This article about Tahoe National Forest camping is brought to you by HybridLight. Their collection of high-quality lights and lanterns are a must-have for any overnight camping trip.
Appreciate the Sierra Nevada by staying at one of these gorgeous Tahoe National Forest camping spots. These campgrounds will put you front and center for the incredible views you can only find in the Sierras. Enjoy the beautiful reservoirs, take advantage of California’s best fly fishing, or explore the scenic and interpretive trails. These eight Tahoe National Forest camping sites will leave you breathless — and planning your next adventure to the Tahoe region.
The 8 Best Tahoe National Forest Camping Sites
1. Granite Flat
Photo by The Dyrt camper, Stephanie
The Granite Flat Campground is next to Truckee, making it perfect for a quick getaway. The campground is on the banks of the Truckee River, just off Highway 89. They offer reservable tent and non-electric RV sites with picnic tables, fire grills, storage lockers, and vault toilets. You’re within walking distance to the river and a short drive from Lake Tahoe, so grab your SUP board and enjoy the scenery. If you prefer land activities, make sure to check out nearby hiking trails.
“Nice campsite located right on Highway 89, 1 mile from Truckee and a short drive to Tahoe City. Right on the Truckee River. Fishing is excellent from the banks of the river. The best sites are 6, 8, 10, and 10.” – Chad F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $22
- Number of sites: 70
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Donner Memorial State Park
Photo by The Dyrt camper, Heidi T.
The Donner Memorial State Park campground is on the east end of Donner Lake, just off Highway 80. The campground has reservable sites for tents and non-electric RVs. You’ll find storage lockers, flush toilets, showers, and a museum featuring the Donner Party history. Hang out at the lake, enjoy the hiking trails, or learn some history. If you’re there in the winter, you can enjoy some excellent cross-country skiing. Donner Memorial State Park is a great place to let your hair down and enjoy some R & R.
“Great family camping. Lots to do within the park: swimming, biking, hiking, paddle board rentals, fishing and great campsites. Most campsites are pretty big. Easy access right off highway 80, close to town but still feels like you’re in a remote campground under the trees. Our favorite campsites are #116, 118 and 120. When we get together for family reunions, the best group campsites are 104-106.” – Debi R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35
- Number of sites: 154
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Logger Campground
A short drive from Truckee, the Logger Campground sits on the beautiful shores of the Stampede Reservoir. The campground has reservable sites for tents and non-electric RVs arranged in loops with fun names like “Steam Donkey” and “Whistle Punk.” Sites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The reservoir boat ramp is within walking distance, where you can fish for brown trout and kokanee salmon. The adjacent Little Truckee River has some of the best fly fishing in the state. If you’re especially adventurous, grab your boots and head to the Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail.
“We loved camping at Logger Campground near the Truckee Tahoe area. Put your boat in the water, set up camp, enjoy the long weekend with all sorts of water sports and tree climbing.” – Andrew D.
Campground Details:
- Price: $23-75
- Number of sites: 240
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Boca Rest
Photo by The Dyrt camper, Norma Y.
The Boca Rest Campground sits on the northern bank of the Boca Reservoir, where the lake meets the Little Truckee River. The campground features wide open spaces separated by sagebrush and pine. They have reservable and first-come-first-served sites for tents and non-electric RVs, with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. You’re positioned to explore the 900 acres of the Boca Reservoir, a spot renowned for swimming, boating, and wind-surfing. If you’re into fly-fishing, check out the Little Truckee River’s supply. You can also enjoy the Boca Townsite Interpretive Trail or nearby hiking trails. If you can’t find a spot at Boca Rest, try the nearby Boca Spring Campground.
“The lake is a beautiful shade of blue, and there is a sweet smell of pine in the air. The views from our campsite were amazing. Boating and fishing are permitted, and families with young kids were paddling around the shallows on inflatable rafts. There is no drinking water. The vault toilets were clean and maintained.” – Norma Y.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20
- Number of sites: 39
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
This article about Tahoe National Forest camping is brought to you by HybridLight
Their water-resistant Puc Expandable Lantern is durable and convenient for all kinds of campers.
5. East Meadow
Photo by The Dyrt camper, Anthony K.
The East Meadow Campground sits on the northeastern shore of the scenic Jackson Meadow Reservoir, a few hundred yards from the Pacific Crest Trail. Nestled among pine and fir trees, the campground offers reservable lakeside spots for tents and non-electric RVs, with picnic tables, fire rings, and flush toilets. The reservoir provides unrivaled views of the Sierra Crest and English Mountains, and prime trout fishing. You can spend your days on the water or take advantage of the hiking trails and superb bird watching.
“Beautiful campgrounds with access to sandy beaches from your tenting spots. access to the Pacific crest trail & many other hiking routes.” – Anthony K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $24
- Number of sites: 46
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Lake Spaulding
The Lake Spaulding Campground is a PG&E-managed recreation area with reservable and walk-in sites accommodating tents and RVs. The campground, which sits on the shores of the reservoir Lake Spaulding, has picnic tables, storage lockers, and vault toilets. You can enjoy the lake, hike the Spaulding Lake Trail, or check out the PG&E hydroelectric system.
“We take our Kayaks and spend the day on the lake. The campgrounds are set among huge boulders and can be very private. There are bears but they seem to keep to themselves but don’t temp with unstored food. Tables, bear lockers, fire rings are at all campsites.” – John & Trish N.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25
- Number of sites: 25
- RV sites:
- Fires allowed:
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Tahoe Donner
Not to be confused with Donner Memorial State Park, the Tahoe Donner Campground is a resort-style campground situated along the banks of Alder Creek, outside of Truckee. The campground offers reservable sites for tents and RVs. They even have penthouse- and honeymoon-style sites. You can take advantage of the many amenities, like Wi-Fi, electricity, outdoor games, and events. Outside of the campground, there are plenty of hiking trails and water activities. You’ll never run out of things to do at Tahoe Donner Campground. As a bonus, they offer discounts for long-term stays.
“Nice little campsite. Very clean and organized. Nice little creek runs right by the camping area. Tons of biking and hiking trails in the area. There is also a OHV area just down the road.” – Tom W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $26-151
- Number of sites: 43
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
8. Cottonwood Creek
Photo by The Dyrt camper, S K.
If you’re looking for a remote experience, check out the Cottonwood Creek Campground. The campground is on Cottonwood Creek, just off Highway 89. They have spacious reservable, non-electric sites for tents and RVs, with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. You don’t have to go far for great hiking, with the Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail accessible from the campground. This campground is the perfect place for a serene, relaxing outdoor experience.
“I was here on Memorial Day weekend and it was a fun trip! The sites were well shaded and I felt there was a good amount of distance between the spots. Each campsite allows for one car and you can pay $5 a night for one more car. The camp host was nice too!” – Camila.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20
- Number of sites: 49
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Don’t explore the Sierras without checking out these Tahoe National Forest camping sites. With pristine reservoir lakes, rugged hiking trails, and interesting history, these Tahoe National Forest camping spots are your ticket to outdoor bliss.
