a nice site in the corner with some rare Nevada grass."
6. Carson RV Resort
"The location is by a highway (and behind Costco), but the noise wasn’t bad at all. The pool area is beautiful and includes outdoor grills and a gas fire pit."
"laundry room, showers, bathroom, pool were all very clean! The staff was super helpful, friendly, and available whenever we needed them. Would stay here again!"
Check Availabilityfrom $86 / night
7. French Meadows
"Great amenities(fire ring, table, bear box)."
"We rolled in around midnight on a Thursday in September and there were still plenty of walk-in sites available. The camp sites were a little close together, but it wasn't too bad."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
8. Sparks Marina RV Park
"Nice level concrete pads for travel trailers, they also have pull through sites for diesel pushers."
"The Reno area is our home base, we are full time RVers in a 35 foot long fifth wheel. "
9. Coyote Group Campground
"water spigots 4 big picnic tables • Some shade • Uneven terrain around sites and lots of fallen trees • Lots of parking, including triller/RV parking. Parking is paved and flat."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $82 - $143 / night
10. Topaz Lodge RV Park
"The General Store had lots of supplies, and they gave RV customers a discount on "souvenirs". I didn't use the showers or restrooms (although I did pay the $10, refundable, deposit for a key)."
"Decent little RV park that worked well for us as we were driving through and needed a place for the night. It’s surprisingly nice and cute considering it’s behind the Chevron and the casino."
Drive Time
- 37 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 4 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 42 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 23 min from Yuba City, CA
Recent RV Camping Photos near South Lake Tahoe, CA
222 Photos of 270 South Lake Tahoe Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tahoe Valley Campground
Carson Valley Inn RV Resort & Casino
Silver City RV Resort
Carson RV Resort
Zephyr Cove RV & Campground — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort — Lake Tahoe Basin Management UnitK
Gold Dust West RV Park
Topaz Lodge RV Park
Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use PavilionD
Village Camp Truckeed
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Walmart — Carson City SupercenterD
RV Park Reviews near South Lake Tahoe, CA
1196 Reviews of 270 South Lake Tahoe Campgrounds
John W.
ScoutGold Dust West RV Park
Great place stay
- Very nice clean rv park walk to casino, food restaurant excellent great service and low prices. Will definitely stay again
- AAndrew G.Scout
El Dorado
First ever RV use. Has good water and power, toilets and one shower that I didn’t test. Cost $58 usd.
- PPaula S.
GuideWashoe Lake State Park Campground
Free hot showers and dump station. Drinking water covered tables, very clean and close to Carson City and Reno. Virginia City and Tahoe
- ddenise T.Scout
Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
Nice view of the Reno area. Desert parking 1.3 miles up a rocky dirt road on BLM land that was recently burned.
MarkGuideWashoe Lake State Park Campground
The park itself was nice but there were two major issues for us that caused us to leave early. The first was a rodent issue. We had mice coming in each night (a first for us in 8 years). The second was an issue with some other guests. The one night they were partying well past quiet hours with loud music. The next night they had a huge fight with yelling, cursing and finally someone driving off loudly in their truck, again after quiet hours. It was well worth the lose in money to move early to our next spot.
- LLaney S.Guide
Tahoe Valley Campground
No Fires
At the time I went they wouldn’t let us have a fire. It was also pretty empty. Bathrooms are very spread out and a trek. Wouldn’t recommend for tent camping!
- Harry L.Guide
Deadman Campground
Small but very nice
We were able to a site that backed up to the river. Small campground, very clean and quiet. Has toilets
- BBryan G.
TravelerLodgepole Campground
Expensive
This site does not recognize any state or federal pass the rate starts for 40 a day then they charge per person and per pet grand total for a one night stay with hookups 62$ for one RV one person one dog . 
Guide to South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe sits at an elevation of 6,237 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains, experiencing warm summer temperatures typically between 75-80°F during peak camping season. Winter camping requires additional preparation with temperatures often dropping below freezing at night. The area's camping options include both lakeside and forest settings within a 30-minute drive radius from the city center.
What to do
Beach access: At RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort, you can walk directly to Lake Tahoe's shore. "Very close walk down to the Lake and the Beacon restaurant where you can have world famous RumRunner," notes Janet G. The restaurant provides a welcome meal option after a day of water activities.
Fishing spots: French Meadows Reservoir offers trout fishing opportunities about 90 minutes from Tahoe. "Great trout fishing. Bear country be advised. Extreme fire danger the summer months and closed due to snow in winter," mentions Toby R. Bring appropriate tackle and check local fishing regulations before arrival.
Casino entertainment: Gold Dust West RV Park provides gaming options within walking distance of your campsite. "For those who enjoy some adult games, there is a casino that you can spend some time and support the Nevada economy. You might earn a prime rib dinner if you get a players card and earn enough points," according to Valerie B. The $9.99 prime rib special receives positive reviews from campers.
