Best Tent Camping near Sparks, NV

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.

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!

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

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!

Coming from a state that has water around it, then moving to nevada really made me sad but not even 2 hrs away you will find this refreshing water of truckee river! I had my birthday here couple years ago. Float on the flowing water is amazing and yet memorable with my friends. On campsite area is a bit rocky. Sleeping pad, sleeping mats or if youre glamping, air bed is a must!! It becomes super chilly at night. Temp changes drastically and that was august. Id bring a pair of wool socks, thermals and sleeping bag will get you comfortable at nightfall, stars are super visible but trees are on its way. Vegetation is lush in here and you will get some unwinding feeling after seeing the desert part of nevada. Lots of shops close to the lake. Restaurants are amazing, parkings are hard but you dont have to fight for a spot. If suggest to reserve a spot even though its not really a popular area due to lake tahoe and tons of cabins around the area. An all wheel drive at least should be driving there bec the road could be closed due to some weather issues or bring chains with you just in case "chain up" sign is on. It gets warm during this time of the month and just perfect to dive in the water. Lots of crawfishes close to shore. Im sure yall will enjoy this place but always remember to respect our mother nature!

Granite Flat is a great way to get out and camp without worrying too much about forgetting something. Now, I know no one WANTS to head back into town for the ice, eggs, or brew they forgot. But if you do, you're only 2 miles from the grocery store.

This campground is right along the Truckee river! It is RV/Camper, tent & dog friendly. Though there are very few "tent only" sites.

They have non-flushing restrooms with TP! (fancy outhouses)

You can park up to 2 cars per site

There is fresh, clean water located at pumps thruought the campground

PLENTY of space to pitch a tent

Bear boxes provided (we were lucky enough to see a mama and two cubs across the river from us!)

Fire pits and picknick tables

Super friendly camp hosts

We stayed here at 3 tent only sites, the night after our wedding with a group of friends! We all loved it and will definitely be back. You can float from one end of the campground down to the other end or keep going if you can find a ride (Uber) back to the campground! I hear the fly fishing on the Truckee river is fantastic as well. Due to the fact that we JUST got married the day before, we actually had our DJ come the the campsite and spin there. The people in the nearby sites were totally cool with it and we were respectful of quiet hours. So, as you'll see in the video, we had music. But typically the festival DJ doesn't come with the campsite. ;)

One negative to this campground is that the highway is right next to it. The Tahoe region is EXTREMELY popular so I'd suggest booking early if you can (though it seems you can find sites last min too) and know that if you're next to the highway, you'll hear cars/trucks passing through. By no means did any of my party feel that the vehicle noise was intrusive on our experience though. But it's food for thought.

Lastly, again you're near town and can head into Truckee for some tasty brew and food at many local breweries, breakfast, & BBQ spots! Plus the town of Truckee is super cute and should be explored of you haven't been.