Crystal Bay, Nevada sits at 6,229 feet elevation along Lake Tahoe's northern shore, where pine forests meet the crystal-clear waters of North America's largest alpine lake. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall, while summer days reach the mid-70s with cool evenings. Most glamping accommodations near Crystal Bay require advance reservations during peak season from June through September when availability becomes extremely limited.
What to do
Fishing in alpine waters: The Little Truckee River provides accessible fishing spots at Boyington Mill Campground, where campers can cast just steps from their site. "Wake up with the Little Truckee River a stones throw from your window," notes camper Dustin D., highlighting the proximity to fishing opportunities.
Winter activities: Some glamping options remain open year-round despite seasonal closures at traditional campgrounds. As Jon S. from Zephyr Cove Resort explains, "Try it after Labor Day, when many summer-season tourists leave, if you are ready for chilly weather and the occasional early-season snowfall in exchange for a quieter experience."
Beach exploration: Nevada Beach offers sandy shorelines with designated areas for pets. "There is a smaller dog-friendly area of the beach, so if you're bringing your pup(s), your beach access will be limited to that area only," reports Carolyn P. about Nevada Beach Campground.
Paddling and water sports: Fallen Leaf Lake provides a quieter alternative to Lake Tahoe for paddleboarding and kayaking. Ryan W. describes it as "maybe the most beautiful lake in the entire Tahoe region...flat like glass, deep, and crystal clear" at Fallen Leaf Campground.
What campers like
Walk-in glamping options: Zephyr Cove Resort features walk-in glamping sites that offer more privacy than drive-up options. "They have around 15 walk in campsites accessible from a small parking lot at the top of the hill (probly preferable for those seeking a bit more quiet)," notes Keef W. about the resort's layout.
Access to resort amenities: Some glamping sites provide access to nearby resort facilities. At Grand Sierra Resort RV Park, campers receive "resort keys that allow access to the whole of the resort property" according to Vena B., adding "My kids loved the pool."
Proximity to activities: Many glamping accommodations are strategically located near recreational opportunities. Brittany N. appreciates that William Kent Campground is "Conveniently located within walking distance of a lot of different places" making it ideal for accessing Tahoe attractions without driving.
Riverside locations: Several glamping sites feature river frontage rather than lake access. James K. notes that at Boyington Mill "the river is right there, most sites have direct access" and "sleeping with the sounds of the river is pretty sweet."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many glamping options have limited seasonal availability. As noted by a visitor to William Kent Campground: "Open May 5 - Oct 11" with facilities closing during winter months.
Bear safety protocols: Bear-resistant storage is mandatory at all glamping sites in the Crystal Bay area. Dani P. explains that at Meeks Bay, "Bears are a real issue, so they have big bear boxes at each site - make sure to use them."
Campsite spacing: Proximity to neighboring sites varies significantly between locations. Maria O. warns about Meeks Bay: "Parking was so tight. Campers overlapping on each other's site. We barely had space to set up our tent."
Road noise considerations: Several glamping locations experience traffic noise. Mike C. cautions about Upper Little Truckee: "You're about 30 feet from highway 89. Traffic nonstop," though he notes it "quieted substantially for nighttime sleeping hours."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season advantages: Families seeking quieter glamping experiences should consider shoulder seasons. Layla D. reports about William Kent Campground: "We visited in November and we were the only ones there. This was one of the few campgrounds where we weren't bothered by raccoons."
Beach proximity: Consider how far glamping accommodations are from water access. According to Toni K., at Meeks Bay "The beach is about a 5 minute walk from any spot," making it manageable for children carrying beach supplies.
Campground activities: Some glamping sites offer organized recreation for children. According to Dani P., Tahoe Valley Campground "put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights" making it family-friendly despite being "Super busy campground with kids running around and riding bikes."
Wildlife interactions: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. One visitor to Zephyr Cove notes, "Lots of chipmunks to enjoy" while others mention the importance of proper food storage due to regular bear activity.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV glamping requires careful attention to site specifications. Tanya B. warns about William Kent Campground: "We bumped a big rock and a tree branch smacked our antenna on top," emphasizing the importance of checking clearances.
Premium vs. standard sites: At some locations, site quality varies significantly. Lawrence T. notes that at Grand Sierra Resort, "There were tons of 'premium' sites that we were told were not available" and describes the standard area as "a weed infested parking lot with electric and sewer."
Arrival timing: RV check-in procedures may have limited hours. Vena B. observed at Grand Sierra that "The RV Office closes at 5pm and many of those who arrived after 5 were camped out in the parking lot."
Leveling challenges: Some glamping sites require additional equipment for RV leveling. Stacie L. found at William Kent Campground that "our pad was really not very flat so leveling the trailer was tough," suggesting bringing leveling blocks.
