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Best Campgrounds near Gardnerville, NV

1,166 Reviews

Gardnerville, Nevada and the surrounding Carson Valley region provide access to a range of camping environments from lakefront sites at Lake Tahoe to mountain valley locations. The area includes established campgrounds like Silver City RV Resort in nearby Minden and Nevada Beach Campground at Lake Tahoe, approximately 30 minutes north. Campers can find tent camping, full-hookup RV sites, and free dispersed camping options on public lands. Several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations, particularly in the South Lake Tahoe area, while others primarily serve RV travelers with paved sites and utility connections.

Access to camping areas varies by season, with higher elevation sites typically open May through October. Many Lake Tahoe campgrounds have defined operating seasons, while valley floor locations like Silver City RV Resort remain open year-round. "Beautiful setting below snow capped mountains. This RV resort is situated in the middle of everything! Close to Lake Tahoe, Reno, Virginia City and more," noted one visitor about Silver City. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months, especially at higher elevations. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds during peak season, as sites fill quickly. Most dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles for forest road access and typically have 14-day stay limits.

Lakefront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Nevada Beach Campground. The campground provides direct access to Lake Tahoe with mountain views. A camper described it as having "beautiful, clean campground very close to the lake" while another mentioned it being "right on the California-Nevada state line near Lake Tahoe. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in the US." Sites at popular locations tend to be closely spaced, especially at RV parks. Several reviewers noted the tight spacing at Silver City RV Resort despite its convenient location and amenities. For those seeking more solitude, dispersed camping options in the Hope Valley area provide more primitive experiences with fewer facilities but greater privacy. Winter camping opportunities are limited primarily to RV parks in the valley areas due to heavy snowfall at higher elevations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gardnerville, Nevada (309)

    1. Tahoe Valley Campground

    28 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The location is pretty good with close by restaurants and stores. We used our bikes and took some great rides from there. Campsites were nice size, didn’t feel too crammed in."

    "It was very crowded and we stayed in our site and away from public areas. Pool was open as well as restrooms/showers. They talked about bears visiting but we didn’t spot any there."

    2. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    35 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 544-0426

    $47 - $128 / night

    "The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."

    "From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."

    3. Zephyr Cove Resort

    26 Reviews
    Zephyr Cove, NV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 589-4907

    $59 - $94 / night

    "We've always like zephyr cove as it's a bit away from the south shore hectic crowds. Zephyr cove rv park has a ton of rvs, but rent camping as well."

    "Short walk across the highway to the beach, which is nice, but couldn’t get over proximity to other campers. We enjoyed our night but likely won’t visit again."

    4. Campground by the Lake

    18 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 542-6096

    $41 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "This large campground (which is run by the city) is right in the middle of South Lake Tahoe and across the highway from The Lake."

    5. Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

    15 Reviews
    Stateline, NV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 588-5562

    $47 - $49 / night

    "It's right on the California-nevada state line near Lake Tahoe. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in the US. A lot of the campsites have a view of the lake."

    "Campground right on Nevada Beach shore of Lake Tahoe. Very quiet where we were with little to no traffic noise. We were right near Dog Beach where your pooch can play on the beach unleashed."

    6. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 694-2248

    $35 / night

    "Camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips and directions to a general store about 40min drive away."

    "The sites are large and spacious w/ good coverage, great camp hosts, incredible walks and trails and just the most gorgeous views."

    7. Silver City RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Genoa, NV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 267-3359

    "This RV resort is situated in the middle of everything! Close to Lake Tahoe, Reno, Virginia City and more!"

    "Great location if you want to be near Costco and the capital city.  Great views of the Sierras and the Carson valley. "

    8. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    16 miles

    "Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

    "come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars"

    9. RV Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

    19 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    17 miles
    +1 (800) 544-1801

    $75 - $92 / night

    "Close to the lake with water, electric, and limited sewer hookups. Though right off the highway, traffic sounds aren’t too bad."

    "The sites toward the back, away from the road, are much quieter and more private. Easy walk to the beach. Campground is busy in the summer months."

    10. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    23 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    19 miles

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Our site was #56 which had a partial view of the lake through the trees in the distance. It was also located directly across from the bathrooms and campground host who’s name was David."

    "4d-120.0849062) while exploring the Emerald Bay section of Lake Tahoe."

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Recent Camping Photos near Gardnerville, NV

284 Photos of 309 Gardnerville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gardnerville, NV

1166 Reviews of 309 Gardnerville Campgrounds

  • Levi K.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Campground by the Lake

    Not all reservations

    This is a great spot. We were out there the whole weekend and enjoyed the campground and lo9k forward to going back. There are first come first serve spaces available and that worked out great. The campground was not packed or to noisy over the weekend. We look forward to going back

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Tahoe Dispersed Camping

    Great New Spot

    The turn off to the dirt road was 300 ft past where the app said it was. Once we got deeper into the forest my gps wasn’t on the the route depicted on Dyrt, but it’s a fun trail. We went in about a mile in our RAM Promaster converted van then turned around and took a big flat spot closer to the road.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet but close to everything

    Stayed here overnight. Could easily stay here for a few days and see all the fun things around Reno, Carson City and Virginia City. Great camp hosts, clean showers, flush toilets, garbage and dump available.