What campers like
Variety of terrain: Lake Tahoe camping offers both lakeside and mountain forest settings. "This campground is right in town but there's enough space and trees to give it a natural setting," says Sarah R. about Tahoe Valley Campground. Many sites balance accessibility with natural surroundings.
Winter camping options: Some Lake Tahoe RV parks remain open year-round, allowing for snow camping experiences. "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...nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!" shares Basia M.
Swimming conditions: Water temperatures vary across locations. At French Meadows, "Loved the water access, and water was perfect temperature for swimming for our toddlers even," notes Anastasia P. Water temperature tends to be coldest in early summer when snowmelt feeds the lake.
What you should know
Site elevation differences: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain that affects tent placement. "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," warns Graham K. about French Meadows. Request information about site levelness when making reservations.
Age restrictions: Some RV parks enforce vehicle age policies. "There is NO mention of an age restriction on their website...But they WILL take the reservation online, take your money, then call to check the age of your rig," reports Leah T. regarding Sparks Marina RV Park, which has a 10-year rule for RVs.
Quiet hours enforcement: Enforcement varies between campgrounds. "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," according to Cassidy R.
Tips for camping with families
Planned activities: Some campgrounds organize regular family events. Tahoe Valley Campground "put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights," reports Dani P., making it suitable for families seeking structured activities.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. "There is a pool, and kids pool. Great showers, basketball courts, volleyball," mentions Craig & Linda L. about Ghost Mountain RV Campground. These facilities provide alternatives when lake water is too cold.
Bear safety: Secure food storage varies between campgrounds. "Our neighbors told us of bear stories coming up to their camp the day before so I was not sure why bear boxes were not includes for each site. Is that a thing for RV villages?" questions Sarah B. When camping with children, prioritize locations with proper bear boxes for peace of mind.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Silver City RV Resort offers complete utility connections. "Beautiful setting and great, complete amenities. Lots of long term folks staying here but many overnight spots available most of the time," notes Alison. Call ahead during summer weekends to confirm availability.
Site width considerations: Many Lake Tahoe RV parks feature narrow sites. "Sites are wide and recent upgrades will have nice vine covered privacy fences between each site," comments Lyf Uninterrupted about Silver City RV Resort. However, at other locations: "With the slide out and stairs down we were hanging over the edge of the pull through site."
Check-in procedures: RV check-in can be time-consuming at popular destinations. "The line at 2pm was horrible! I got there at 2:01 and there were already 20 people in front of me. The process is painfully slow," cautions Nicki M. Arrive mid-week when possible to avoid weekend crowds and lengthy waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best RV parks in South Lake Tahoe?
What are the best RV parks in South Lake Tahoe?
Topaz Lake RV Park is highly recommended for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and spacious sites that easily accommodate larger rigs up to 34 feet. It offers full hookups including water, electric, sewer, cable TV, and decent WiFi, all with lakefront access. Zephyr Cove Resort is another excellent option with clean facilities and proximity to attractions, though spaces can be tight and require good backing skills. For those willing to drive 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, Kit Carson Campground provides a more natural setting along a river with fishing and swimming opportunities.
What is the best time of year for RV camping in South Lake Tahoe?
What is the best time of year for RV camping in South Lake Tahoe?
The best time for RV camping in South Lake Tahoe is late spring through early fall (May-September). Summer offers ideal weather for lake activities, though it's the busiest season. Tahoe Valley Campground remains open year-round and can accommodate winter RV camping, with beautiful snow-covered sites among tall trees. Winter camping requires preparation for snow conditions, as some sites may become back-in only due to plowed snow banks. Fall offers fewer crowds with pleasant temperatures, while spring brings beautiful scenery as the snow melts. Always check seasonal road closures and campground availability, as many facilities have limited winter operations.
What amenities are available at Lake Tahoe RV resorts?
What amenities are available at Lake Tahoe RV resorts?
Sparks Marina RV Park exemplifies the high-end amenities available in the Tahoe region, featuring level concrete pads, both 30 and 50 amp hookups, cable TV connections, and large clean bathrooms. Many resorts offer full hookups (water, electric, sewer), WiFi, and cable TV. Silver City RV Resort provides perfectly flat, paved pull-through sites with easy access and great views of the Sierras. Some parks include laundry facilities, community gathering spaces, and proximity to shopping. While amenities vary by location, most resorts in the area prioritize convenience with full hookups and basic services, though some have restrictions on campfires.
Are there private RV campgrounds around Lake Tahoe?
Are there private RV campgrounds around Lake Tahoe?
Yes, there are several private RV campgrounds around Lake Tahoe. RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort offers reservable sites in a prime location on the south shore. Carson RV Resort provides a convenient option near Carson City with full amenities including water hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Private campgrounds typically offer more amenities than public options, including full hookups, WiFi, laundry facilities, and sometimes cable TV. These resorts often allow longer stays and have more flexible reservation policies than public campgrounds, making them ideal for extended visits. Prices are generally higher than public options but come with additional conveniences.
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