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.
"First I checked out the crab cooker campsite nearby and the road was ROUGH. The drive is definitely worth it if you plan to stay there without going back and forth into town."
"Parked overnight in the RV on the same road as the hotspring on a Wednesday night had no problems. 2 other vans were next to us"
"Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater. You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area. "
"We found a nice, open campsite with great views of Mono Lake and the eastern Sierras. Road got quite sandy in some sections, would recommend having a 4x4 to access some of the sites."
"No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings. Pretty dispersed but close enough to downtown. Would go back!"
"GREAT SPOT. so so close to the mountain."
"No cell, no wifi, and felt immersed in nature. Some spaces are certainly more desirable than others. We stayed in the lower section—I believe there were about 10 spots total."
"The area around this camp ground is very relaxing. Rock Creek runs right along side. There are a few camping spots along the main road. The lake has boats available to rent."
"The road is maintained but requires high clearance.
There are many sites on the way in and then 5 or 6 once at obsidian meadows trail head."
"Nice off road trail with some scattered sites."
"nice shaded with creek sounds no restroom"
"This is a very cool spot the entrance is just south of Lundy Lake rd. on the 395, there's also a back way in on Lundy Lake rd. just past the first building."
"There is no trash, no water & no reservations. The good: Plenty of beautiful trees and shade. The creek is lovely, and a wonderful place for the kids to play."
"Beautiful campsites with plenty of space. Best sites are right next to the creek. The only downside is the stench of the pit toilets."
$94 / night
"Trees, River, Clean flush toilets... tent only!! Exactly what I got!!"
"Close to cardinal village"
RangerThis campground seems more fitted to those using campers more so than those tent camping.
I saw very few tent campers and the RV's and tow behind campers were the majority here.
I managed to grab a decent site, I think it was 36. Tucked in a wooded area not far from the restrooms. Which are flush toilets and running water. Clean and well maintained.
Site was a bit muddy and wasn't that easy to find a level spot for a tent. A bit of garbage was left on site and trash in the bear box. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and bear box.
Noise level was higher than I prefer but then again if I'm not just hearing nature, it's too loud for me.
Pretty lakes, waterfalls and a nice area to venture around.
Traffic in Mammoth can get pretty busy.
LegendWonderful campground with gorgeous views that won’t disappoint! Plenty of shade and spacious camp sites. Restrooms and water were also available. You can also purchase firewood from the camp host. I had no cell phone service in the Reds meadow valley. There is plenty to do in the area with hikes to the Devils postpile which is a National Monument, and Rainbow falls. You can see them both on a 4 mile loop that leaves from the postpile parking lot. There is also river access In the campground for great fishing. You will need to purchase an adventure pass on your way into the valley either from the mammoth mountain adventure center or the guard station upon entering the park for 10$. Take plenty of water on your hikes and remember to leave no trace on trails. Also remember to properly store food in the provided bear boxes this is very active bear country!
GuideLake 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.
GuideOn our way from Reno to Vegas we drove into a serious thunderstorm, so while we weren’t planning to stop, we were thrilled to find this campground when we did! Close off the Highway and very close (~2 miles) from grocery, gas etc. in town, yet feels secluded and is very quiet. Clean vault toilets. Picnic table, water spigot, fire ring, BBQ pit and bear box at each site. Despite the rain we were happy to find a covered, honor-system firewood stack ($7 in the bucket) so we could still have a fire. Great spot for getting up and heading to hike at the many awesome trails surrounding. Lots of people had their OHVs along too- must be good trails for that too! Gotta pay on rec.gov.. no cash ranger box.
GuideStayed here for one night on my way through Yosemite. Car camped in a Toyota Yaris end of June 2021. Limited number of spaces available. Very budget-friendly. No Reservations needed or required. The sites are close together they come with a picnic table a bear box and a fire ring. There is no usable water on property. No flush toilets. No showers. There is a man in charge of the campground in the very first sight to the left when you drive in look for the American flag. There are two bears that roam this property they come and check the property at night and in the morning and they will investigate every single site so do not leave anything out put everything edible in the bear box! Well I was here the Bears annihilated someone's ice chest that got left out overnight. Great trails Great hiking a lot of nature to look at in this area I like this campsite I wish it had running water at least one well pump would be great I know that the river was closed because I was able to get to it but I don't know how usable that water is. I will probably be back this is a great location! Check out is 2 p.m.!
TravelerReally lovely spot. Bring all you need - this is leave no trace camping. No water or garbage service. Great base camp for White Mountain adventures!
GuideLundy Canyon is usually closed during the winter months due to snow but tends to open up mid April every year. Located very close to the beautiful Mono Lake which is a must see for anyone.
At an elevation of 7660ft it can get a bit chilly so pack some warm items. $16 per night, 36 first come first served sites and there's a campground host onsite. They have restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes.
TravelerI just got here and am already in love. I have a large, flat campsite with a fire pit, table, bear box and a very clean vault toilet near by. Near the northern most toilets are sites right on the stream where you can hear the water flow by from the picnic table. Large sites, some near an open space that separates you from neighbors. I was here Wed- Fri. Tip: there were very few people here the week after Memorial Day weekend.
TravelerEast Fork Campground is a large campground in the Rock Creek area down below the road. It looked like the best sites were in the trees along the creek.
Our site, #27, was in some low aspen trees and was not set up well for tent camping. The site with the tent pad, picnic table and bear locker required stepping down on some rocks from the parking area. The tent pad was small and sloped, our four person tent was wedged into the area. The people in the site behind ours has set up there tent right next our only place to fit a tent.
The bathrooms were near by and very clean.
Tent camping near Tahoe National Forest in California offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tahoe National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tahoe National Forest is The Rock Tub Hot Springs with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Tahoe National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Tahoe National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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