Best Campgrounds near Zephyr Cove, NV

Campgrounds surrounding Zephyr Cove, Nevada range from lakefront resorts to forested retreats within the Lake Tahoe Basin. The area includes established campgrounds like Zephyr Cove Resort directly in town and nearby Nevada Beach Campground, both offering lakefront views and mixed-use camping areas. Most developed campgrounds accommodate tents, RVs, and some provide cabin options. Facilities at Fallen Leaf Campground and Tahoe Valley Campground feature amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Many sites remain open year-round, while others operate seasonally from May through October.

Seasonal timing significantly affects camping experiences around Lake Tahoe. "We stayed here for one night in May. It was a beautiful site under large trees. Restrooms and showers were very clean and were very private," noted one visitor about Zephyr Cove Resort. Bear activity requires proper food storage at all campgrounds, with some providing bear-proof lockers while others recommend securing food in vehicles. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. Winter camping options become limited as snow affects access to higher elevation campgrounds, though some facilities like Tahoe Valley Campground maintain year-round operations. Cell service varies by location but remains generally accessible throughout the region.

Lake access represents a primary draw for campers visiting the Zephyr Cove area, with Nevada Beach Campground providing direct beach access. Many developed campgrounds offer proximity to recreational activities including hiking trails, boating facilities, and swimming areas. Site spacing varies considerably between locations, with several reviews mentioning overcrowding issues at Zephyr Cove Resort. "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," a camper wrote about their experience. Quieter camping experiences can be found at campgrounds farther from the main highway, though these may lack the convenience of lakefront positioning. Road noise affects sites near Highway 50, particularly during daytime hours when traffic volume increases.

Best Camping Sites Near Zephyr Cove, Nevada (353)

    1. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    35 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    9 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."

    2. Tahoe Valley Campground

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

    "Road noise was not too bad and the ability to see the lake made up for anything we heard. The campground was well maintained. The snow added to the scenery. Our pad was paved, but pretty skinny."

    "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."

    3. Zephyr Cove Resort

    26 Reviews
    Zephyr Cove, NV
    1 mile
    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."

    "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."

    4. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    23 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    9 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."

    5. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    9 miles

    $35 - $165 / night

    "Upper Pines Campground#74 

    Pros:

    -Ice sold at campsite for $4 per pack- proceeds go to state park

    -Clean bathrooms close-by

    -Partial shade

    -Close~ 1mi. walk to Lester beach, calawee cove"

    "The campground location is perfect, with access to beautiful beaches and hiking trails. From the campground you can walk to the start of the Rubicon trail."

    6. Campground by the Lake

    17 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    6 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."

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

    19 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    8 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."

    8. Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

    15 Reviews
    Stateline, CA
    3 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."

    9. General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

    16 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 525-7982

    $35 - $475 / night

    "I had the opportunity to stay in this campground when it was nearly empty."

    "Close to Lake Tahoe.  About 1 mile walk to the beach.  We like taking our bikes.  There’s a great bike path that follows Lake Tahoe for at least 20 miles.  "

    10. Meeks Bay

    16 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 525-4733

    $55 - $57 / night

    "Just a small walk away from Lake Tahoe shore. Big beautiful trees cover the entire campground. A couple bathrooms that surprisingly do not smell bad and have a running faucet."

    "The beach is about a 5 minute walk from any spot. Only complaints are 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."

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Recent Reviews near Zephyr Cove, NV

1269 Reviews of 353 Zephyr Cove Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Awesome site for SUVs

    Awesome site, stayed in my van on the boat launch. There are tent sites above the boat ramp with bear boxes and fire rings. Left side of tent sites is very loud due to the rushing river. Very secluded from others, only 2 others on the boat ramp in vans. do not attempt to do this in anything smaller than an SUv sedans would definitely not be able to make it to this site. Road has lots of holes and rocks sticking up out the ground.

  • 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lower Blue Lake Campground

    Beautiful location!

    My cousins and I stayed in sites one through three. They are extremely close to the lake, near the dam. We were able to leave our chairs and kayaks down by the water, and felt totally secure. we were able to kayak down to the other end of the lake, where there is a small waterfall. our sites had to be reserved, but there are some FCFS sites as well. Pit bathrooms are OK. The portable water spigot was broken, so we had to get some water from Middle blue lake Campground, about a mile away. The water issues is the only reason I am taking a star off, this place is beautiful, and we are definitely coming back. A couple of the sites will accommodate, decent sized rigs.

  • Summer C.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Shamrock RV Park

    Overflow sucks

    Not a fan. Came for the Reno Balloon Race; booked it 4 months in advance. But they only had overflow available. You have to call to make a reservation. They didn't disclose to me that the overflow is just a parking lot where their warehouse is(on the other side of their property). I think this should be on the website because otherwise, you have no idea what you signed up for until you arrive. There's no sewer hookup; you can dump at the end. You have to share the water hose with other Rv's during your stay. So you fill up your tank in the beginning. The electric hookup was fine and was 30 amp. However there was no grass for my dog to potty. Pottying my dog at night was not pleasant. The pool is under repair and currently not an available amenity, which should be disclosed on their website. The lot abutts a gravel company that transports rocks and it gets kind of noisy and dusty, even on weekends. I paid$50/day. I won't be staying there again. But the positives were that the staff were friendly and the place is clean.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Good spot for a night or two but nothing here

    Easy to get to and easy to park at although not a great spot for tents. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees.

  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

  • M
    Aug. 28, 2025

    North Fork Campground

    Nice quiet campground and river

    I stopped by here to check out the campground and found it to be very nice quiet and clean. There is a nice river running along the side with a waterfall and a few nice deep swimming holes. I got the only FCFS site and it was nice.


