Best Tent Camping near Sparks, NV

Recent Tent Reviews near Sparks, Nevada

569 Reviews of 28 Sparks Campgrounds

• J

  Jayson L.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 11, 2023

  Meeks Bay Resort & Marina

  Great Place to Stay

  Clean and best play to stay with beach access, cabins, tents sites and rv sites. Tent site can fit 2 or more tents with fire pit and picnic table. Restroom with shower and warm water.

• 

  Steven S.

  Scout

  

  May. 23, 2020

  Sparks Marina RV Park

  False Advertising

  They advertise as having sites for tent camping as well as dispersed camping. This is inaccurate and should be changed.

• S

  S K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 12, 2023

  Zephyr Cove Resort

  Took one look at my site, and left.

  Booked a tent site. The campground was completely full. My fire ring was at the bumper of my vehicle, the picnic table was basically in someone else’s campsite, and I had to walk up a flight of stairs where the tent site was supposed to be. The site on one side of me looked down on top of me from 10 feet away, the RV site next to me was crammed on top of me as well. Their front porch was basically staring right at my site, like I would be there entertainment for the night.

  I had planned to camp out of the back of my truck for a quick overnight stay. Lots of better options around.

  It is nice that it is walking distance from Zephyr Cove. But Zephyr Cove was packed. Nevada beach was only a four minute drive away and much more spacious and relaxing.

  $67, plus taxes and fees, for no services and being packed in like sardines, no thanks.

• 

  Alisen O.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 20, 2019

  Grasshopper Flat

  Almost perfect

  Absolutely delightful campground with flush toilets and potable water. Super close access to the water. Would be a perfect spot for tent camping if there weren’t so many trailers everywhere.

• 

  Dominic J.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 6, 2023

  General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

  Best price

  Only $35 dollars, which is the cheapest you'll find north of South Lake Tahoe. Perfect for tent camping. Not busy at all during the non reserve season. Would go again for sure.

• 

  Joe M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 10, 2019

  Logger Campground

  Recreation Heaven

  Great camp ground with spacious spaces. Accomadates large groups and tent camping. Friendly host and very clean. Stones throw from the boat ramp and Stampede Lake. Only down is the place is a little noisey.

• j

  julie B.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 29, 2018

  East Meadow Campground

  A hidden gem

  This is a small hidden little gem of a campground. They have flush toilets and bear boxes which makes it nice for those of us that tent camp. Close to the water and sites have plenty of space.

• M

  Marcie B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 1, 2020

  Boca Rest Campground

  Boca Rest Campground

  Nice campsite. They are a little  close to other campers but still nice. Lake was right down the hill. Bathrooms are close if you are tent camping. Very limited cell service. Camp host wad very nice and accessible. Would camp there again 😊

• 

  Nile B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 20, 2018

  Mount Rose Campground

  Dig it!

  Very nice campground with tent sites and walk-ins. Water, bathrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, and food lockers. Walk-ins have beautiful views of Mount Rose and downtown Reno. Hiking trails, mountain biking, snowboarding, etc. Nearby Relay Peak and Mt Rose summit are great hikes. First come first serve.

• 

  Kelly M.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 1, 2018

  Fish Ladder Beach

  High desert lake experience

  So the desert is the desert, finding a lake there is pretty special. Yes, it looks barren, but it attracts tons of birds and the water sports and fishing are fun. Sunsets are out of this world. This campground is a much nicer experience than the RV park as long as you are prepared to car/tent camp. Bring the boat/water toys.

• 

  Ron G.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 18, 2021

  Grasshopper Flat

  Pretty Good Small Lake Campground

  Had a great time here - terrific proximity to lake & decent sized camping sites. Nearby Portola, & easy drive from the Reno area.

  Lots of generators in use during the day (the only reason I can’t give it 5 stars, since we were tent camping) , but all seemed to abide by hours posted for operation.

  Already have reservations for this summer!

• 

  Bowie K.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 12, 2021

  Samuel Buckland Campground — Fort Churchill State Historic Park

  Clean, spacious but a little noisy

  Camping during a heat wave so RVs had generators going and tent site near us was having a party. But overall this was chill, plenty of spots on a Sunday evening in July, easy to find (don’t use the GPS directions from this app - nav to Fort Churchill and camp is in the park.

  Cell service came and went.

• 

  Erik C.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 19, 2023

  Meeks Bay Resort & Marina

  Well kept campground

  A great little campground with a fantastic beach on the lake. Sunrise over the water was beautiful. While I personally prefer a more rustic campground (we were in the tent site right next to the bathrooms), I will give them full credit for having a well organized place with very clean bathrooms. Would be a great place to camp with kids.

