Planning a Lake Tahoe outdoor escape? These scenic Lake Tahoe camping spots offer lakeside views, mountain trails, and peaceful forests perfect for family trips, romantic getaways, or outdoor adventures.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Camping Ideas
1. Zephyr Cove
Location: East Shore of Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Recommended For: RV travelers and campers looking for easy lake access and full-service amenities near Zephyr Cove Resort
What I Love: ♥ “Step across the street and dive into the best of Lake Tahoe—camping comfort meets lakeside adventure.”
- Camp in comfort just across the street from Zephyr Cove Resort, with RV sites that accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet long.
- Choose from over 90 total sites, each with water, sewer, and cable TV hookups for a full-service experience.
- Enjoy scenic surroundings—while none of the sites are directly on the lake, many offer beautiful lake views.
- Sleep under the stars with tent camping options available within walking or driving distance of Zephyr Cove Resort.
- Refresh and recharge with access to the resort’s shower and laundry facilities.
- Plan ahead—online reservations are available through the Zephyr Cove website.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for mild weather, water activities, and ideal camping conditions.
Local tips: Book early during summer weekends and holidays—Zephyr Cove is one of the most popular and scenic destinations around Lake Tahoe.
How to Get There: Located on U.S. Highway 50, just a few miles from South Lake Tahoe and Stateline, NV, with convenient access for both RVs and cars.
Address: Zephyr Cove RV Park & Campground, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
2. Nevada Beach
Location: East Shore of Lake Tahoe, Nevada – within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Recommended For: Campers seeking peaceful forest surroundings, lake views, and close access to a quiet beach area
What I Love: ♥ “Set beneath soaring pines at 6,100 feet, Nevada Beach offers breathtaking lakeside serenity without the crowds.”
- Relax lakeside at a scenic US Forest Service-managed beach nestled in a pine forest at 6,100 feet elevation.
- Camp your way with tent and RV sites, most offering lake views just a short walk from the shoreline.
- Unplug and unwind—sites include flush toilets, but no electric or water hookups are available.
- Bring furry friends—up to two pets per site are allowed, though pets must remain off the beach.
- Plan ahead with online reservations via the Nevada Beach website—personal check-in is required.
- Note: An extra vehicle fee applies for any additional cars beyond your reserved site allotment.
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall for warm days, cool nights, and crystal-clear lake views
Local tips: This beach is typically less crowded than others—perfect for quiet morning walks or sunset photos. Arrive early to enjoy the peaceful setting before day-use visitors arrive.
How to Get There: Located off Elks Point Road, just north of Stateline, NV and south of Zephyr Cove—easily accessible by car
Address: Nevada Beach Campground, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
3. Camp Richardson Resort
Location: South Lake Tahoe, California – on the western shoreline, near Emerald Bay
Recommended For: Families and outdoor lovers seeking a full-service resort experience year-round
What I Love: ♥ “From lakeside camping to snowshoe treks in winter, Camp Richardson is Lake Tahoe’s four-season playground.”
- Stay year-round at Camp Richardson Resort , a family-friendly destination offering lodging, camping, and a wide range of activities.
- Camp or lodge at the resort’s Lake Tahoe Camping and RV Park, or choose from cabins, hotel rooms, and inn suites.
- Explore the outdoors—hike, bike, ski, or snowshoe through forests and mountain trails right from the property.
- Hit the water during summer with marina tours, paddle rentals, and scenic boat cruises to Vikingsholm Castle.
- Winter fun includes cross-country skiing and snowshoe rentals for snowy alpine adventures.
- Dine onsite with restaurants and bars offering casual eats and seasonal specialties—perfect after a day on the trail or lake.
Best time to visit: Summer for lakeside fun and water sports; winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Local tips: The property fills fast on weekends and holidays—book lodging or campsites well in advance. Marina tours and Vikingholm cruises are especially popular during peak summer.
How to Get There: Located just southwest of South Lake Tahoe via Highway 89—look for signs to Jameson Beach Road
Address: 1900 Jameson Beach Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone: 800-544-1801
4. Fallen Leaf
Location: South Lake Tahoe, California – tucked within a peaceful national forest near Fallen Leaf Lake
Recommended For: Campers seeking a quieter forested escape with walkable access to the lake
What I Love: ♥ “A serene pine-scented setting just steps from Fallen Leaf Lake—perfect for stargazing and morning hikes.”
- Camp among the pines at Fallen Leaf Campground, a secluded site without direct lake views but within walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake.
- Choose your style: the site has 206 total sites for RVs and tents plus six yurts or tent cabins for those wanting a semi-rustic stay.
- Enjoy basic comforts like coin-operated showers, flush toilets, restrooms, and water spigots spread throughout the campground.
- Open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, ideal for summer paddling and early fall foliage.
- Reservations are highly recommended during peak season and can be made through the Recreation.gov site.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall—especially June and September for fewer crowds
Local tips: Bring bug spray in early summer, and be prepared for cooler night temperatures due to elevation. Lake access is best via a short trail from the campground.
How to Get There: Access via Fallen Leaf Road, just off Highway 89 southwest of South Lake Tahoe
Address: Fallen Leaf Campground, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone: Reservations & info via Recreation.gov
Camping With a View
5. Emerald Bay State Park
Location: Along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, about 12 miles south of Tahoe City
Recommended For: Adventurous visitors seeking boating, hiking, and stunning alpine scenery
What I Love: ♥ “Glide across crystal waters to a secluded boat-in campground—Lake Tahoe’s hidden jewel awaits.”
