Camping sites near Glenbrook, Nevada cluster around the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe at an elevation of 6,250 feet. Winter camping options are limited as most campgrounds close from October through May due to snowfall accumulation. During summer months, nighttime temperatures can drop into the low 40s even in July and August, requiring campers to pack appropriate cold-weather gear regardless of season.
What to do
Hiking Rubicon Trail: Access this stunning lakeside trail from D.L. Bliss State Park Campground, where it connects to Emerald Bay. A camper noted, "Rubicon trail is absolutely stunning, and can be rather long since it goes into emerald bay. Nonetheless worth the hike."
Winter snow camping: Several campgrounds near Glenbrook remain open year-round. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground shared, "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."
Beach access: Many Glenbrook-area campsites offer direct lake access. At Eagle Point Campground, campers can reach the water via short trails. One camper mentioned, "Super clean site, friendly park rangers, and loved the easy hike down to the private beach."
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for local fauna including bears. At Fallen Leaf Campground, a reviewer noted, "The absolutely best thing about camping here was being a short, short walk from the shore of Lake Tahoe. This lake is breathtakingly beautiful and is at its best in the early morning hours."
What campers like
Off-season tranquility: Camping near Glenbrook in shoulder seasons offers more solitude. A visitor to Washoe Lake State Park Campground wrote, "It's March and we are one of maybe 5 campers." Another noted, "Wild horses roaming camp, quiet & clean."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer more generous spacing than others. A camper at Washoe Lake State Park shared, "Each campsite (in Loop A) is large and spacious and the views are epic," while another mentioned, "Nice campground situated close to the shores of Washoe Lake. Great amenities; picnic tables, fire pits and shade structures at many of the campsites."
Bike paths: The area features extensive biking networks. A reviewer at Fallen Leaf Campground stated, "We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode in to south Tahoe and had a great experience." Another camper noted the accessibility of "hiking trails right out of camp."
Bear boxes: All campgrounds provide bear-proof storage. At D.L. Bliss, a camper shared, "Each spot has a bear vault for curious visitors. Swimming access down by Lake Tahoe is great." However, a camper at Eagle Point cautioned, "We encountered a mama bear and her 2 cubs quite a few times but everyone worked together to make noises."
What you should know
Seasonal campground closures: Most sites close during winter. At Fallen Leaf Campground, a reviewer explained, "Even in the summer it can snow...BE WEATHER AWARE." The campground operates only from May to October.
Reservation challenges: Many campgrounds require advance planning. A camper noted, "It is hard to get a site. Be ready. Set alerts," while another mentioned, "Book far in advance to get a spot in summer."
Bear awareness: Bear activity is common throughout the region. A camper at Eagle Point Campground observed, "We had a bear visit our campsite, so it's crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes, and the campground staff enforces this rule diligently."
Site selection matters: Choose carefully when reserving. A Nevada Beach visitor advised, "Don't pay extra for the 'lake view'" because "from the vast majority of these sites, you cannot see the lake or beach at all."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly locations: Choose campgrounds with safe riding areas. At Sugar Pine Point State Park, a camper shared, "We like taking our bikes. There's a great bike path that follows Lake Tahoe for at least 20 miles."
Beach proximity: Select sites with easy water access. At Nevada Beach Campground, a camper advised, "Great location with views of the beach. Walking distance to beach. Sites are spacious enough."
Dog restrictions: Be aware of pet policies at beaches. One camper noted, "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."
Water safety: Lake Tahoe's water is extremely cold year-round. A camper at Sugar Pine Point State Park warned, "The water was a beautiful shade of deep blue and nothing like our lakes back home in Florida. The water was freezing but that didn't seem to stop anyone from swimming."
Tips from RVers
Winter hookup limitations: Expect reduced services in cold months. A Washoe Lake visitor noted, "Full hookup except water was shut off for the season. Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. At Campground by the Lake, a reviewer mentioned "extra charge to dump," while another noted the "lack of hookup situation."
Generator policies: Rules vary between campgrounds. At Tahoe Valley Campground, a visitor shared, "Great campground. Nice location. Only complaint would be generators running most of the day from all the RV's."
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate big rigs better than others. At Nevada Beach Campground, a camper reported, "Great National Forest campground with big sites. No hookups, but water and bathrooms nearby."
