Camping near Tahoe National Forest, CA

Tahoe National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Tahoe National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Tahoe National Forest, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Tahoe National Forest (158)

    1. Grandview Campground

    24 Reviews
    87 Photos
    205 Saves
    Bishop, California

    Grandview Campground is nestled in low hills covered with Pinyon and Juniper. A large open area in the middle of the campground gives a truly grand view of the night sky. The combination of 8,600 foot elevation and no intrusive city lights make this a popular site for star gazers and astronomy groups. Campers are asked to minimize their use of generators and lights so everyone in camp can enjoy a peaceful night of stargazing. Grandview is also the nearest campground to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, just 5 miles to Schulman Grove. The campground has 23 sites spaced on two loop roads. Most sites are flat and sandy with ample shade. Each site has a table, fire ring, and parking for one or two vehicles. Firewood sources are limited. Do not collect wood from live or standing trees.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    2. Convict Lake Campground

    16 Reviews
    69 Photos
    490 Saves
    Mammoth Lakes, California

    Overview

    Convict Lake Campground is situated near Convict Lake amidst the beautiful scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake and surrounding national forest provide many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation. The campground and nearby resort offer many amenities for a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. The facility is located between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California, near Mammoth Airport.

    Recreation

    The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can cast a line for rainbow and brown trout in the creek or lake. Power boats are limited to electric motors on the lake (six horsepower or less). The area's majestic scenery and variety of trails draw in hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. The 3.5-mile Lake Trail can be accessed from the campground, and many other trails are in nearby John Muir Wilderness.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits at an elevation of 7,500 ft. and provides gorgeous views of the lake and the dramatic mountain scenery. Convict Creek runs through the campground, and the 167-acre Convict Lake is about 100 yards away. Shrubs and low vegetation fill in the landscape, though tall aspen and cottonwood trees grow along the creek. The area is abundant with wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visitors can explore the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches for 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain, and offers extensive hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $35 / night

    3. June Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    85 Photos
    516 Saves
    June Lake, California

    Overview

    Easy access to fishing, a marina and boat rentals make June Lake Campground a favorite spot for both families and anglers. The facility sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in close proximity to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. The town of June Lake offers the convenience of shopping and dining, while the surrounding land and lakes provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities.

    Recreation

    Campers have no problem staying busy and enjoying the outdoors. Fishing for rainbow and Alpers trout, canoeing, boating and walking are just some of the activities available around the lake. Numerous trails lie minutes away, an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The Fern Lake Trail, a short drive away, leads into the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness. Skiing is a major winter pastime in the area. A drive along the June Lake Loop results in expansive views of rugged mountain peaks and several lakes.

    Natural Features

    Campsites are located in a mixed aspen and pine forest above the eastern shoreline of beautiful, 257-acre June Lake. Many points in the campground have views of the surrounding 11,000 and 12,000' peaks. The campground's elevation is 7,600 feet. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.

    Nearby Attractions

    Mono Lake and its many activities are minutes away. Hikers can access the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness via nearby trails, and Yosemite National Park is a great day trip. Ansel Adams Wilderness Yosemite National Park

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $32 / night

    4. Browns Owens River Campground

    9 Reviews
    51 Photos
    200 Saves
    Inyo National Forest, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $33 / night

    5. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    33 Photos
    518 Saves
    Inyo National Forest, California

    Located near Mammoth Lakes, Crab Cooker Hot Springs is one of several hot water springs in the area that are suitable for soaking in. The pool consists of a manmade cement tub with water piped in from a mineral spring about 30 feet away. Though the water at the source is too hot to bathe in, or even to touch, the tub has been outfitted with a valve that allows for the control of hot water.

    Crab cooker is located on land that is owned by the LA Department of Water and Power, which forbids camping. However, camping is permitted on nearby public land.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    6. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    27 Photos
    420 Saves
    Bishop, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    7. Inyo National Forest Oh Ridge Campground

    22 Reviews
    45 Photos
    4620 Saves
    June Lake, California

    Overview

    The outstanding lake and mountain views at Oh Ridge Campground make it a favorite spot for both families and anglers. It sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in close proximity to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. The nearby town of June Lake offers the convenience of shopping and dining, while the surrounding land and lakes provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities.

    Recreation

    Oh Ridge campers have no problem staying busy and enjoying the outdoors. Within the facility, they can swim in the lake's clear waters, fish for rainbow and Alpers trout, go canoeing and boating or walk to the Oh Ridge viewpoint, after which the campground was named. Numerous trails lie minutes away, an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The Fern Lake Trail leads into the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness. Skiing is a major winter pastime in the area. A scenic drive along the June Lake Loop results in expansive views of rugged mountain peaks and several lakes.

