The best camping near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit adventure.

93% (110 reviews)

Beautiful lakeside views and endless exploration on the Nevada/California border.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

95%

(20)

Meeks Bay Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

95%

(10)

Nevada Beach Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

97%

(38)

Fallen Leaf Campground

188 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

100%

(9)

William Kent Campground

73 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

100%

(4)

Kaspian Campground

9 sites In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

92%

(6)

Zephyr Cove Resort and Campground

150 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Bayview Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

85%

(20)

Camp Richardson

400 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Dardanelles Lake is a beauty just a few miles from the Big Meadow trailhead. Dispersed camping, so no fire pits or picnic tables, but an alpine lake all to yourself is worth that.

100%

(1)

Meiss Country Roadless Area

12 sites In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

95%

(2046)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA

OPEN April 1st - ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends 530-622-1060. Hours are limited. Use caution - twisty, narrow country road If it's your first time, you might want to check out the route beforehand. From Sacramento on Hwy 50: At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- Sunday. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. Community volunteers manage the lake for the residents and the Fire Station. The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Smoke on the Water Diner, which is open on weekends only 530-622-1060. During your stay, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California.

96%

(457)

Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents23 acres · Somerset, CA

This land was home to the Miwok, then European and Chinese miners, then a cattle rancher. It was also home to a former nun who quit the dominican order to purchase this land for inner city kids to have a chance to ride, swim, hike and fish. We moved here in 2017 and purchased this land with the main goal to raise our large family here, but we have found that good things must be shared! There is NOTHING like being in the wilderness of this area for a good re-centering of the soul! We have found it to be a true blessing for our family, and we hope you can experience this blessing as we share this space with you. We feel certain you will not be disappointed with this beautiful river canyon. Our property is situated right on the middle fork cosumnes river. We have 2 sleeping cabins and several tent sites (can be rented separately). The cabins offer a rustic/minimalist type vibe - bring your own bedding/pillows to sleep on the comfy futon. A table and chairs are provided for the cabins. Tent sites have a wood table (bring your camp chairs) and a fire pit when the season is open for burning. The swimming is awesome and the stars at night will put you into a state of awe! Many family owned wineries in the area, most of them offering free tasting. It’s a short drive to Tahoe and the Marshall gold discovery site as well as the historic hangtown Placerville. The recent Caldor Fire was VERY close to our property and a back burn was initiated nearby the cabins. It is still as beautiful as ever but please know there are lots of slash piles. Falling trees and burned up stump holes are also a risk and it is presumed campers will be cautious and use at their own risk. Please don't hesitate to shoot us a message if you have any questions!

97%

(140)

L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Carson City, NV

Too cold to camp??? NOT HERE!! We have propane heater avail to rent!! OR spend the night in our new Glamping Tent where you'll be toasty warm!! We sit on 130 acres of primarily pasture over looking Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake. Olde LYFE Alpacas offers visits with the animals, including an organized 60 min Peaceful Walk with an alpaca where you’ll experience them up close. To book an experience, go to www.oldelyfealpacas.com. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!! The ranch store is self serve mostly. There are price sheets and payment methods listed!

97%

(281)

Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Somerset, CA

A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider! We welcome guests year round! Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do! Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons! Come relax☮️ March - May 🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers June - September 🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake September - December 🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting December - March ❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm. Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting. We have running water on the side of the winery building. Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.

98%

(1061)

Camp Nauvoo

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Placerville, CA

Camp Nauvoo was originally bought by the LDS church in the 1960's for a girl's camp. The camp was owned by the Boy Scouts from 2011-2015. The Rose family bought the property in 2016 with the intent to continue the tradition of tent camping as well as creating opportunities for exclusive events i.e., group/family reunions, weddings and corporate events. We are a small privately owned small campground (20 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review). We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day. We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers! We have many extra amenities including a compressor to use for your air mattresses, For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings). The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing. We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area. We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site. No internet service. There is limited internet only available for purchases at the setore. We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation. We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes. We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We rent a battery pack for those that use a cpap. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream and ice. We take venmo or cash. CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.

96%

(684)

Harris Family Farm and Forest

7 sites · RVs, Tents125 acres · Pollock Pines, CA

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our cherished historic family farm, spanning 160 years and 7 generations. Nestled in the serene surroundings of an Apple Hill™ Grower farm, our property offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Choose to camp amidst the lush woods or in our enchanting apple orchard. Spend your days engaging in farm activities, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply unwinding in this idyllic setting. During the harvest season, delight in the experience of hand-picking a variety of fruits and vegetables at their peak of ripeness. Participate in our popular jam making classes held in August, and September for $55 per person, or indulge in a delightful High Tea in the Orchard, hosted on Mother’s Day weekend and June spring afternoons for $45 per person. Be sure to secure your spot early for these sought-after activities, as they tend to fill up rapidly. Our farm is conveniently located near picturesque mountain lakes and charming historic towns, offering ample opportunities for further exploration and discovery. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our farm, where you can enjoy invigorating woodland hikes, lend a hand with farm chores, and partake in our weekend bonfire gatherings featuring s'mores and delectable treats from our pie shop. Don't miss the chance to harvest blackberries, apples, and pumpkins during their respective seasons, adding a touch of seasonal magic to your visit.