  • Jolean D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stanislaus National Forest Pine Marten Campground

    Close to the lake but not huge spots

    The location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.

  • Kimberly B.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Sparks Marina RV Park

    Excellent staff, nice sites

    Sites are clean and well cared for. Each site has a patio area with turf and a picnic table. Staff meets you at the front, guides you to your site and helps you pull in. Staff also pointed out all the relevant features (hookups, parking spot for towed vehicle, restrooms/showers, pool, laundry and dumpsters)

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Perfect

    Arrived pretty late so didn’t want to disturb others to check out all the sites, luckily there is a huge parking lot type area right in the front. Stayed for a night there with some other cars , no problems. Nice area. Easy drive in.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation

    Wrong coordinates

    Use the coordinates to get to the Boca campground site and make a right, the exact coordinates will take you to a boat ramp , the campground itself was fire we stayed at site 25 , had a private walk way to the beach

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Not worth the fee

    Bathrooms are located in the day use area and a bit of a walk from the camping area. RV dump is closed “until further notice”. Right off Hwy 50 so expect noise. Compared to other state parks along Hwy 50, this one is a dump.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Serene Camping

    There were definitely a few long term campers here. But the place was very clean. No cell service fyi. Easy to get to, road is dirt but has very few bumps.

Guide to Gardnerville

Camping near Gardnerville, Nevada, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby. Many campers enjoy the breathtaking views and the chance to explore nature. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is remote and picturesque, making it an ideal spot for hikers."
  • Water Activities: If you love water sports, you can find spots for kayaking and swimming. A camper shared, "The lake is a 5 min walk away not to mention near the start of many hiking trails in desolation wilderness."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "I saw Bald Eagles and Comorans with their babies. Butterflies, chipmunks, and a few squirrels."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review highlighted, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. One camper remarked, "The restrooms were clean, and the campground itself was decent."
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the area is a major draw. A visitor said, "Breathtakingly beautiful," capturing the essence of the surroundings.

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be prepared for bear encounters. A camper warned, "There was a lot of bear activity, but we loved it here," emphasizing the importance of food storage.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. One review stated, "The showers were perfect. Toilets clean," but also noted that some sites might not have showers.
  • Seasonal Access: Check the camping season before you go. For example, one campground is open from May 16 to October 11, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on little ones, especially with wildlife around. A camper shared, "We had a bear visit our campsite, so it’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
  • Plan for Comfort: Bring extra blankets or sleeping bags for chilly nights. A family noted, "It ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. One RVer said, "The sites are small but have full hookups," which is great for larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds have dirt roads that can get dusty. A reviewer mentioned, "My biggest issue with this campground is the dirt. It’s this ash dirt that gets everywhere."
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. A camper advised, "Definitely book six months in advance."

Camping near Gardnerville, Nevada, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there campsites available year-round in Gardnerville?

While Gardnerville itself has limited year-round camping options, several nearby campgrounds operate seasonally. Silver City RV Resort near Minden is open year-round and provides full hookups for winter camping. Many Forest Service campgrounds in the area, including those along Highway 88, typically close during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions. Washoe Lake State Park Campground remains open year-round with basic facilities, offering a convenient option within a short drive from Gardnerville. Always check current operating status before planning a winter trip, as weather conditions can affect accessibility even at year-round sites.

What are the best RV parks in Gardnerville, NV?

The Gardnerville area offers several excellent RV parks for travelers. Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch provides a unique camping experience with friendly alpacas and spacious parking areas behind haystacks. This private ranch offers a welcoming atmosphere and is perfect for those seeking a different kind of RV stay. For those willing to travel a short distance, Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion near Lake Tahoe accommodates RVs and provides beautiful lake views with well-maintained facilities. Many sites have stunning views of Lake Tahoe, making it worth the short drive from Gardnerville for a premium RV camping experience.

What are the best things to do while camping near Gardnerville, Nevada?

The Gardnerville area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Fishing is exceptional at Kit Carson Campground, located on a fork of the Carson River. The West Fork of the Carson River provides excellent spots for anglers throughout the valley. For water activities, visit Granite Flat near the Truckee River, where you can enjoy refreshing water and memorable floating experiences. Hiking trails abound in the surrounding mountains and forests. Bird watching and wildlife observation are popular at nearby natural areas. Gardnerville also serves as a convenient base for day trips to Lake Tahoe, Markleeville's hot springs, and historic Virginia City, offering a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences.

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