Lake Tahoe Camping

Best Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

There is something special about twinkling stars on a dark night, the rustle of nylon sleeping bags, and the bitter taste of black coffee in the morning. For the quintessential Tahoe vacation, plan to spend at least one night in the woods toasting marshmallows and sleeping under the stars. Lake Tahoe’s south shore has a number of campgrounds where you can park an RV or pitch a tent, and all afford the opportunity to get closer to nature. 

The whole family will love camping at Camp Richardson Campground. This sprawling Lake Tahoe campground has it all. Walk to Camp Richardson Beach from your tent or beach-hop by bike on paved paths that wind along the lakeshore. With dozens of campsites and a full-service RV park, everyone will be a happy camper. Additionally, Camp Richardson has an onsite resort and marina. You can dine at the Grove Restaurant, and sample sweets at the summer ice-cream parlor. The summer fun is just getting started when you stay at Camp Richardson Campground.

Escape to nature at Fallen Leaf Lake Campground and the family will thank you later. Popular for their wooded sites, hot showers, and proximity to Fallen Leaf Lake, this South Lake Tahoe campground is a real jewel. Hike and bike on trails that circumnavigate Fallen Leaf Lake and wander through aspen forests, which turn brilliant yellow in the fall. There’s a pristine sandy beach at the north end of the lake with epic views of Mt. Tallac, and if you want to explore further you can easily bike to Lake Tahoe, or hike into granite-bound Desolation Wilderness from Glen Alpine Trailhead. For campers who aren’t keen on dirt floors, Fallen Leaf Lake Campground also rents yurts with sleeping platforms, space heaters and electricity.  

Stay at the Campground by the Lake in South Lake Tahoe for endless outdoor activities. With plenty of full hook-up RV sites and spacious tent sites, this campground is a family favorite. From here, you can stroll to Lakeview Commons Beach and rent a paddleboard or kayak, toss a frisbee on the grassy lawn, or grab a bite to eat at the nearby restaurants. With hot showers and an onsite camp store, you might decide to extend your stay at this comfortable campground through the summer.

Lake Tahoe Basin Campground Location Map

Lake of the Sky Journal

If you are an RVer looking for the best South Lake Tahoe campground to park your adventure-mobile and enjoy all of Lake Tahoe’s outdoor activities, head to Zephyr Cove Campground. With a host of amenities such as a marina, horse stables, restaurant, and plenty of vacation-oriented outdoor activities, Zephyr Cove gets rocking in the summer. Yet with their easy access to turquoise waters and a sandy beach, as well as a campground with full hookups, Zephyr Cove Campground is a top choice for RV campers.

Looking for a Lake Tahoe campground on the beach where you can swim and sunbathe the days away? You’ll love staying at Nevada Beach Campground. Nevada Beach has a long, sandy sweep of shoreline (a precious commodity in Lake Tahoe) and the campground is located in the adjacent pine forest. Many of the sites have lovely lake views and all are just a short stroll to the water’s edge. An added bonus is that Nevada Beach is one of the best spots in Tahoe for stunning sunsets. 

Stay at Eagle Point Campground high on the hilltop above Emerald Bay for incredible views of Lake Tahoe’s iconic inlet. If you want to wake to sunrises over the bay and day hike into Desolation Wilderness where the Sierra unfurls in all of its granite glory, this is the Lake Tahoe camping spot for you. With 100 sites between the upper and lower campgrounds, there are plenty of spots to choose from. However, none of these rustic sites have full-hookups.

For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, head to these off-the-beaten-path Lake Tahoe camping spots for easy-access to Tahoe’s wilderness areas.

Located just outside of South Lake Tahoe, the Blue Lakes Campgrounds are expansive and gorgeous. You’ll find tent and RV sites galore, as well as plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied. There are two dazzling alpine lakes in this high-country locale, Lower Blue Lake and Upper Blue Lake, and each has a namesake campground with picturesque sites right on the shore. These lakes are an angler’s paradise – the waters teem with trout, there are boat ramps for small vessels, and tons of fishing opportunities from the shoreline.

For easy access to spectacular hiking trails, stay at Woods Lake Campground. With private, wooded sites, fire pits, and just a short stroll to the reflective waters of Woods Lake, this is one of the most pristine campgrounds in Lake Tahoe. Additionally, Woods Lake Campground is your starting point for a hiking excursion to Winnemucca Lake, Round Top Lake, and Fourth of July Lake where prolific wildflowers paint the mountains in breathtaking, multicolored hues.

Prefer a soft bed instead of a sleeping bag? Lake Tahoe has got you covered. Check out the south shore’s world-class Lake Tahoe hotels or stay in a cozy Lake Tahoe cabin rental in the woods. Tahoe has plenty of pet-friendly hotels if you want to bring your best friend.