Tent camping around South Lake Tahoe, California offers mountain wilderness experiences between 6,225 feet at lake level to over 8,000 feet in the surrounding alpine areas. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer daytime temperatures typically reaching 75-80°F and nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F even in July and August. Early season campers should prepare for lingering snow at higher elevations through June.
What to do
Alpine lake swimming: Kaspian Campground provides direct lake access with a picnic area just 30 yards from the campsite. As one camper noted, "The lake is literally across the road from the campground. There is service and Tahoe city is really close by for what ever necessities are needed." Swimming spots at Kaspian Campground tend to be less crowded than public beaches.
Rock climbing: The Lovers Leap area attracts climbers of all skill levels with multiple routes. "The campsite we stayed in was a little bit of a walk in (could not drive to it) but it was beautiful with just a short walk to the crag. Natural and quiet, even though 50 is not far away!" reports one visitor to Lovers Leap Campground. The area draws dedicated climbers who camp specifically to access these routes.
Fishing: Small rainbow trout can be caught in streams near several campgrounds. One camper at Markleeville Campground reported: "The creek is right behind the campground. Some good fishing in the deeper holes. Caught 5 small rainbows during our stay." Fishing licenses required for anyone 16 and older, available online or at sporting goods stores in South Lake Tahoe.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Luther Pass offers free camping with adequate facilities. "About 12 sites near the Big meadow trailhead. they fill fast! no water, but pit toilet, garbage, fire rings and tables," notes one camper. Another adds that Luther Pass has "bathrooms located central to the sites, very spacious and dispersed. Awesome location partway up the mountains."
Trail access: Many campsites connect directly to popular hiking trails. A Luther Pass visitor shared: "Great location to the TRT. Stayed here the night before getting on the TRT. Very quiet and plenty of sites open." Multiple campgrounds provide strategic locations for hikers tackling sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Water features: Streams and creeks enhance many camping locations. At Luther Pass, a camper mentioned, "20 minute drive from the lake, gorgeous nature, lots of wildlife, and a creek running right by camp which makes for easy sleeping!" Creek access provides natural white noise and cooling spots during hot summer days.
What you should know
Advance planning required: Permits for backcountry camping must be secured ahead of time, especially for popular wilderness areas. 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)," explains a visitor to Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone.
RV limitations: Some campgrounds advertised for RVs actually cannot accommodate them. At Luther Pass, one camper warned: "Holy Christ for the love of god take away the rv tag. There isn't a single spot for an rv, I tried it with my 19' single axle unit and nearly ripped the spare tire off the back the road was so steep."
Campsite competition: Arriving early is essential during peak season. One camper at Luther Pass advised: "Luther pass, aka South/North Truckee Rd, was extremely crowded. I would suggest arriving early to get a decent spot. We ended up going onto North Truckee Rd and found a pull off wide enough for our truck and rooftop tent."
Tips for camping with families
Safe swimming areas: Donner Memorial State Park offers family-friendly water access. A young visitor reported: "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!" Donner Memorial State Park Campground provides structured activities suitable for children.
Recreational variety: Campgrounds with multiple activity options keep children engaged. One Donner Memorial visitor shared: "Kids age 0-99 rule the day as there are boulders all around for to climb, a lake to swim in, trails to hike and paved loops for riding bikes. The interpreter center is informative."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs teaching about local history and wildlife. At Donner Memorial, families benefit from "Ranger programs. This is a really fun family campground suitable for tents or trailers/RVs. You can swim, picnic, boat, see eagles hunting, close to Truckee."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility concerns: Not all campgrounds labeled for RVs can actually accommodate them. Markleeville Campground visitor noted accessibility challenges: "The dirt roads in the camp need maintenance and the site was overgrown with weeds and tall grass. I can't recommend this one."
Serviced sites: For those needing hookups, options are limited near South Lake Tahoe. Markleeville Campground does offer some electric and water hookups at select sites, which is relatively rare in the area. "I loved this campground. It was perfect weather and we hiked to the town of Markleeville which is the cutest town ever!"
Dump station access: Donner Memorial State Park provides sanitary dump facilities for RVs, which is uncommon at tent camping areas near South Lake Tahoe. One visitor recommended: "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."
