Best Tent Camping near Crystal Bay, NV
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Crystal Bay? Find the best tent camping sites near Crystal Bay. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Crystal Bay, NV (73)
1. Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Truckee, California18 Reviews•47 Photos•233 SavesDonner 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
2. Kaspian Campground
Tahoma, California3 Reviews•11 Photos•176 SavesOverview
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
3. Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
Twin Bridges, California5 Reviews•13 Photos•256 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
$5 / night
4. Luther Pass
Echo Lake, California6 Reviews•2 Photos•435 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Lovers Leap Campground
Twin Bridges, California6 Reviews•4 Photos•100 SavesRecreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.Lovers Leap__CampgroundFees
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
- Alcohol
6. Lake of the Woods
Sierraville, California4 Reviews•7 Photos•62 SavesLake 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
7. Lake Forest Campground
Tahoe City, California1 Review•38 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
8. North Canyon Campground
Glenbrook, Nevada1 Review•6 Photos•139 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Picnic Table
9. Reno View Dispersed
Virginia City, Nevada1 Review•1 PhotoPlease do not try this if you are not in an all wheel drive high clearance vehicle. Not at all recommended for RVs.
- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
10. Bowman Campground
Sierra City, California7 Reviews•19 Photos•176 SavesBowman 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)
Recent Tent Reviews in Crystal Bay
1077 Reviews of 73 Crystal Bay Campgrounds
- J
Joe K.
Guide
BLM next to Truckee River, in Mustang
Good in a pinch.
Just off of 80 @ the Mustang exit, east bound side. Industrial area, so trucks going by, mostly during the day, but occasionally throughout the night. Good, clean spot to rest for a night. Adjacent to the river
Bobby S.
Scout
Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Great Trip!
I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front. Overall the staff were really nice and it was a great trip. I recommend it!
Lauren Hannah G.Guide
Sugar Pine Point Campground
Cute Campground near creek
Loved the big beautiful trees. Enjoyed the creek behind. Lovely campground. Nice, clean facilities. Has bear lockers, pinicic tables and fire rings.
Tyler C.Guide
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.
- MMatthew A.Scout
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
- UUT801
Ranger
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.
- PPaul K.Guide
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!
- AAnthony F.Scout
Hope Valley Dispersed
Hope Valley dispersed
Free camping
ron R.Ranger
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.Ranger
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.
Shane T.
Traveler
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Great spot!
We stayed one night on our way through the area. Spot was nice level and clean. We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode In to south Tahoe and had a great experience.
Mason W.Scout
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.
- BBradford H.Traveler
Loon Lake
Old boat ramp, rock and uneven
Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.
Paxton B.ScoutMerrill 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.GuideZephyr 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..
- kkellyScout
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
- MMarty P.Guide
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.
- KKim G.Ranger
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!
- rrob D.Guide
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.
- HHope H.Traveler
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.
- KKim G.Ranger
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.Guide
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.
- TTaylor A.Guide
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!
- OOnyx E.Guide
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!
- SShawn M.Traveler
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.
- OOnyx E.Guide
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.ScoutScotts 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.
Guide to Crystal Bay
Tent camping near Crystal Bay, Nevada, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Tahoe region.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy easy access to hiking trails at North Canyon Campground, which is conveniently located near the Tahoe Rim Trail.
- Experience the beauty of the lake with boating and fishing opportunities at Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation.
- Explore the scenic trails and picnic areas at Kaspian Campground, just a short distance from the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.
Tips for tent camping near Crystal Bay
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially at higher elevations, when camping at Sagehen Creek Campground.
- Arrive early to secure a spot, as campgrounds like Donner Memorial State Park Campground can fill up quickly during peak season.
- Keep an eye on fire regulations, as some campgrounds, such as Wentworth Springs Campground, have restrictions on campfires.
Campground amenities to enhance your stay
- Enjoy clean facilities and well-maintained sites at Peter Grubb Hut, which offers a unique cabin experience along with tent camping.
- Take advantage of the picnic tables and fire rings available at Red Fir Group Campground, perfect for group gatherings.
- Experience the tranquility of nature with spacious sites at Prosser Reservoir - Water Recreation, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crystal Bay, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crystal Bay, NV is Donner Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Crystal Bay, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 73 tent camping locations near Crystal Bay, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.