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 30, 2021

  Churchill County Regional Park

  Rv only, and only when nothing else is going on

  Typical of a county park and fairgrounds campground, this is meant for RV campers only. In fact, there is a sign that says tent camping is not allowed. There are water and electric hook ups and a dump station, with a couple of trees for shade(nothing you could hang a hammock on). The campground is closed for special events at the fairgrounds, and you are right next to the Rodeo Arena. The flip side is that you ARE on the Lonliest Highway in America.

• 

  Teresa J.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 9, 2018

  Donner Memorial State Park Campground

  Beauty and quiet just minutes from the hustle and bustle

  This campground offered everything I needed and nothing I did not. My tent site was perfect. The lake was absolutely stunning. I rented a kayak and took a lovely paddle enjoying the serenity and beauty of the High Sierras. Around my campfire, I could here birds singing and wind blowing through the trees. The funny thing is that just down the road is the thriving tourism of Truckee, CA. When I wanted to be social, I went there and had an amazing time too.

• 

  Michael P.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 16, 2019

  Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park

  This is right by my most favorite place in the world.

  Words cannot explain this enchanted place. Located just outside of Reno , this is where the locals play. With the most beautiful sunny, and sunsets I've ever seen this week is the only lake in the world you can catch lahontan cutthroat trout. October 1st opening day. About 11 dollars a night to tent camp , or bring an r.v. for your glamping experience. The Paiute Native Americans reside here , and I have a wonderful relationship with them volunteering picking up the area in my spare time . This is Americas best kept secret. If you camp here, make sure you leave it clean when departing . Lots to do here.

• 

  Nancy E.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 4, 2019

  Zephyr Cove Resort

  Beautiful scenery

  We stayed here for one night in May. It was a beautiful site under large trees. We stayed when they were just opening for the season. Restrooms and showers were very clean and were very private. The RV park was very busy, the upper tent sites were not yet open. It is a very pretty location with just a short walk across the road to the lake shore...the price was right, compared to the rv parks in South Tahoe. Zephyr cove also has a lodge and cabins and a restaurant. Would stay here again.

• 

  Keef W.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2016

  Zephyr Cove Resort

  a hillside above the lake

  a fantastic campground whether you're in a rv camper or tent. they have around 15 walk in campsites accessible from a small parking lot at the top of the hill(probly preferable for those seeking a bit more quiet). around 11 drive up tent sites, one of which we used, and a wide variety of rv parking like in rows nearest the lake. crossing the highway to the lake you'll find the lodge with great bloody Mary's and full service restaurant. the beach boasts great views and ferry rides with jet ski rentals. if you paddle up the coast on the lake you'll find even more beach bars

• D

  David B.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 16, 2021

  Alpine Meadow Campground

  Super detailed and clean

  We camped in site #20 and did not need to level the trailer! There are logs lining the roads and the campsites. There are stones circling small plants. There are bear boxes at each campsite and also bear poles for hanging food. There are fire rings and also bbqs at each campsite. The whole area was tidy! The bathrooms were very clean. It was quiet - only a few other campers. I believe there are 24 sites, including the tent sites. I would imagine this campground fills up pretty fast in the summer. It was May when we camped here and lightly snowing. There is an airport nearby and heard one small jet engine aircraft take off in the morning.

• 

  Patricia O.

  Guide

  

  May. 23, 2018

  Granite Flat

  You might need earplugs

  This is not a destination campground, nor a great site for tent camping. That said – it can be really hard to get a spot in Tahoe. This site saved our trip, and was conveniently located. It was fine for a weekend, or just passing through. We did not explore along the river too much, and that might have made it better. Okay place, but not what you think of when you say you are going to Tahoe to camp. Not much shade, rocky, small sites. The hosts were quite nice though. Picnic table, campfire ring and grill. Vault toilets.

  The biggest downside is that it is right on a busy highway. There was always road noise which was quite loud at times. Also you’ll hear your neighbors – every word. You might not notice this so much in if RV camping? A lot of bear activity in the area so follow the rules keep your food locked up.

  There is a grocery, pharmacy, fast food nearby which was handy too.

• 

  Heather T.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 3, 2018

  Washoe Lake State Park Campground

  Picturesque and quiet.

