Best Tent Camping near Truckee, CA

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Truckee? We've got you covered. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Truckee, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Truckee, CA (77)

    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    1. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    47 Photos
    231 Saves
    Truckee, California

    Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $35 / night

    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
    Sierra City, California

    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
    Sierraville, California

    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
    176 Saves
    Tahoma, California

    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
    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
    Emigrant Gap, California

    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
    Emigrant Gap, California

    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
    Floriston, California

    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
    Sierraville, California

    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
    Sierra City, California

    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 77 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Truckee

1088 Reviews of 77 Truckee Campgrounds


  • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno View Dispersed
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Reno View Dispersed

    amazing view

    okay. let’s be real. the road is a beast. I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno. can be very windy but if you get between some of the trees it’s not to bad.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great 1 night stay

    Came on a Saturday around 4pm, there were 2 other campers other than me so it wasn’t busy at all. No service for at&t. Overall had a good stay here with my 2 dogs

  • 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson RV Resort
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Carson RV Resort

    Worthy of the resort title!

    We normally prefer wilderness parks, and generally avoid RV parks. We’ve stayed in a few though and this one is by far the absolute nicest one we’ve ever stayed in!! It recently changed ownership and the new owners have invested in a first-class place! We had to find a last minute place on a Sunday due to the Davis Creek Regional park fire. We pulled in here and were helped by a wonderful young woman in the office. What I liked most about this place was that it is more spacious than typical RV parks. Also, more importantly, the bathrooms were amazing and deserving of the “resort” name. While there may have been a few rigs here longer term, their sites were neat and orderly. The location is by a highway (and behind Costco), but the noise wasn’t bad at all. The pool area is beautiful and includes outdoor grills and a gas fire pit. There is minimal shade as the trees are all new. The laundry rooms (2!) were lovely. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Beautiful and well run facility. Does it compare to a state or National park, no. But for what it is it is outstanding!

  • 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Davis Creek Regional Park
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Davis Creek Regional Park

    It was on fire 9/7

    My 1-star review is only because, sadly, a fire started at this campground and was out of control by the time we arrived. It grew to 1,500 acres and destroyed 6 structures. I was really looking forward to staying at this park. Sadly, it has likely been destroyed.

  • Anna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.



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 Donner Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 77 tent camping locations near Truckee, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.