Desert glamping in Tahoe

Straddling the California/Nevada border, Lake Tahoe provides a variety of camping options for intrepid Hipcampers. Looking for a summertime beach and sunshine experience? Aim for Zephyr Cove, which sits on the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe. Stay at the RV campground for easy access to beach volleyball and boat rentals at the connected resort.

If you're more into sightseeing, head for Emerald Bay State Park on the California side. The big tourist draw here is Vikingsholm, a gorgeous Scandinavian-inspired estate that offers guided tours. There are also some out-of-the-way sights to see at Emerald Bay. Scuba divers can examine the remains of century-old boats and barges in the Underwater Area.

Lake Tahoe State Park sits in Nevada on Lake Tahoe's northern side. This one's good fun for campers who enjoy spotting wildlife. Take the beginner 2-mile trail around Spooner Lake to see waterfowl and osprey. There's also a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe available from the Sand Point Nature Trail.

Coming to the area in winter? Check out Camp Richardson on the California side for some killer cross-country skiing. There's no need to bring your own equipment, either. A full-service recreation sports center rents skis, snowshoes, tandem bikes and more.