Top Tent Camping near Tahoe Vista, CA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Tahoe Vista and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Tahoe Vista's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Tahoe Vista, CA (74)

    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 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

    4. 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 Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
    Camper-submitted photo from Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation

    5. Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    32 Saves

    Boca reservoir is a popular spot for water recreation of all kinds. Heavy motorized boat and personal watercraft use, and water skiing on summer weekends. Also popular for wind surfing on the east shore. Kayaking and canoeing when the water is calm (morning and evening). Swimming and fishing too. Year round fishing. Ice fishing during winter depending on conditions. Camping on both the east and west shores of Boca Reservoir. A boat ramp is located near Boca Campground on the southwest end of the reservoir, but may be subject to closure during low water levels. Most single family sites and group campgrounds can be reserved at www.recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777. NO CAMPING OR CAMPFIRES ALLOWED OUTSIDE OF DEVELOPED CAMPGROUNDS. Directions: From Truckee take Interstate 80 east for six miles to the Hirschdale exit. Go north and under I-80 for approximately one mile to Boca Reservoir.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $20 / 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

    6. 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 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 Luther Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from Luther Pass

    8. Luther Pass

    6 Reviews
    2 Photos
    435 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available

      9. Lake Forest Campground

      1 Review
      38 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from North Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from North Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from North Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from North Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from North Canyon Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from North Canyon Campground

      10. North Canyon Campground

      1 Review
      6 Photos
      137 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Equestrian
      • Picnic Table
    Showing results 1-10 of 74 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Tahoe Vista

    1072 Reviews of 74 Tahoe Vista Campgrounds


    • 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.

    • Anna B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Moon Rocks Camp

      Camping on Mars

      (September 28th, 2023) Got here after dark and found an empty clearing to park in for the night. The moon and the stars were so bright, it felt like we were on another planet. Got to explore the area in the morning, such a cool spot! Very quiet when we were there.

    • 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.

    • Julia H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 8, 2024

      Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

      Great

      Lots of people ! come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Truckee River RV Park
      Aug. 6, 2024

      Truckee River RV Park

      Website states switched to permanent tenants

      I have not stayed here but the website states switched to permanent residents. Likely hard to find a spot.



    Guide to Tahoe Vista

    Camping near Tahoe Vista, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the area. Campers have noted that the bike trail from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe to Lake Tahoe is a great option. One reviewer mentioned, "Bike trail from campground to Lake Tahoe bike trail. Ten min drive to Emerald Bay and 20 min to Stateline of South Lake Tahoe."
    • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park shared, "We took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island. It was a huge plus that added to our trip."
    • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground have reported bear sightings, so be prepared!

    What campers like:

    • Spacious Sites: Many campers appreciate the roomy sites. One reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
    • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Toilets were well maintained and didn’t have an awful smell like most others."
    • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the area is a highlight. A camper at Granite Flat noted, "The campground is in a beautiful setting, easy to get to, and right off the Highway."

    What you should know:

    • Bear Activity: Be cautious about food storage. Campers at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe warned, "Well there is a lot of bear activity, but we loved it here."
    • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways. A visitor at Granite Flat said, "The highway is really loud at night."
    • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Zephyr Cove Resort mentioned, "The campground was completely full... I had planned to camp out of the back of my truck for a quick overnight stay."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
    • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water. A camper at Eagle Point Campground advised, "If you have a large cart to transport your kayak down a long trail, you might manage, but it was impractical for my fishing kayak."
    • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A visitor at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground noted, "Camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips and directions to a general store."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort mentioned, "Spaces are relatively close together."
    • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may have fewer services in the off-season. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "The store is lovely but not open often."
    • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Sparks Marina RV Park shared, "The security immediately came to us and the guys helped us and explained everything."

    Camping near Tahoe Vista, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tahoe Vista, 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 Vista, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 74 tent camping locations near Tahoe Vista, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.