Best Tent Camping near South Lake Tahoe, CA

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near South Lake Tahoe? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find South Lake Tahoe campgrounds for you and your tent. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near South Lake Tahoe, CA (84)

    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    1. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    47 Photos
    231 Saves
    Truckee, California

    Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass

    2. Luther Pass

    6 Reviews
    2 Photos
    435 Saves
    Echo Lake, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovers Leap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovers Leap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovers Leap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovers Leap Campground

    3. Lovers Leap Campground

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    100 Saves
    Twin Bridges, California

    Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.Lovers Leap__CampgroundFees

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    • Trash
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
    Camper-submitted photo from Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
    Camper-submitted photo from Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
    Camper-submitted photo from Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
    Camper-submitted photo from Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
    Camper-submitted photo from Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
    Camper-submitted photo from Kaspian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kaspian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kaspian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kaspian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kaspian Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kaspian Campground

    5. Kaspian Campground

    3 Reviews
    11 Photos
    176 Saves
    Tahoma, California

    Overview

    Kaspian Campground is located in a mature forest of pine trees overlooking the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Campers will be nestled in a sparse forest of pine trees and evergreen shrubs, just minutes from the bright blue water of Tahoe. The lake and its sandy beaches provides ample recreation opportunities.

    Recreation

    Kaspian Campground is ideal for visitors planning a full day of biking around Lake Tahoe. Bike trails that traverse the western shores of the lake begin near the campground. Visitors enjoy water sports on the lake and relaxing on its sandy beaches.

    Natural Features

    The campground is situated in a former picnic area, across the street from the lake. Campsites are spaced for privacy and surrounded by tall ponderosa pine and white fir trees. Some sites offer spectacular views of Lake Tahoe through the trees.

    Nearby Attractions

    Kaspian Campground is less than 10 miles from the popular Meeks Bay.

    Contact Info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (530) 541-1537 for general information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $27 - $29 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Cove Campground

    6. Azalea Cove Campground

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    73 Saves
    Kyburz, California

    Union Valley Bike__Trail & Campground__Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.This is a walk-in, bike-in or boat-in campground.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed

    7. Markleeville Campground - Temporarily Closed

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    30 Saves
    Markleeville, California

    Temporarily Closed The Markleeville Campground on the Carson Ranger District near Markleeville, CA is temporally closed, while area is being assessed for flood damage.

    Check Status here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/htnf/alerts-notices/?aid=74769

    Located on Markleeville Creek, in the shade of Jeffrey pines and cottonwood trees. Generally open late April through early September.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Kirkwood Campground

    8. Kirkwood Campground

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    79 Saves
    Kirkwood, California

    Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.Kirkwood CampgroundPicnickingFees and PassesNon-motorized Trails Mokelumne Wilderness

    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda

    9. Fashoda

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    53 Saves
    Kyburz, California

    Overview

    Fashoda Campground, located on a peninsula of the eastern side of Union Valley Reservoir, is an incredibly scenic place to camp. The lake area is a hub for activities like swimming, sailing, boating and fishing. Hiking and biking are also quite popular, and many campers make use of the Union Valley Bike Trail.

    Recreation

    Head out on a sailboat or take the family water skiing. Union Valley offers a number of water activities. Anglers seek rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout and Kokanee salmon. The Union Valley Bike Trail stretches 4.8 miles with an easy climb of 300 feet. The trail connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake, starting from Wench Creek on down to Jones Fork Campground.

    Natural Features

    Union Valley Reservoir sits in the Crystal Basin, spanning 25,000 acres at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The area is part of the Eldorado National Forest, which is home to the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Remnants of the California Gold Rush days can be found throughout the region. Wildlife thrives in the Eldorado National Forest. Bring a camera and be sure to look for spotted owls, bobcats, mule deer and porcupines.

    Nearby Attractions

    Climb up Two Peaks and look down on a fantastic view of Union Valley and the Crystal Basin.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek & Expansion Campground - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2023 SEASON

    10. Middle Creek & Expansion Campground - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2023 SEASON

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    7 Saves
    Markleeville, California

    Due to heavy snow loads, the campground will be closed for the 2023 season.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in South Lake Tahoe

1153 Reviews of 84 South Lake Tahoe Campgrounds


  • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno View Dispersed
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Reno View Dispersed

    amazing view

    okay. let’s be real. the road is a beast. I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno. can be very windy but if you get between some of the trees it’s not to bad.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great 1 night stay

    Came on a Saturday around 4pm, there were 2 other campers other than me so it wasn’t busy at all. No service for at&t. Overall had a good stay here with my 2 dogs

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from El Dorado
    Oct. 17, 2024

    El Dorado

    Dyrts description sucked

    We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground by the Lake
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Campground by the Lake

    Great option if available for Lake Tahoe

    Camped here for what we thought would be a couple of nights for an event. However, event was canceled due to massive wild fire (air quality index was horrible, so stayed 1 night and left ASAP next morning). 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. Nice walking/biking paths, but heavily commercial district means lots of traffic going by. Site (#E06) is huge with enough space for several RVs, but we parked sideways adjacent to the picnic table and had spot near to bathrooms/showers which are clean but a bit ragged around the edges. 

    Food aside: Dinner of Curly's pork with cheese and Hatch green chile tortillas. Good to come back here at some point when not high season and can stay more in camping zone, this is a pretty commercial district.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe Valley Campground
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Tahoe Valley Campground

    A little pricey

    We were only after a night, so didn’t need much. Travelling this time of year when campgrounds are closed makes for desperate last minute decisions. BUT if you’re staying here, go across the road to Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. the best pizza!

  • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
    Oct. 12, 2024

    BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

    Not easily accessible

    The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.

  • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Complete trash dump

    It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground

    A Surprise in the Sierras!

    We ended up at this small campground because our potential boondocking spots were completely snowed in up top.  So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park!

    Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. We found a good site that provided just enough sky for both our 400W portable solar panel and Starlink to work pretty well. The bathroom building has flush toilets, was kept clean, and warm showers. 

    But the campground isn’t the reason to come here...it’s the history! This little park tucked into the Western Sierras will blow your mind. It is a significant Miwok Native American historical site, with home sites, ancient Oak trees, and literally thousands of grain, and acorn grinding stones located in the central part of the park. 

    The visitor’s center is a must-see and brings the location to life. In cooperation with the local tribes, the state manages the site and visitor’s center for the public. Take a walk on the interpretive trail, hike the adventure trails, fish in the creek, or attend a special program. It is a beautiful place to spend a few days. 

    The nearby town of Pine Grove has a few restaurants and grocery stores to get what you might need.

  • Mason W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Zephyr Cove Resort
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Zephyr Cove Resort

    Simple, clean, but loud

    Very simple and clean park but it is right next to the highway with very limited amenities. Their “amenities” they list online are not accurate but again it’s nice and clean. Also make sure you have a secondary form of transportation since this place is secluded due to private neighborhoods so there is no access to town via bike or on foot.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Oct. 8, 2024

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Beautiful park

    Very nice park, great walking trails, beautiful trees. Many of the buildings are older, but well kept. Showers are coin operated and nice. No trailer hookups, but very site has a water but can’t connect it with the trailer. Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent. Only issue is being by the road and having road noise. Plenty of restrooms and showers (coin operated). The only Wi-Fi is at the visitor center and VERY limited cell service, no great loss.

  • Paxton B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

    The road is terrible

    Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone

  • Raymond V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Zephyr Cove Resort
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Zephyr Cove Resort

    Tight spaces but close to lake

    Tight spaces but close to the lake if you want to enjoy the water and beach. Toilets and showers where filty but okay. Lots of chipmunks to enjoy..

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

    Peaceful lake

    Large sites very peaceful. Most sites close to the lake. We visited the last week of August. Expect to see bears. Hosts were clear about the need to keep campsites clear of food. Since you could not dump dish water on ground because of the bears it was more effort to wash up after meals. It would be nice if there was a dish washing station . We have seen this at other campsites we have been to. The have AT&A cell service had good service

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Logger Campground
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Logger Campground

    Beautiful campground with lake views.

    Love our stay at Logger Campground, very clean vault toilets, and facility. Most of the spots are very tight, narrow spaces. Make some when you book, you get the right size spot. Pay dump just offsite.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson RV Resort
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Carson RV Resort

    Worthy of the resort title!

    We normally prefer wilderness parks, and generally avoid RV parks. We’ve stayed in a few though and this one is by far the absolute nicest one we’ve ever stayed in!! It recently changed ownership and the new owners have invested in a first-class place! We had to find a last minute place on a Sunday due to the Davis Creek Regional park fire. We pulled in here and were helped by a wonderful young woman in the office. What I liked most about this place was that it is more spacious than typical RV parks. Also, more importantly, the bathrooms were amazing and deserving of the “resort” name. While there may have been a few rigs here longer term, their sites were neat and orderly. 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. There is minimal shade as the trees are all new. The laundry rooms (2!) were lovely. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Beautiful and well run facility. Does it compare to a state or National park, no. But for what it is it is outstanding!

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation

    Nice USFS campground

    All camp sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Please ensure fires are permitted before starting a fire. The campground was clean and quiet. Pit toilets were clean and well stocked. Please note that I was there during the week. I imagine that during summer weekends it can get quite noisy with boat and jet ski traffic being so close to Reno. I would definitely stay again.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Bear Valley Campground

    Remote Forest Camping

    FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads,  high clearance helpful,  4wd not needed.   Not all sites are flat.  People from the area (i guess)  seemed to be "reserving"  sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs...  they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility.  Took a hike.  Very pretty.  No OHV noise,  but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from River Bend Campground — Walker River State Recreation Area
    Sep. 10, 2024

    River Bend Campground — Walker River State Recreation Area

    Remote, Quiet; a Desert Oasis

    I stayed only one night here in 2022 while traveling through.  It was a pretty drive through rural western Nevada,  which ended in a four mile graded dirt road.  I was driving an SUV with high clearance,  but the road is suitable for RVs if you take it slow.  Both campgrounds are RV suitable.  This one does not have hook ups,  but quail run does.  The facilities are very new.  Each site has a covered picnic table  It is not a great tent camping area in my opinion because it is a desert loop and you are out in the open.  I slept in my SUV.  The area itself is beautiful though,  and I need to make another,  longer stop there and at the nearby "elbow"  unit,  which is more remote.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Davis Creek Regional Park
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Davis Creek Regional Park

    It was on fire 9/7

    My 1-star review is only because, sadly, a fire started at this campground and was out of control by the time we arrived. It grew to 1,500 acres and destroyed 6 structures. I was really looking forward to staying at this park. Sadly, it has likely been destroyed.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Lodgepole Campground

    Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias

    I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Large dirt pull off

    Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Lake side Campsites

    If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Lake Tahoe, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Lake Tahoe, CA is Donner Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near South Lake Tahoe, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 84 tent camping locations near South Lake Tahoe, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.