- Discover Emerald Bay State Park, one of the most scenic destinations in California's State Park system, located just 12 miles south of Lake Tahoe.
- Enjoy water-access camping at the park’s unique boat-in campground, open during the summer season. Arrive by kayak, canoe, or motorboat to your lakeside retreat.
- Check status before visiting: The park experienced a closure in 2015 and began reopening in June 2018.
- Get a preview of the bay’s beauty by watching this Emerald Bay video on YouTube.
Best Time to Visit: Late June to early September for boat-in camping and warm weather
Local Tips: Arrive early to secure a mooring spot, and pack light—access is only by water. For land access, hike the Rubicon Trail for epic bay views.
How to Get There: Boat in from any nearby launch (e.g., Baldwin Beach), or hike in via the Rubicon or Eagle Point trails
Address: Emerald Bay State Park, Hwy 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Website: parks.ca.gov
6. D. L. Bliss State Park
Location: West shore of Lake Tahoe, near Emerald Bay in California
Recommended For: Campers and families seeking lake access, scenic hikes, and quiet forested campsites
What I Love: ♥ “Camp beneath towering pines just steps from Tahoe’s jewel-toned waters.”
- Stay at D. L. Bliss State Park , a California State Park offering 150 campsites within walking distance of the lake.
- Hike nearby trails including access to the Rubicon Trail and dramatic lake overlooks.
- Campers with RVs and trailers are welcome, with size limits of 18 feet for RVs and 15 feet for trailers.
- Enjoy modern amenities like flush restrooms and showers to enhance your camping experience.
- Bring your dog—they’re allowed in campgrounds, paved areas, and picnic spots (but not on beaches).
- Plan ahead: The park closes during the winter, so check seasonal availability in advance.
- Need alternatives? Nearby Sugar Pine Point Campground is a great backup if D. L. Bliss is full.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May through September for camping, swimming, and hiking
Local Tips: Campsites fill quickly—reserve early. Bring bug spray, and plan for cool nights even in summer. Enjoy calm morning paddles along the rocky shoreline.
How to Get There: Take Highway 89 south from Tahoe City or north from South Lake Tahoe; follow signs to the park entrance
Address: D. L. Bliss State Park, Hwy 89, Tahoma, CA
Website: parks.ca.gov
Kid-Friendly Camping
7. Meeks Bay
Location: West shore of Lake Tahoe, between Emerald Bay and Sugar Pine Point
Recommended For: Families and groups seeking a quiet lakeside getaway with cabin comforts and easy beach access
What I Love: ♥ “Wake up to crystal-clear lake views from your private cabin steps from the beach.”
- Stay at Meeks Bay Resort , a privately owned retreat offering lodges, cabins, and modern campsites.
- Enjoy comfort camping with access to picnic tables, hookups, and designated tent-pitching areas.
- Dine onsite at the resort’s restaurant, perfect for those who want to skip cooking at camp.
- Plan ahead: No pets are allowed on the property, preserving a peaceful experience for all guests.
- Visit in summer: The resort is closed during winter, but reservations open in May for the summer season.
Best Time to Visit: June through early September for warm lake days and cabin stays
Local Tips: Meeks Bay has a beautiful public beach right next to the resort—perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. Book cabins early—they fill fast!
How to Get There: Access Meeks Bay from Highway 89, 10 minutes north of Emerald Bay
Address: 7941 Emerald Bay Rd, Tahoma, CA 96142
Website: recreation.gov
8. Sugar Pine Point State Park
Location: Western shore of Lake Tahoe, 10 miles south of Tahoe City
Recommended For: Nature lovers and RV campers looking for scenic lakeside camping with easy access to trails
What I Love: ♥ “Wake up among towering pines and explore miles of forested trails just steps from your site.”
- Explore Sugar Pine Point State Park, part of the California State Parks system and home to 100 wooded campsites.
- Camp comfortably with access to restrooms and a convenient dumpsite for RVs.
- Bring your rig: Sites accommodate RVs up to 32 feet and trailers up to 26 feet.
- Plan ahead: The campground gets busy during peak seasons, so reserve early to secure your site.
- Leash up: Dogs are allowed on-leash in campsites and paved areas, but not on beaches or unpaved trails.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for warm hiking weather and clear lake views
Local Tips: Don't miss the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion tours and the lakeside walking trails. Autumn brings fewer crowds and golden foliage.
How to Get There: Off Highway 89, south of Tahoma and north of Meeks Bay
Address: 7360 W Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA 96142
Website: parks.ca.gov
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Q: What should people expect when camping at Lake Tahoe?
- A: Camping at Lake Tahoe isn’t exactly what most people expect. Those who’ve never been there think of pitching their own tent near the water, but that isn’t the case. However, you can still get something close to that experience.
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Q: Where are the campgrounds located around Lake Tahoe?
- A: Lake Tahoe campgrounds are primarily found on the South and West parts of the lake.
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Q: Who manages the campgrounds at Lake Tahoe?
- A: Some of the campgrounds are run by California State Parks, while others are managed by the US Forest Service.
Best Time to Camp in Lake Tahoe
- June to September – Prime camping season with warm days, cool nights, and full trail access.
- July & August – Peak summer crowds but perfect for swimming, kayaking, and family camping trips.
- May & October – Shoulder months with lighter crowds and crisp air, though some sites may close early.
- April – Early access to lower elevation sites; higher areas may still have snow.
- Late October to March – Winter camping possible with proper gear; expect snow and limited access.
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