  There are two loops of areas for RV/Trailer, or tent camping. Multiple handicap accessible slots and pull thru sites. Nice and clean showers and bathrooms along with water spouts for those who are washing dishes. There are camp fire pits at each site with a covered table. Set in scrubland leading up to the lake, you will see plenty of birds, squirrels, and rabbits. I had several deer wander through the scrub behind my campsite and we were visited by one of the local bands of mustangs. In the main day use area, there is a take off/landing site for those who are hang gliding. Across the road and at the top of the hill you can find the launch point for the gliders. In the far side of the camp grounds you have the boat launch and several day use camp sites for picnics. You can watch the fish leap from the water, the birds soaring over the lake, and occasionally have one of the mustang bands hang out in the cool of the lakeside grazing on the lush grass.

  The views are stunning in watching the sun set across the lake and over the peaks of Mt. Rose.

• 

  Tj B.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 14, 2017

  Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

  Snow on the lake

  This was the first stop on my National park road trip. Not an N.P. but it was the perfect distance for my first leg from Eugene,Or.

  I got into camp in early afternoon to find it snowing; in early May. I was hoping that I had waited long enough to avoid too much snow. Luckily it stopped just as I was finishing my tent setup. It didn't stick in the campgrounds, but dusted the mountains nicely.

  This campground was on the smaller side, I lucked out it being off season, I was able to score a site. At $33 it was a little steeper than I was expecting for a tent site, but It was well worth it. It was a short walk to the sandy lake beach and awesome mountain views. I can only imagine how busy this place gets in the winter. There were hiking trails nearby, unfortunately I hadn't the time or energy as I had to continue on my journey early in the morn. I imagine they would have breathtaking views.

  Each site had tables and firepits. I don't recall water bibs, but I had already planned ahead and brought my own. They had a covered group area where I'm sure many weddings have taken place.

  There were nice clean flush restrooms and garbage/recycling areas.

• 

  kathleen K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 2, 2021

  Dayton State Park Campground

  Unexpected Oasis

  First stop in my early summer road trip. Stayed for two nights. Easy self pay station at the front entrance. To get to the campground at the first right little dirt road before the pay station. Entrance into the park patch to the campground has a limited day-use fee also and there is group they use facilities with a large barbecue and outdoor sink that you would be able to wash dishes at if necessary. Great shaded spot in the middle of the desert. This was quite the unexpected little Oasis. Comes with peacocks. Limited number of spots available for tent camping or RV camping with no hookups. There are water spickets available and the park part of this Campground has flush toilets. The campground itself comes with a fire ring and a picnic bench. Trees are plentiful shade is wonderful the heat in this area in the summer time is Relentless but the shade is perfect at this location. There are peacocks on the property that apparently come from somewhere else I believe there are at least three of them they do make noise at night but it's not ridiculous unless there are coyotes on the property. Beware this is the desert there is wild life. Do not leave your food out at night. Bear boxes are not provided but keep your food items inside of your tent or your vehicle or lock them up. I did not have any issues because I am Savvy to the situation. I had a wonderful time hiking around and exploring the area through the trails making my way to the Carson River. This place is a gem and I will be back!

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 15, 2023

  General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

  Available off-season camping near Lake Tahoe

  After October 2, it is first come, first available and only sites 26-72 were open so my review is limited to a small portion of the campground. When I researched ahead of time, it was the ONLY open campground I could find in the Lake Tahoe area. At least the per night rate was decreased to $25 ($23 for seniors). I don’t know about the rest of the loops but most of the sites in the open loop appeared to be “doubles” or even “triples”; the camper pads were paved but appeared to be side-by-side parking spaces. Fortunately, there were not many campers so this was not a problem, however, if the park were more crowded, this layout would only make sense if the camper pads were used to park vehicles and people tent camped. All sites appeared to be level. No hookups. Each site had a large picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. 

  We had been warned multiple times that we were camping in an active bear area and although we did not encounter any, one of the other campers told us they had seen a mama and bear cub, along with a coyote. 

  The showers and dump station were closed for the season. There was no host on-site. The restrooms were very basic: toilet and sink but no soap, paper towels, or air dryers. 

  My rating might have been higher if we could have seen other parts of the campground, but our experience was limited to one night and we did not visit the day-use area.

• 

  Veronica S.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 23, 2022

  General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

  Not for us

  I gave this place 2 stars instead of 1 because the staff was super nice and the sugar pines are cool. Oh and the bathrooms were decent.

  However, the sites are CRAMMED together. Our neighbors were right next to us. We might as well have been sharing a site. They cluster like 4-6 sites together with a little parking lot for all the sites and absolutely nothing between the actual sites. It looks like that doesn't bother other people, but I do not like that. It was super uncomfortable.

