Set at 8,800 feet elevation on Mount Rose Highway, Mount Rose Campground sits within a stand of trees that provides the primary windbreak on this exposed summit location. The US Forest Service facility offers 14 sites with reservations available, positioned along the corridor between Lake Tahoe and Reno.
Each campsite includes a concrete pad containing picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecue grills, with level tent areas bordered for easy setup. Ray B. notes that "the toilets (pit) and toilet rooms are exceptionally clean," with camp hosts maintaining the facility throughout the season. Water spigots are distributed around the campground, and food lockers help secure provisions from wildlife.
The campground serves as a basecamp for multiple trailheads, including access to Mount Rose summit and Relay Peak. Walk-in sites face toward Mount Rose and offer views extending to downtown Reno in the distance. Sites toward the front of the campground provide more space between neighbors, while back sites sit closer together.
The elevation and exposed location mean wind can be significant when weather systems move through. Campers find this location works well for those prioritizing trail access and cooler temperatures, with nearby Davis Creek Regional Park offering an alternative at lower elevation.
Description
Overview
Mount Rose Campground is conveniently located between Reno and Lake Tahoe just off scenic Mount Rose Highway. Visitors love the campground for its proximity to excellent hiking trails and recreational opportunities at Lake Tahoe.
Recreation
Hiking is the most popular pastime at Mount Rose. Several trails, including the Tahoe Meadows, Tahoe Rim, Mount Rose Wilderness and Mount Rose Summit Trails, begin very close to the campground.
Facilities
Mount Rose contains single and double-family sites, as well as one triple-family site. Six of the single sites are for tent camping only. Picnic and utility tables, campfire rings, grills and food storage lockers are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water. Roads and parking spurs throughout the site are paved.
Natural Features
The campground is situated high on the western slope of Mount Rose at an elevation of 9,300 feet. A scenic forest of lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine, white pine and red fir covers the campground, offering pleasant shade in most sites.
Nearby Attractions
Mount Rose is conveniently close to beautiful Lake Tahoe, less than 30 minutes away. Tahoe offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMount Rose Campground is located in California
Directions
From Highway 395 south of Reno, travel 17 miles west on State Route 431, following signs to the campground. The Actual Mailing Address is: PO Box 104, Markleeville, CA 96120. The Physical Address is: Mt. Rose Hwy, State Route 431, Reno, NV 89511.
Address
P.O. Box 104
markleeville, CA 96120
Coordinates
39.3122778 N
119.8973611 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/16/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/16/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/16/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/16/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 39 min from Reno, NV
- 41 min from Carson City, NV
- 2 hrs 5 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 12 min from Yuba City, CA
