Established Camping
General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The number of people occupying a family campsite shall not exceed 8 people (CCR T-14 4452). Joining sites to create large groups is prohibited for the protection of natural resources and the surrounding campers’ enjoyment of the park.
General Creek Campground, near Tahoma, California, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Sugar Pine Point State Park year-round. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes, it’s set up for a comfortable camping experience.
The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, especially during the off-season when it’s less crowded. Visitors have noted that the sites are clean and well-maintained, making it a great spot for tent and RV camping alike. One camper mentioned, “The sites were large, had enough parking, and were clean,” which sums up the general vibe here.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking trails nearby, including paths that were part of the Winter Olympics. You can also easily access the lake across the road, perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely day by the water. Just keep in mind that this area is home to bears, so be sure to store your food properly.
While amenities like showers may be limited during certain seasons, the campground's charm lies in its natural surroundings and the opportunity to unwind in the great outdoors. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, General Creek Campground offers a welcoming spot to enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Description
State Park
Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park contains one of the finest remaining natural areas on Lake Tahoe. With nearly two miles of lake frontage, the park has dense forests of pine, fir, aspen and juniper. Another attraction is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (also known as Pine Lodge), a summer home built in 1903 in a grove of pine and cedar. From the turn of the century until 1965, the lands of what is now Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park were owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman, and later by his daughter Florence Hellman Ehrman. The mansion provides an interesting view into the lifestyles of the wealthy on Lake Tahoe. Location/Directions The park is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, ten miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89. Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing Summer temperatures range from about 75-80 degrees during the day to the low 40s at night, and winter temperatures average from a high of 40 to lows in the teens or 20s. Winter temperatures may drop below 0. High Sierra weather is varied and can change abruptly. It is recommended to bring layered clothing and check weather updates. The weather forecast is available from NOAA.gov. Chains and/ or 4 wheel drive are frequently required during the winter season. For up to date road conditions, call the Caltrans road hotline at 1800-427-ROAD, or visit the Caltrans website. Facilities - Activities Hiking & Swimming Many miles of hiking trails within the park and a swimming beach provide visitors with a variety of relaxing summer activities. Fishing Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park is comprised of conifer forests in the General Creek drainage. The waters of General Creek are among the clearest waters flowing into Lake Tahoe and the stream is open to fishing from mid July to mid September.A fishing license is required. Cross-Country Skiing Winter visitors to the park will find over 20 kilometers of marked cross country ski trails and a heated restroom in the General Creek campground. Interpretive presentations on a variety of winter related subjects are presented most weekends, from January through March. Nature Center When you're at Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park, be sure to stop at the Nature Center located in the day use area by the Ehrman Mansion. We now have a bird display, where visitors can view several species of bird life that occur in the Tahoe Basin. In addition to birds, visitors can see most of the mammals and the four major game fish that occur here. Other exhibits include: Biology, Lake Ecology, Wildflowers, Trees, and a "Touchy-feely" table for the kids (adults also!). About the area... Lake Tahoe lay at the heart of the Washoe Indian territory, and Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park was the summer home for generations of Washoe Indians who came to these peaceful shores to hunt and fish. Evidence of their occupation can still be seen today in the form of bedrock mortars or grinding rocks just offshore from the Ehrman Mansion. In 1860, the first permanent settler of record on Lake Tahoe's west shore built a cabin at the mouth of General Creek. This was the trapper and fisherman William "General" Phipps, and his cabin can still be seen today just north of the Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park pier. In 1884, a resort called Bellevue Hotel was constructed just north of what is now the South Boathouse, and remained a popular summer destination for Lake Tahoe visitors for nine years.
Location
General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park is located in California
Address
7360 West Lake Boulevard
Tahoma, CA 96142
Coordinates
39.054807 N
120.123423 W
Access
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly