Top Tent Camping near Truckee, CA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Truckee and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Truckee, CA (76)

    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 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

    2. 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 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

    3. 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 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

    4. 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 Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground

    5. Lake Spaulding Campground

    4 Reviews
    5 Photos
    237 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground

    6. Grouse Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    24 Photos
    136 Saves

    Grouse Ridge Campground is located at the top of Grouse Ridge, spectacular vistas of granitic boulders, many alpine lakes, scattered pines, and wildflowers in the summer. Often late opening due to snow banks on access road. Hiking and biking trails lead off of ridge to the Grouse Lakes Area located at the base of the ridge. There are 9 campsites with tables and fire rings. 5 campsites have space for small trailers.There is a vault toilet, but no trash service; pack it in pack it out!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodchuck Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodchuck Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodchuck Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodchuck Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodchuck Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodchuck Campground

    7. Woodchuck Campground

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    13 Saves

    Woodchuck Campground is located on Rattlesnake Creek in a remote location. Campground is surrounded by a mixed conifer forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    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

    8. 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 Bear Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Campground

    9. Bear Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    18 Saves

    Bear Valley Campground is a remote, small campground with 10 campsites suitable for tents or RV's. It is popular with OHV enthusiasts wanting to use the nearby Bear Valley OHV area. The campground is located six miles east of Little Truckee Summit on the Cottonwood Creek Road. Elevation: 6700 feet. Non-potable water, treat before drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Creek Campground

    10. Canyon Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    2 Photos
    95 Saves

    Canyon Creek Campground is located on Canyon Creek in a mixed conifer forest, near Faucherie Reservoir. It is a remote campground with 20 campsites, vault toilets, bear proof food lockers, paved parking, and no trash service (pack it in, pack it out.) The road to the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow, requiring high clearance; towing/trailers not recommended.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
Showing results 1-10 of 76 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Truckee

1057 Reviews of 76 Truckee 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.



Guide to Truckee

Camping near Truckee, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the campgrounds. Many campers rave about the breathtaking views and well-maintained paths. One reviewer from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe said, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful."
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park mentioned, "We took down our inflatable kayaks and paddled to the Island. It was a huge plus that added to our trip."
  • Fishing: The lakes in the area are stocked with fish, making it a great spot for anglers. One camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area shared, "The lake is stocked with fish. Ice cream at the store is a must."

What campers like

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites that provide privacy. A review from Tahoe Valley Campground noted, "The spots were so beautiful! And you were not so close to the others."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground said, "Toilets were well maintained and didn’t have an awful smell like most others."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Sparks Marina RV Park remarked, "The security immediately came to us and the guys helped us and explained everything."

What you should know

  • Bear Activity: Be aware of bear activity in the area. A camper at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe warned, "Well there is a lot of bear activity, but we loved it here."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "The General Market was randomly closed for 4 days, for inventory."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during holidays and weekends. A reviewer at Zephyr Cove Resort noted, "The campground was completely full."

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."
  • Plan for Bear Safety: Teach kids about bear safety and food storage. A camper at Eagle Point Campground emphasized, "It’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. A visitor at Collins Lake Recreation Area suggested, "Bring your bikes if you have them because the ride to the dam is nice."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Rv Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort mentioned, "I think it was considered a 40’ space."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Washoe Lake State Park Campground noted, "Water at the campsites was still shut off for winter."
  • Plan for Crowds: Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak times. A visitor at Sparks Marina RV Park shared, "We will definitely come back if in the area and I highly recommend staying here!"

Camping near Truckee, 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 Truckee, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Truckee, CA is Silver Creek Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Truckee, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 76 tent camping locations near Truckee, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.