Best Tent Camping near Truckee, CA

This campground offered everything I needed and nothing I did not. My tent site was perfect. The lake was absolutely stunning. I rented a kayak and took a lovely paddle enjoying the serenity and beauty of the High Sierras. Around my campfire, I could here birds singing and wind blowing through the trees. The funny thing is that just down the road is the thriving tourism of Truckee, CA. When I wanted to be social, I went there and had an amazing time too.

Nice bear boxes and bathrooms. Tent sites were big

Went here a few years ago. Perfect for tent camping. Right along the river. Very quiet and gorgeous. Good spot for families.

This state park has enough sites that are spread apart enough to give some distance. Not all of them but enough if you choose wisely. We also loved the fact that there was a creek that goes through the area with a nicely maintained path and foot bridges alongside. Conveniently located a few minutes from Truckee which has everything you would need from gas, restaurants, hardware store and even a DMV. The lake itself is also a nice touch to be able to swim or fish.

Only $35 dollars, which is the cheapest you'll find north of South Lake Tahoe. Perfect for tent camping. Not busy at all during the non reserve season. Would go again for sure.

Mostly used by the river rafters and rafting companies that use this stop on the river for their shuttles.  Many sites are in direct sun.  All 5 sites are tent camping only.

Nice campground with numerous RV and tent sites. Bathroom with flush toilets and showers. Big trees provide ample shade. Quiet area close to the amenities of the Carson Valley.

Campground was full but very quiet. Stayed at a great site for tent camping with my motorcycle. Bathrooms were clean, weather good, and bugs weren’t too bad. Also a trailhead for hiking to a few secluded lakes. And the best..no cell phone coverage!!

Camped one night here during the week and only had one other group there. One of those campgrounds where getting the right spot can make a big difference. I got #8 and I recommend it - it is the one in the corner closest to the river, so you have some privacy and easy river access.

Some of the other sites are pretty cramped and I could see this campground being a bit claustrophobic if it was fully, hence the four stars. But that said, for what it is, I appreciated it. Super easy access too, and only about 15 minutes from Truckee.

No cell reception on Verizon.

Booked a tent site. The campground was completely full. My fire ring was at the bumper of my vehicle, the picnic table was basically in someone else’s campsite, and I had to walk up a flight of stairs where the tent site was supposed to be. The site on one side of me looked down on top of me from 10 feet away, the RV site next to me was crammed on top of me as well. Their front porch was basically staring right at my site, like I would be there entertainment for the night.

I had planned to camp out of the back of my truck for a quick overnight stay. Lots of better options around.

It is nice that it is walking distance from Zephyr Cove. But Zephyr Cove was packed. Nevada beach was only a four minute drive away and much more spacious and relaxing.

$67, plus taxes and fees, for no services and being packed in like sardines, no thanks.

Had a great time here - terrific proximity to lake & decent sized camping sites. Nearby Portola, & easy drive from the Reno area.

Lots of generators in use during the day (the only reason I can’t give it 5 stars, since we were tent camping) , but all seemed to abide by hours posted for operation.

Already have reservations for this summer!

Turtle Rock is a hidden jewel. It is well kept and maintained. Showers are provided for a small fee so make sure you have quarters. Toilets are dispersed throughout the campground. There’s a section for tent camping as well as RV camping. No reservations required as I always drive in whenever I go. One of my favorite spot around Markleeville area.