  Not that it's the park's fault, but the bears in Tahoe are ridiculously addicted to junk food and will rip open your car doors so you have to take EVERYTHING out of your car and stuff it in a bear box (we were on a 3 week tent camping road trip, so we have lots of smelly stuff). The dumpsters were scratched and dented to oblivion. I mean, I LOVE Hank the Tank, but these highly populated areas have created some major problems for the bears. To top it off, I found a bunch of food trash and even a pork rib as I was setting up my tent. Glad I found that before sleeping on it and meeting Hank before he got famous.

  We did not like the vibe in Tahoe. It's pretty. But it seems like it's mostly for rich people who want to be in luxury with some nature around them. That's not really what we're into and we did not felt like we belonged and the nature felt really spoiled.

  In one photo you'll see a big cloud above the Tahoe National Forest. That was the fire when we were driving in. The next morning we were in it. I know it's natural, just beware when you're planning your trip dates when wildfires are likely. I was wheezing and my nose was bleeding and we basically beelined home and ended our trip early. This was early August 2021. 

  Also, of course, the lake is very cold if you plan on swimming. But beautiful where you don't see a ton of boats.

• R

  Rebecca J.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2018

  Prosser Family

  Large sites, quiet, & beautiful views

  We stayed for two nights during the end of June 2018. Despite being summer, the temperature drops significantly at night. Even with cold weather sleeping bags, my son and I were really cold. There’s no electricity or bath houses, so charge all your devices and shower before your visit, lol. The potable water pumps are tricky to learn how to use at first, and the water is very cold.

  The sites are large and relatively flat, so tent camping is easy. While there are some sites that cannot be reserved online, I highly recommend that you do not rely on getting one that is first come, first serve. We saw three trucks filled with families trying to go after the last non-reservable site. So, reserve yours online!

  Be aware that there might be bear that get close to your sleeping quarters as the area is full of them. I was never scared, but my son swore that he saw one while he was going to bed. I was still up chit chatting with neighbors, so I did not see anything. Earlier that day, the Forest Ranger came through the camp to do an interpretive by showing everyone various mammal furs, two of which were bears. He told us that they have learned to be attracted to ice chests (coolers) and plastic boxes; they know these can contain food, so cover them with blankets or towels when secured in your car or around the campsite. Of course, food should be locked away at night and when not being prepared.

  This campground is located next to Prosser Reservoir, so there are beautiful views of the lake. The sites on the back side of the grounds have the best views. Even if you don’t get a lake view, do not worry as there are plenty of places to hike with lots of spectacular views! Pick up a copy of ‘Lake Tahoe’s Spectacular Wildflower Trails’ by Julie S. Carville, and pick a trail! Sagehen Creek Trail (Hike #12 in the book, I believe) is very close by Prosser Family Campground.

  The coolest thing about this place is that you can drink while enjoying the natural views! Wahoo!

• 

  Elliott B.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 27, 2018

  Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

  Campground with a beautiful layout

  I walked through the seasonally closed Eagle Point Campground while exploring the Emerald Bay section of Lake Tahoe. This campground is a newly renovated area of the peninsula on the South/West side of the Emerald Bay State Park separated into Upper and Lower sections.

  Since the campground was closed we had to park on Highway 89 and walk through the campground to get to the Rubicon Trailhead which is located at the divider between the 2 camping sections.

  As we hiked through I was really blown away with the layout of the campground. I loved that these sites were almost a multi-leveled. Meaning that your tent site might be 10 feet lower than your picnic table, bear box, etc. or it could have a raised fire pit on a small bluff above the tent pad, table. Each site was unique, and this added to the separation between sites, so you’re not on the same level and directly next to your neighbors, adding to the feeling of being in the wilderness. (At least to me)

  Also, it should be pointed out that there were signs everywhere about using your bear boxes and that they’d fine you if you leave anything in your car. I know some people seem to have an issue with this for some reason…but I don’t want a bear roaming through any campground I’m staying at.

  There weren’t any sites that I saw which could hold an RV or 5th wheel, unless you have something under 18 feet… So maybe tents only, and there are no hookups. While I know I got a sterile experience since no one was actually camping, the campground was very clean and well maintained and the restrooms looked really nice. They had running water, flush toilets and pay showers ($1 per 3 minutes). The little amphitheater at the trailhead was cool and seemed ideally setup for presentations with incredible views of Lake Tahoe.

  While pets are allowed in the campground, they’re not allowed on the Emerald Bay SP trails or beaches. Sites are $35 and all are reservable 6 month out, so