97%

(154)

Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents96 acres · Reno, CA

When you come to camp here you are on a working farm in transition. Girlfarm has been a local food go to for restaurants, farm family members, and regenerative agriculture interests. Today, the farm is looking forward to a new course in agri tourism as we begin planning walking gardens, art installations in the landscape, and interactive classes. If you would like a list of grass fed meats available, veggies, or herbs just text your host BEFORE arrival. Please come visit in April May and June it is some of the most green and lush times in the high desert. It can also bring snow, winds, and rain. Be prepared- look at the forecast and contact you just directly if you have concerns We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper who we could offer trade for camp care - text host directly. Its been a huge water season so skeeters are around we also recommend tents have a rain fly and ground cloth. Welcome It was important to choose a partner like Hipcamp to invite like minded individuals who respect both the natural environment and the idea of less is more. At any time you may encounter farming activities, building out of tiny houses for future bookings, or gardens in the process of creation. As we move toward offering the land as a place to both find solitude or chosen participation our Flyte and Sparrow experience will hopefully be a place you will want to return to as your own tradition.

94%

(70)

Water front on Topaz Lake

7 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Topaz, CA

Learn more about this land:Beautiful lake front property on Topaz Lake , we have 6 rv sites to choose from on 4 acres .First come first serve . Bring your Rv or pitch a tent . Bring your whole family. We have kayaks and paddle boards . Fishing boat available to rent . Life jackets available and a peddle boat too ! Lots of float toys !!

98%

(302)

Sierra Mountain Tranquility

11 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Placerville, CA

Come see our Sping wildflower BLOOM! The Sierra Foothills are currently having a huge super bloom! Experience our majestic pine and oak wilderness, all with beautiful vista of Cosumnes River Valley and mountains for miles & miles. Lounge in the peace & quiet. Our mission here at Fjellgard Ranch is to create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. We have less campsites to give you personal space instead of shoving you in between RVs. We are more interested in creating a tranquil and calm getaway for you, where you can enjoy all that nature has to offer in the Sierra Foothills. Our site is close to many attractions in the area. There are famous California gold country sites, museums, and historic Downtown Placerville. We are positioned about 20-30 minutes from some of the state's most beautiful swimming, kayaking, and hiking locations. Also: - Shenandoah Valley Wineries are just 30 minutes South of us - Apple Hill orchards are 30-40 minutes North-East - Lake Tahoe is 1 hour North-East on Hwy 50. We aim to create a peaceful, welcoming, and safe environment. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all people! PLEASE NOTE before you book: - We do not typically accept reservations Monday-Wednesday (unless holiday weekend) and are closed for those days. If you are wanting to book a longer stay, please contact us and we can evaluate your situation and open the dates for you. - Please book all extras through the Hipcamp App. If you decide later to add on anything after arrival, you can change your reservation to reflect. - All sites come with a fire pit during wetter months (typically Nov-May). Please check site to see if fires are currently permitted. All sites except Site #9 come with a picnic table. - We cannot accommodate camping vehicles larger than 20 feet or camping trailers. - Refunds are honored if you cancel before 72 hours prior to your check-in time. - Because we are in a natural mountain environment, we do have to deal with pests from time to time. During warmer months mosquitos, bees, ants, and wasps will often frequent our campsites, attracted by food. We do what we can to keep them away, but mid-Summer months especially are more difficult. If you feel like this will bother you, please consider booking with us Fall through Spring.

97%

(78)

Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Nevada City, CA

Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property. As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview). There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.

100%

(34)

Strange Ranch - River and Gold

4 sites · RVs, Tents117 acres · Wilseyville, CA

Secluded private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts incredible views with a pristine private gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land and 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 4 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. All campsite have potable well water spigots. Guests will enjoy the privacy while swimming, stream exploring, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, fishing for wild trout, gold panning, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest. PLEASE NOTE: A 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive vehicle is needed to access 3 of the 4 campsites due to the road incline and rock and gravel road surface. One campsite is accessible with a 2-wd vehicle, and has both potable well water and power. All sites have beautiful open views of the property and river canyon with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. Although partially shaded, please plan to provide your own portable shade structure(s) during late morning and afternoon as the direct sun in the late morning and afternoon can be an inconvenience. The Stranges are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property hosts a diversity of plant and wildlife species that might be observed during your stay. Prehistoric and historic cultural resources can be observed along the river corridor. Please be aware that some wildlife species including rattlesnakes, bears, and mountain lions have been observed on the 117-acre property and could potentially be observed near the campsites. The Ranch's northern portion of the property supports a leased farming operation. No portions of the farming operations interfere with camping operations. The property and amenities will evolve over time. Day trips are possible to Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, caverns, and wine tasting, and local historic gold towns.

