Top Tent Camping near Tahoe City, CA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Tahoe City? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Tahoe City campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Tahoe City's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Tahoe City, CA (85)

    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Campground

    1. Silver Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    14 Photos
    32 Saves

    For the remainder of the 2021 season - no open fires of any kind. Propane stoves for cooking allowed, but permit required! https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit Silver Creek Campground is located along the Truckee River and adjacent to Highway 89 South, seven miles south of Truckee, and not far from Tahoe City. The campground offers several single-family sites. Sites range from shaded by large trees to very open. Seven sites are designated for tent-camping only. These sites are a short walk-in and overlook the Truckee River. Other sites are close to Highway 89. All sites are a short walking distance to the river. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring and grill. Each site has a bear box that must be used to store food and other scented items such as toiletries and pet food. Firewood available at the campground at host site. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.Most roads within campground are paved. Larger RVs not recommended. Highway 89 road noise can be heard.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Trash
    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

    2. Kaspian Campground

    3 Reviews
    11 Photos
    175 Saves

    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 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

    3. Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    255 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $5 / night

    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

    4. Lovers Leap Campground

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    100 Saves

    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 Luther Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass

    5. Luther Pass

    6 Reviews
    2 Photos
    435 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    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
    72 Saves

    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 Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground

    7. Bowman Campground

    7 Reviews
    19 Photos
    176 Saves

    Bowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods

    8. Lake of the Woods

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    62 Saves

    Lake of the Woods is a nice small lake. It can be quite popular especially on weekends. There are approximately 15 camping spots with fire pits and picnic tables situated along the shoreline. There is no piped water available. This lake generally opens later in the spring as it sits at a high elevation and takes longer for winter snows to melt to gain access. Camping is free and on a first come - first served basis. The lake has both public and private property. Fire restrictions may be different depending on where you locate your camp.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground

    9. Lake Spaulding Campground

    4 Reviews
    5 Photos
    237 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    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

    10. Fashoda

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    53 Saves

    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

Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Tahoe City

1145 Reviews of 85 Tahoe City Campgrounds


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

    El Dorado Fairgrounds

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Fork Campground
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Silver Fork Campground

    Peaceful getaway

    Beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around! There’s a fire pit and bbq set up at each site and bathrooms and drinking water around the campgrounds. Seems like an amazing spot for a family camping trip! I believe it was $28 a night for a single spot or $14 with a discount. Cons for a nomad is there’s 0 service out there even hiking to the top of the mountain. It’s also about an hour of winding roads from the nearest town to get there. IMO not worth it when there’s plentyyyy of free camping pull offs you pass on the way there.

  • Stephen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, popular, treacherous

    I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.

    The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.

    No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.

  • Azizah T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Ice House Campground

    Quiet campground with frequent bears

    I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.

  • DJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Crowded

    Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.



Guide to Tahoe City

Camping near Tahoe City, California, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the area. Campers love the access to hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful," at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. One camper at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park shared, "We took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island," highlighting the fun water access.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground noted, "We did get a visit from a bear one night," reminding everyone to be cautious with food storage.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Tahoe Valley Campground. One reviewer said, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A camper mentioned, "Toilets were well maintained and didn’t have an awful smell like most others."
  • Beautiful Views: The scenery is a big draw. A visitor at Granite Flat said, "The campground is in a beautiful setting, easy to get to, and right off the Highway."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be prepared for bear encounters. A camper at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe warned, "Well there is a lot of bear activity, but we loved it here."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground noted, "The General Market was randomly closed for 4 days, for inventory."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds during holidays. A visitor at Zephyr Cove Resort mentioned, "The campground was completely full," which can make for a less peaceful experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One camper at Sparks Marina RV Park said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always keep food secured to avoid attracting wildlife. A camper at Eagle Point Campground emphasized, "It’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
  • Plan for Restroom Breaks: Make sure to check restroom availability. A visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are filthy," so be prepared for that.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Granite Flat cautioned, "No way our 30’ travel trailer would fit in the site."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Washoe Lake State Park Campground noted, "Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs, clean bathrooms and shower."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue at some sites. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "My biggest issue with this campground is the dirt. It’s this ash dirt that gets everywhere."

Camping near Tahoe City, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tahoe City, CA is Silver Creek Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 85 tent camping locations near Tahoe City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.