Guide to Zephyr Cove

Camping sites near Zephyr Cove, Nevada range from lakeside options to forested retreats at elevations between 6,200-7,400 feet above sea level. The area sits within the Lake Tahoe Basin, which receives an average of 300+ sunny days annually but can experience rapid weather changes. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that frequently drop below freezing from November through April.

What to do

Beach activities: 1/4 mile walk from Fallen Leaf Campground to Fallen Leaf Lake where waters are calmer than Lake Tahoe. "We preferred setting up the hammock by Fallen Leaf Lake. Across the main road from the campground is the mighty Lake Tahoe. It was okay. Lots of people, lots of choppy waves," noted a camper.

Hiking trails: Multiple access points within D.L. Bliss State Park Campground including Rubicon Trail. "Rubicon trail is absolutely stunning, and can be rather long since it goes into emerald bay. Nonetheless worth the hike. The beauty of camping here is that you are so close to the lake!" shares a visitor.

Winter sports: Available at Tahoe Valley Campground where year-round camping supports cold-weather activities. "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. Nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"

What campers like

Clear water views: Only a 5-minute walk from Sugar Pine Point State Park campground to the lake. "Wonderful campground. Lots of space and privacy between campsites. Close to Lake Tahoe. About 1 mile walk to the beach. We like taking our bikes. There's a great bike path that follows Lake Tahoe for at least 20 miles."

Wildlife encounters: Bears frequent Eagle Point Campground requiring proper food storage. "We encountered a mama bear and her 2 cubs quite a few times but everyone worked together to make noises. I do wish there was a better system in place to help orient the bears back into the forest," a camper shared after their visit.

Beach access: Direct path from Nevada Beach Campground to Lake Tahoe's shore. "Gorgeous National Forest campground with big sites. No hookups, but water and bathrooms nearby. Right on Lake Tahoe. Super nice hosts," says one visitor. Another notes, "A lot of the campsites have a view of the lake. They have sites for tents and RVs."

What you should know

Reservation challenges: High demand at Nevada Beach Campground requires advance planning. "We stayed here in our roof top camper in October 2018. We made a reservation online as we were on our way to the campground. I don't recommend doing this because their online system did not sync in a timely fashion with their in-person system."

Road noise: Highway proximity impacts some sites at Zephyr Cove Resort. "It's right next to the highway - no trees no nothing between the site and the highway. And there is only 20 feet between the highway and the site. Noise is unbearable," reports one camper. Another states, "The highway noise and loud motorcycle revving goes on all night."

Bear safety: Required at all campgrounds throughout the Tahoe region. "This is bear country, so be prepared and don't leave food out! A neighboring site left a ton of food out and a very large and hungry bear made himself comfortable," warns a camper. All campgrounds provide bear boxes and enforce strict food storage policies.

Tips for camping with families

Educational programs: Available at Meeks Bay for kids during summer months. "This was a really comfortable campsite! Bathrooms were single person with lights and a mirror! Lot's of families camping. The families were respectful and seemed to be knowledgeable campers," reports a visitor.

Kid-friendly activities: Available at Tahoe Valley Campground throughout peak season. "We came into south lake to visit family. This campground is right in town but there's enough space and trees to give it a natural setting. Looks great for families and there's a dog park, pool and trails," notes a reviewer.

Tight site spacing: Common at most lakefront campgrounds affects family camping experience. "Campsite very close together. The platform for the tents. Even though it's cute if your tents not the 'right' size you end up needing to get inventive. One car only in most spots," observes a camper at Eagle Point.

Tips from RVers

Off-season availability: Campground by the Lake offers spots when other areas close. "Gorgeous campground, owned by the city of South Lake Tahoe. Not many hookups, but perfect location for visiting SLT. Beach across the street. Only 3 stars because of hookup situation and extra charge to dump."

Full hookup options: Limited in the region but available at select locations. "We stayed at site number 157 about 150 yards from the road. Road noise was not too bad and the ability to see the lake made up for anything we heard. The campground was well maintained. The snow added to the scenery. Our pad was paved, but pretty skinny."

Generator rules: Vary between campgrounds with restrictions at many locations. "Great campground. Nice location. Only complaint would be generators running most of the day from all the RV's. Other then that it's a great family friendly site," notes a camper at Fallen Leaf Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Zephyr Cove campground located at Lake Tahoe?

Zephyr Cove Resort is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, just over the California-Nevada state line. This picturesque campground sits directly on the shoreline, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It's positioned away from the more crowded South Shore area, providing a relatively quieter experience while still being accessible. For comparison, Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion is nearby, also situated on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe near the state line, and offers similar lakefront access with beautiful views.

What amenities are available at Zephyr Cove RV Park and Campground?

Zephyr Cove Resort offers clean, private restrooms and shower facilities that are well-maintained. The campground features fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with some sites positioned under large shade trees. Sites vary in layout and terrain, with some tent sites requiring stairs to access. The campground provides direct beach access to Lake Tahoe. For those seeking alternatives with different amenities, Kit Carson Campground is located in a valley with the West Fork of the Kit Carson River running through it, offering a different water experience than lakefront camping, and features more widely spaced sites for those preferring additional privacy.

What are the reservation requirements and costs for camping at Zephyr Cove?

Zephyr Cove Resort requires advance reservations for both RV and tent camping, with deposits needed to secure your spot. Reservations can be made months ahead, especially recommended for peak summer season. Prices vary by season and site type, with tent sites being less expensive than RV sites with hookups. Be aware that even with confirmed reservations and confirmation numbers, there have been reports of booking issues, so it's advisable to reconfirm your reservation shortly before arrival. For alternative options with different reservation systems, Tahoe Valley Campground offers sites with lake views and more consistent reservation management.