    Natural Features

    Campsites are located in a mostly open area above the shoreline of beautiful June Lake. Save for some scattered pine and aspen trees, the campground has little shade. Nearly every point in the facility has a view of the surrounding 11,000-12,000' peaks. The campground's elevation is 7,600 feet. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.

    Nearby Attractions

    Mono Lake and its many activities are minutes away. Hikers can access the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness via nearby trails, and Yosemite National Park is a great day trip. Ansel Adams Wilderness Yosemite National Park

    Charges & Cancellations

    Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $38 / night

    8. Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground

    16 Reviews
    14 Photos
    223 Saves
    Mammoth Lakes, California

    Mammoth Mountain RV Park offers full and partial hook-up sites, tent camping and cabins in the beautiful alpine town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. Mammoth Mountain offers an impressive 175 different campsites to choose from, including 49 full hook-up sites, 105 partial hook-up sites, 17 tent sites, 2 group tent sites, and 2 cabins. The park is ideally located near sightseeing, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, shopping and much more!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $80 / night

    9. Pleasant Valley Campground

    13 Reviews
    24 Photos
    66 Saves
    Bishop, California

    Pleasant Valley Campground provides year-round fishing in the Owens River and the Diaz Lake Campground offers an 80-acre lake for fishing and water sport recreation. Fishing license is required. Shore fishing is allowed all year round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $14 / night

    10. Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    100 Saves
    Dyer, Nevada

    This beautiful marsh also promises excellent birding and wildlife spotting opportunities. Despite its name, actual Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs fishing is fairly restrictive, due to being a sensitive region and prime habitat for the critically endangered Fish Lake Valley tui chub. Keep your eyes peeled for large schools of goldfish found within the warm ponds year-round. Because this natural oasis is found in the middle of high-desert landscape without other water sources for miles, an abundance of wildlife is drawn to the spring as a watering hole.

    The Fish Lake Hot Springs are a free public resource. Before you hit the road, brush up on Hot Springs Etiquette and be sure to avoid camping within 100 feet of the hot spring. Be respectful of the local wildlife residents, too, and leave them plenty of space.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
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Recent Reviews near Tahoe National Forest

622 Reviews of 158 Tahoe National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Tahoe National Forest

Camping near Tahoe National Forest, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up the scenery, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers love to cast a line. At Convict Lake Campground, one reviewer said, "Fantastic fishing. The fall colors were outstanding." The lake is known for its rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for anglers.
  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at East Fork Campground mentioned, "The campground was big yet still quiet," perfect for those looking to hike without the crowds.
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in this area make for great stargazing. One camper at Mono Lake South Dispersed noted, "Great lil spot...lots of stars," highlighting the area's low light pollution.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review for Browns Owens River Campground said, "The river, fishing, and view is gorgeous," showcasing the natural beauty that surrounds the area.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful experience. One visitor at Pleasant Valley Campground shared, "Very few people camping," which is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper at Tuff Campground mentioned, "The pit toilets were really clean," which is always a nice surprise when camping.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like East Fork Campground, lack amenities like showers and electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "Most sites seemed pretty uneven, so come prepared."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be cautious of wildlife. A camper at Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Campers were responsible with bear safety," emphasizing the importance of being bear-aware.
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For instance, Convict Lake Campground is open from June 4 to October 30, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities. A parent at Browns Owens River Campground said, "The bathrooms and showers were clean," which is a big deal for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. One reviewer at Pleasant Valley Campground noted, "Great for ATV trails," which can keep the whole family entertained.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Mono Lake South Dispersed advised, "Watch out for horse droppings!" reminding everyone to be aware of their surroundings.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: RVers should be cautious about road access. A visitor at Crab Cooker Hotsprings mentioned, "We didn’t want to take our camper and trailer combo down the side road," indicating that some roads may not be suitable for larger vehicles.
  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Spots: Campgrounds like Tuff Campground are noted for being big rig friendly, making it easier for RVers to find suitable sites.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds don’t have hookups. A reviewer at Pleasant Valley Pit Campground said, "Nothing special, it was clean and peaceful," which is great for those who enjoy a more rustic experience.

Camping near Tahoe National Forest, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful scenery, plenty of activities, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a perfect getaway for families, anglers, and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Tahoe National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Tahoe National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near Tahoe National Forest and 44 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Tahoe National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tahoe National Forest is Grandview Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tahoe National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 44 free dispersed camping spots near Tahoe National Forest.

  • What parks are near Tahoe National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Tahoe National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.