Camping near Tahoe National Forest

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 (160)

    1. the Inn at Benton Hot Springs

    2 Reviews
    Benton, CA
    13 miles

    "It is in the historic town of Benton hot springs and is adjacent to the Inn."

    "Be prepared for quick changes in weather and mosquitoes as this is near water! Will absolutely be back! Super neat to walk back in time at this historic tiny town!"

    2. Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs

    5 Reviews
    Dyer, NV
    18 miles

    "We were driving from Las Vegas to Yosemite > It’s a nice spot to spend the night, it’s almost halfway."

    "Plenty of parking right next to the springs, but if you want a little more space you can take a dirt path right off of that parking lot up the hill a ways and have plenty of privacy."

    3. Browns Owens River Campground

    9 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 920-0975

    $33 / night

    "As I walked in to the head office, that situated in the entry of the camping grounds. I Lady greeted me with the biggest smile. I paid $36 for the cover. I got to choose wherever I wanted to camp."

    "If you enjoy beautiful views, a campsite near the Owens river and fishing then this will be a paradise for you."

    4. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    31 miles
    Website

    "Views on the other are rolling fields / foothills with lots of cutie vocal Moo Moos and Alkali Lake! You can see other hot springs in the distance. No shade. Lots of flies and red ants."

    "Needless to say we had the hot springs to ourselves the majority of the trip, parking at the edge of the dirt road with only one other car in sight , which I was told was super lucky."

    5. Convict Lake Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5771

    $35 / night

    "It’s just a short drive from the highway and Mammoth Airport. The campground is very popular with a mix of reserved and non reserved sites."

    "We recently stayed for 3 nights in July at convict lake. The lake is gorgeous and offers fishing, no wake boating sports, mountain biking and hiking trails."

    6. Esmeralda Market & RV

    1 Review
    Dyer, NV
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 572-3200

    7. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "Access to trails. Wonderful views. Sites are

    spaced apart to where it feels like you’re the only one in the area."

    "We wanted something near Bishop. Hardly anyone around, but other vans helped us know we were in the right place. A bit windy and cold though!"

    8. Grandview Campground

    24 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2500

    "Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is close by or take a drive down to the old mining area, but I would suggest a four wheel drive, mountain bike or good hiking shoes drive for this."

    "With amazing views of the Sierra Nevadas, and lots of exploration potential in the Inyos, this is a wonderfully situated campground."

    9. Pleasant Valley Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-5577

    $14 - $108 / night

    "There is Pleasant Valley Campground, and if you cross the street and drive a little bit in you can get to Pleasant Valley Pit. This place has no shade, no trees, but amazing view of the Sierras."

    "Very quiet night for sleeping with the sound of a creek running behind our camper."

    10. June Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    42 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "We really enjoyed June Lake Campground! Stayed there for one night on our way out of Yosemite. The drive around the lake is beautiful and there are multiple camping areas."

    "We were really tucked away from neighbors and were very close to the lake and bathrooms. We went in August and it was perfect weather, warm days and cool nights."

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Recent Reviews near Tahoe National Forest

664 Reviews of 160 Tahoe National Forest Campgrounds


  • April B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Glass Creek

    Crabby Host

    The campground itself is very nice and clean.

    The host basically demanded that we pay the ten dollar donation (which we had planned to do), so it's not a free place to camp. Then he complained because we were in a double site. There wasn't any indication that it was a double site, and the campground was basically empty, so we weren't keeping anyone from the site. We gladly would have moved if someone wanted it!

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Mill Creek National Forest

    Beautiful and quiet spot close to Mono Lake

    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first. GPS took me to the wrong (dirt) road, it was getting dark and stormy... Eventually stormed passed and I got a clear moonlight and could hear the gurgle of the river a few meters away. Best reward was in the morning... Wow! ♥️ A nice spot for those just leaving Yosemite or about to go into it.

    The road is not great, drive slowly

    PS: I found a tote bag (see pic) where I was, if it's yours hit me up!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Big Trees Campground

    Secluded clean

    Worth the road in,paved roads narrow in spots plenty of pull outs to let people by , on the creek camping clean and flat rv sights can handle big rigs

  • Sandie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    McGee Creek

    Good spot but crowded

    Seemed like everyone came to tuck into this spot and I got here very late so it was not fun. Beautiful spot with beautiful views

  • Rhonda S.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    French Camp Campground

    Great natural area

    Very weather dependent area. Nice breeze and most sites have full sun. Sites are paved, no hook ups at all, you can use a generator in 2 of the 3 loops. Bath houses are just cold water but clean.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Awesome site

    Hung iut here for a few weeks. Awesome views. Quiet with only occasional road noise. Conveniences (gas, groceries, dump station, restaurant, etc.) within 10 miles. Excellent Verizon signal (for data).

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Magical place!

    Easy to drive in but don’t pass that sign that says “4 wheeled only” with an RV. We have a 24ft and had a perfectly leveled spot underneath a large tree. You can see the lake from there. We took a bicycle ride in to the “south Tufa” which is only 2 miles away. Watched the sunset there, magical!

  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake George Campground

    Love Lake George!

    Lake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.


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 160 campgrounds and RV parks near Tahoe National Forest and 45 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 the Inn at Benton Hot Springs with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 45 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 Inyo National Forest and Devils Postpile National Monument.