98%

(289)

Victoria Forest

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Nevada City, CA

This area is part of a rich history showcasing the westward expansion, gold mining and simple pursuits. Just step outside the cabin to access miles of single track through the Tahoe national forest, or jump in your car to access lakes, rivers and streams within a 10 minute drive. Snowboarding and; skiing is a 25 minute drive away and snowshoeing and; cross country skiing can start right off the front deck! Come relax in your own private off grid cabin with a cozy loft and a view of Tahoe National Forest. At just over 5,000 feet in elevation and a dirt road drive Muir's Muse is the perfect place to disconnect. A three minute walk will get you to the Pioneer Trail which is a 25 mile non-motorized trail meandering through Tahoe National Forest, Bear Valley, and mountain lakes at its terminus. Open to hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and all lovers of the outdoors, the adventures are endless! Although there is cell service, there is no electricity or running water. There is an outdoor fire ring, a pit toilet on site and a portable heater and small camp stove for you to use... Just bring your own small propane canisters. You will be sent an informational e-mail (not the one generated from Hipcamp) prior to arriving. This email outlines directions and local hiking/swimming holes etc., PLEASE check the email you provided to Hipcamp (and myself) PRIOR to leaving for your trip so you are best prepared! :) Happy outdoorsing! ***Please note that in winter months Muir's Muse is accessible only by snowshoe as our road is not maintained with snow removal. Contact host for more info before booking please*** Refunds will not be granted to poorly prepared snow guests, or guests upset about nature: I.e., wasps, bears, flies, snakes etc.,

The best camping near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit guide

Overview

About

The national forest lands surrounding Lake Tahoe are an explorer's dream year-round. Tahoe is the largest mountain lake on the continent and easily among the most beautiful.

On the road with your honey? This area offers a remarkable array of romantic options among its recreational activities. Take a scenic dinner cruise on a paddle boat on Lake Tahoe. Or see it from above on a hot air balloon tour from Lake Tahoe Balloons. Or hit one of the many beautiful wildflower meadows found near the water. Meiss Lake and Winnecmucca Lake are especially known for their colorful flora.

If you've got an architectural bent, take a tour of Emerald Bay's 38-room Vikingsholm "castle." It's a sprawling lakeside mansion built as a summer home in 1929. These days, it's considered one of the finest combinations of architecture and nature ever designed.

93%

110 ratings · 26 reviews

Recommends

· February 2019

Fabulous - Book early!

Judy H.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2018

Beachside camping with a little store that is cute!

Terri G.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2018

Weather can change from warm to cool and rain

Rose H.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2018

Was at site 123. Good site, near bathrooms but not close to other people. Wish there were more trees on the East side as the sun was blinding in the morning. If I were to go again I would stay around site 86, on the bottom of the loop. Close to the lake and bathrooms, trees on east and west, with a big open prairie nearby.

Adam M.

6 years on Hipcamp

July 2018

Meeks Bay is congested and isn’t the most peaceful campsite. If you are okay with having a packed campground then I highly recommend it due to its location! You are right next to the lake, and our campground hosts were extremely kind and friendly. Lake Tahoe is a great place to be; there are a few Market/Delis which have lines out the door for food and beverages. We recommend driving into Tahoma and go to that market the food there is amazing. Also bring some cash so you can rent a kayak from the campground hosts instead of having to drive further. Reasonable price at $35 for the day compared to $80-$100. So great hikes as well if you drive further North such as Eagle Rock Trail. This is less then a mile up and the views are worth it.

Alexis B.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2018

A beautiful place to camp! Close to rafting and bike paths.

Jon E.

27 reviews

Recommends

· November 2017

Great place to camp, but make sure you utilize the bear containers or you'll have one mosey through your campsite! :)

Danelle B.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2017

Don't be surprised to see a few bears stroll by!

Andrew T.

7 years on Hipcamp

June 2017

This is THE place to camp if you're visiting Lake Tahoe. That is if you can do without electricity & cable tv. Reservation only. Beautiful campground. All sites seemed good. We had site 75, which is on the outside loop by the trailhead. There is a parking lot next to the site, but we had an entertaining time watching people. The outside sites are the best. If I remember right, sites 52 & 64 have good views of the river. I would try for them if we ever get to come back. The inside sites are tucked into the woods. Most are reasonably private. There is no view of Fallen Leaf Lake from any of the campsites. Bears are active. We put a bag of sweet smelling candy in the bear box & guess who was trying to get at it? Be bear aware!

Cynthia K.

8 years on Hipcamp

June 2016

Also - this campground does accept bookings and is generally booked up so do not expect to be able to walk in.

B K.

9 years on Hipcamp

June 2016

Best part about this campground is that it has great beach access - all sites are just a short stroll away from the lake. Unfortunately, the sites are pretty small and tightly packed, so there is not much privacy. The campground is also really close to Highway 89 which makes it pretty loud during the day - you can hear the cars zooming by. Not a bad place to stay if you want to explore the Tahoe area but definitely not a campsite at which I would recommend spending too much time.

B K.

9 years on Hipcamp

June 2016

Phone number for this camp ground is actually 775-589-4907

Lana T.

9 years on Hipcamp