RV campgrounds near Tahoe National Forest range from 5,000 to 8,000 feet elevation, often experiencing dramatic temperature changes between day and night. Most full-hookup sites close from November through April due to heavy snowfall, with some receiving over 400 inches annually. Cell service typically weakens at campgrounds above 6,000 feet elevation.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: McGee Creek RV Park & Campground offers excellent access to local fishing spots. "We stay here every year for a week. There are campsites right on the creek and others that aren't. Everything is spaced out well and it is well maintained," notes one regular visitor.
Paddle sports on June Lake: Rent equipment at the marina adjacent to June Lake RV Park. "Adjacent marina lets you rent kayaks, paddle boards, or pontoon boats. Easy walk to June Lake Brewery," reports one camper who visited in late May.
Stargazing after dark: Crowley Lake RV Park provides exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Place was very quiet, very dark at night. The stars were amazing," writes one camper about their experience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cedar Flat Group Campground offers large common areas with picnic tables and fire rings. "There are large common areas with picnic tables and fire rings and several pit toilets. I spent a month here in summer 2012 and the weather was great!" writes a geology student who stayed for field camp.
Walking access to towns: Mono Vista RV Park in Lee Vining provides easy access to local amenities. "Being on the end of town. This place has all you need to reset and relax. Peaceful shady location with power, water, flush toilets, showers, laundromat, and a general store. Walking/driving distance to town," explains one traveler.
Tent camping options: Many Tahoe National Forest RV campgrounds accommodate tent campers. "I really enjoyed tent camping here. I'm not a fan of the trailer camping because it's all cement and everyone is close together, but it's doable if need be. When tent camping, you're under beautiful trees which I love!" shares a camper at Mammoth Mountain RV Park.
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "Make sure to use the bear box as we had a bear come into our camp the last night," warns a camper at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground. Another visitor notes, "We weren't here for long, only one night on our way back home to Oregon but it was long enough to see a bear cross the road."
Temperature swings: High elevation camping means preparing for significant temperature drops. "It was also pretty chilly for what we thought was still the fall season, only 30 degrees when we arrived and 22 when we woke up in our tent the next morning," reports a tent camper.
Laundry availability: Some campgrounds offer on-site laundry facilities. "40.50$/night with Good Sam, onsite laundry has plenty of machines and is very clean," notes a visitor at Highlands RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing ponds: Creekside RV Park offers stocked fishing areas perfect for children. "There's a stocked pond for fishing that is really good for kids," shares one camper who visited with friends and four children.
Creek safety measures: Watch children near water features. "The creek is lovely and rushes by with the nice sounds of a creek. Be aware that the water is fast and cold. There are not a lot of spots for kids to play so unless they're older (and maybe even then) you'd want to watch them," advises a parent at Creekside RV Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: "We tromped through some 'trails' and saw garter snakes, chipmunks, mice, and bats at dusk," reports a family camper, noting the natural exploration opportunities available.
Tips from RVers
Site configuration challenges: Whiskey Flats RV Park offers concrete pads but setup may require planning. "We backed in pretty deep to the site as not to run into our neighbor. My long shore cord had to be stretched to get to the power box. The water and sewer fine. Why these boxes are so far back almost into the next site is puzzling," explains an RVer at Mammoth Mountain.
Dump station timing: "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early," advises an experienced RVer about morning congestion.
Level parking availability: "Sites are super clean, paved, and extremely level. Full hookups! 30/50 amp," notes a visitor to Whiskey Flats RV Park, highlighting an important consideration for larger rigs.
