Glamping close to Reno, Nevada ranges from high desert settings to alpine environments due to its elevation range of 4,500 feet in the city to 10,000+ feet in nearby mountains. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day while dropping below 50°F at night, requiring campers to pack for significant temperature variations across all seasons. The dry climate creates high wildfire risk during summer months.
What to do
River activities at Little Truckee: Sites at Boyington Mill provide immediate river access for fishing and swimming. "Wake up with the Little Truckee River a stones throw from your window. Bear boxes because we are in bear country," notes camper Dustin D.
Winter camping opportunities: Several Tahoe-area campgrounds remain accessible during winter months. At Tahoe Valley Campground, one visitor explained their unexpected winter trip: "We ended up camping in a truck camper after being caught in a snow storm... nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"
Recreation amenities at casino resorts: RV parks connected to casinos offer unique activity access. At Grand Sierra Resort, campers have full resort privileges: "As a camper you can use the hotel amenities - curling, pool, hot tubs, etc. We had fun in the Escape Room and Sensology games," according to reviewer Susan N.
What campers like
Less crowded water experiences: While Lake Tahoe gets most visitors, smaller lakes provide quieter options. At Lake of the Woods, campers appreciate the "nice water for swimming" and note it's a "small lake perfect for kayak fishing."
Accessibility to services: Campers value proximity to urban amenities. At Shamrock RV Park, reviewers noted its cleanliness despite being in town: "Great park and although there are a lot of long term campers none of the campers are run down or filled with junk. Park is kept very clean and the laundry and restroom are spotless."
Off-peak tranquility: Many campers recommend visiting outside summer for more solitude. A Fallen Leaf Campground visitor shared: "We were lucky it wasn't too crowded and the people staying were all respectful. There is a cool lake right there on site just a short walk to it."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary by location: Fire rules differ significantly between Nevada and California sides. At Meeks Bay, they provide "bear box's and fire rings" but during high fire danger periods, restrictions may apply across all sites.
Bear activity requires precautions: Bears are common throughout the region. At Upper Little Truckee, a camper warned, "You're about 30 feet from highway 89. Traffic nonstop. Felt like a zoo animal. Thank god for the fire ring and port a potty."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no connectivity. At Boyington Mill, campers report "No cell reception on Verizon," making it essential to download maps and information before arrival.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the higher elevations close during winter. As one camper noted about William Kent Campground: "Open May 5 - Oct 11."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with planned activities: Some larger sites organize regular events. At Tahoe Valley, a visitor mentioned they "put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights."
Consider beach accessibility: Many families prioritize water access. A visitor to Meeks Bay noted, "This is a safe choice for a Tahoe visit, especially those traveling with kids. This site is on the western side of Lake Tahoe about 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. It's a beautiful lake side campground with a very nice sandy beach."
Check pet restrictions: Not all beaches allow dogs. At Meeks Bay, a camper warned, "The beach is not dog friendly so if you have your dog you can't go onto the beach but, you can drive close to a dog beach."
Reserve well in advance: Family-friendly sites fill quickly, especially during summer. A Fallen Leaf camper advised, "Book far in advance to get a spot in summer."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At William Kent Campground, one RVer cautioned, "Most of the campsite was under construction. Even with inputting the correct dimensions of our trailer, the campsite that was offered to us was too small."
Casino RV parks offer different amenities: RVers seeking more amenities often choose casino-connected parks. At Grand Sierra Resort RV Park, a camper explained, "We appreciated the designated dog area filled with sandy gravel. The park itself is not anything special to look at. There isn't much privacy or vegetation to speak of."
Understand hookup limitations: Hookup quality varies significantly. A Shamrock RV Park visitor recommended, "Level sites. Paved. 50amp. Bring a dog bone. Nice pool. Clean bathroom. Nice staff."
