The Carson Valley region surrounding Gardnerville, Nevada offers camping experiences at elevations ranging from 4,700 to 8,000 feet, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 80°F during the day to 45°F at night. Many camping locations near Gardnerville sit within dense pine forests that provide natural shade during hot summer days. Roads to dispersed camping sites often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall.
What to do
Explore local hot springs: Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground, located 30 minutes from Gardnerville, provides access to natural mineral pools. "We loved this camp ground! I have been here several times. It's a great place to visit with family and friends. Showers are available you can purchase shower tokens, ice and firewood at the ranger station," notes one camper.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Silver City RV Resort includes a fishing pond for guests. "This place has everything. Beautiful setting and great, complete amenities," reports one visitor, while another mentions "a fishing pond" among the amenities.
Paddle on Fallen Leaf Lake: Fallen Leaf Campground sits beside a smaller, less crowded alternative to Lake Tahoe. "The lake, oh my, maybe the most beautiful lake in the entire Tahoe region. It isn't as big, but it is flat like glass, deep, and crystal clear," shares a camper. "Mornings are glassy on the lake for paddle boarding and kayaking as well, but choppier in the afternoon."
Winter camping options: Tahoe Valley Campground remains open through snowy months. "We ended up camping in a truck camper at Tahoe Valley Campground after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice," notes one winter visitor who adds, "nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"
What campers like
Accessible off-season camping: Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping provides free camping options outside peak season. "Passing through the area, I was pleased to find this site. Large spaces and plenty of room for more than one vehicle per site," mentions one visitor.
Beach access at lakefront sites: Zephyr Cove Resort offers direct lake access. "The beach was amazing. We had 2 small dogs so they went allowed on the Zephyr Cove beach, but a short walk to the right there is a dog friendly beach. I would argue it's even better part of the beach. Nice rock formations and sandy beach."
Family-friendly activities: Organized events at campgrounds help entertain children. At Tahoe Valley Campground, "They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights," reports one camper. "Super busy campground with kids running around and riding bikes."
Hiking trail access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct trail access. At Fallen Leaf Campground, visitors appreciate "Great hiking. Chill vibes," and note that "Fallen Leaf Lake is at the rear of the camp... surrounded by hiking paths along the water."
What you should know
Bear activity considerations: Eagle Point Campground enforces strict food storage rules. "We encountered a mama bear and her 2 cubs quite a few times but everyone worked together to make noises," reports one camper, while another notes "Park rangers are present and will ticket you if not compliant with placing items/trash in bear boxes, warnings given first though."
Seasonal road closures: Higher elevation campgrounds have limited access periods. Eagle Point Campground and Nevada Beach Campground typically close mid-October through mid-May due to snow conditions and road access issues.
Site spacing variations: Campground layouts differ significantly in privacy levels. At Zephyr Cove, "The spots are very small, you are pretty much on top of your neighbors and no spots on the water," notes one camper, while another states "Sites are very close together with some shade depending on the site."
Traffic and noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience highway noise. "It's right next to the highway - no trees no nothing between the site and the highway. And there is only 20 feet between the highway and the site. Noise is unbearable," warns a Zephyr Cove visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Campground by the Lake offers heated restrooms year-round. "Restrooms are clean and HEATED. Hot showers are free. Fire pits were in good condition," notes a visitor, making it ideal for families with young children during cooler months.
Fire safety considerations: Fire restrictions vary seasonally throughout the Carson Valley area. Most campgrounds require California campfire permits even for portable stoves during summer months, with one camper noting, "Make sure you have a CA fire permit. Takes 4m online and is free."
Dog-friendly areas: Several beaches have designated pet sections. At Zephyr Cove, a camper notes, "No dogs are allowed on the beach which was a bummer, but... a short walk to the right there is a dog friendly beach."
Planning for weather shifts: Mountain weather changes rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. "Even in the summer it can snow—BE WEATHER AWARE," advises one Fallen Leaf Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Reservation systems: Nevada Beach Campground reservations require advance planning. "Reservation a must get filled up quickly," warns one visitor, while another mentions "their online system did not sync in a timely fashion with their in-person system."
RV amenities by location: The most complete RV hookups are found at lower elevations. Silver City RV Resort offers "electric, water, sewer hookup, cable and strong wifi and cell service. Sites are gravel, but the campground has nice grassy dog parks, clean bathrooms and laundry, and well-stocked store with propane refill."
RV size considerations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. One camper at Grover Hot Springs notes "The pads if you are pulling a trailer or in a RV are narrow. As are the roads. We watched several people come real close to dropping into a ditch, as we were yelling 'Stop'."
