Camping in Lake Tahoe: 16+ Lake Tahoe Campgrounds [+Top Tips]

Waking up to fresh mountain air, getting mesmerized by the alpine landscape, and relaxing on the beautiful shores, there’s nothing like camping in Lake Tahoe.

We’ve visited and stayed in Lake Tahoe numerous times as there are endless things to do here, especially for nature lovers. 

These campgrounds in Lake Tahoe make the perfect home base for exploring the Lake Tahoe basin and surrounding areas.

We’ve also included campgrounds near Lake Tahoe as well as dispersed camping sites in case you can’t find availability. 

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Quick Snapshot: Best Campgrounds in Lake Tahoe

• Group Sites: Camp Richardson, Tahoe Valley Campground, Zephyr Cove Resort and Campground, Fallen Leaf Campground 
• Boat-in Sites: Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Campground, Eagle Point Campground 
• First-come, first-served sites: Lake Forest Campground

Camping in Lake Tahoe Guide

Camping in Lake Tahoe is one of the best things to do in Northern California. 

This two-million-year-old alpine lake is visited by millions of tourists each year, so securing a campsite in Tahoe is almost nearly impossible if you don’t plan in way advance.

This guide includes all the campgrounds in Lake Tahoe, as well as free camping sites and other campgrounds near Lake Tahoe. Let’s dive in!

South Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

Camping in South Lake Tahoe is the perfect balance of nature and convenience. 

If you want to immerse yourself in nature, escaping to South Lake Tahoe is easy. 

If you want to camp but want shopping and entertainment nearby, you can find that here too. 

The campgrounds in South Lake Tahoe tend to be on the larger side, catering to families who want access to full amenities and water activities.

Although this side of the lake is the busiest, you will have easy access to the beautiful beaches with gorgeous views from the campgrounds.

Camping in South Lake Tahoe is the perfect spot if you want to be close to all the action.

1. Camp Richardson

• Site Types: ADA, RV, tent, trailer, cabin, lodge, group
• Fees:  $50 to $180 per night, depending on the site’s specs 
• Best Sites: 25, 94, 40 
• Amenities: showers, toilet flush, picnic table, bear-proof food storage locker, RV hookups, fire pit 
• Booking Window: 1 year in advance
• RV Village – Reserve Campground, Tent Camping – Reserve Campground

Camp Richardson is a popular tourist location in South Lake Tahoe for camping because of its ideal location and accessibility to outdoor recreation. 

This is by no means a secluded mountain getaway as the place gets packed with visitors that stop to rent bikes or grab a cone from the on-site ice cream shop. 

People also come in droves to drink Rum Runners at the Beacon Bar & Grill overlooking the lake.

The facility has three separate campgrounds on either side of Highway 89. 

The first is the Badgers Den Campground which is closer to the lake shore and has 84 campsites. 

The second is the smaller 31-site Eagles Nest, which is quieter and more secluded. 

The third option is the RV village with 100 spots, including water and electric sites and full hook-up sites.

The campgrounds are very close to the popular Pope’s Beach and Camp Richardson Resort Beach. 

There are also some great biking and easy hiking trails in the area.

This campground in Lake Tahoe is popular with families looking to have access to full amenities and enjoy various water activities, as they have all the rentals you can think of.

Local Tip: This campground gets booked up a year in advance, so plan accordingly if you want to stay here.

2. Fallen Leaf Campground

• Site Types: ADA, Tent, RV, trailers, yurts 
• Fees: $38 to $100 per day
• Best Sites: 40, 68, 70, 101, 111 
• Amenities: flush toilets, food locker, picnic table, fire ring, hot showers, dump station
• Booking Window: 6 months in advance 
• Reserve Campground

The Fallen Leaf Campground is situated amongst the towering native pine, cedar, fir, and aspen trees next to the pristine Fallen Leaf Lake. 

The location feels like you are miles away from the crowds in South Lake Tahoe with its slightly remote location at the foot of Mount Tallac. 

This campground’s ideal location gives you access to both lakes and a slew of outdoor activities, including hiking to the backside of the lake to take in the stunning Glen Alpine Falls.

If you want to see beautiful fall foliage, visit Lake Tahoe in October and stay at this campground.

3. Campground by the Lake

• Site Types: tent, RV (only one unit per site, 50 full hook-ups, 120 non-hookup), trailers, cabin
• Fees: $41 to $45 per night
• Amenities: picnic table, food locker, fire ring, flush toilets, tap water, showers, pets allowed 
• Booking Window: reservations open on March 1st
• Reserve Campground | Campground Map

Situated across the highway from Lake Tahoe and El Dorado Beach, Campground by the Lake is also one of the centrally located Lake Tahoe camping sites. 

It is an extremely convenient area for anyone who wants to enjoy the lake and the South Lake Tahoe recreational activities. 

This campground might not be the perfect spot for you if you prefer a remote and quiet setting. 

However, plenty of things remain to keep you relaxed, including the pleasant shade of large pine trees, the perfect view of South Lake Tahoe’s sparkling water, and the outdoor recreational activities.

The campsite offers the option of tent cabins that are fully furnished with a real bed for those that do not own a tent or cannot sleep on the ground. 

The sites are all within walking distance of local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. 

4. Tahoe Valley Campground

• Site Types: cabin, RV, tent, trailer, cottage, group
• Fees: $69 to $142 per night, depending on the site’s specs
• Best Sites: 354, 409, 422
• Amenities: picnic table, showers, pet allowed, flush toilets, ADA access
• Booking Window: 10 months in advance
• Reserve Campground | Campground Map

This massive campground with over 400 campsites is located off Highway 50, adjacent to the Lake Tahoe regional airport. 

Tahoe Valley Campground is primarily an RV park in Lake Tahoe, but tent camping and cottages are available. 

The RV spots offer various hook-up options, and the park also has a dump station.  

Be warned that the campsites are very close together and it will feel busier than it actually is. 

No fires are allowed, even in a fire ring, but they have a community fire pit where people can come together. 

One of the best things about this campground in Lake Tahoe is that it’s open all year round, which is rare in Tahoe.

This campground is also conveniently located, wherein you have easy access to grocery stores to restock your supplies.

You’re also only a 10-minute drive to Pope Beach and Fallen Leaf lake if you want to get in the water.

5. Camp Shelly at Lake Tahoe

• Site Types: ADA, RV, tent, trailer
• Fees:  $50 to $60 per night
• Best Sites: 6, 9, 14, 20 
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, pets allowed, picnic table, fire ring, bear box food storage locker
• Booking Window: reservations open in late April
• Reserve Campground | Campground Map

For many, Camp Shelly is the best Lake Tahoe campground in South Lake Tahoe because of its spacious campsites and proximity to other fun attractions. 

The 26 campsites are fairly exposed but are separated just enough to make it feel semi-private, as the pine trees provide just enough separation. 

The biggest perk of this campground is the three beaches located just a short drive across highway 89, including the popular Baldwin Beach. 

If you are up for a serious climb to the top of Tahoe’s highest peak, the Mount Tallac trailhead is easily accessible from the campsite. 

This campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your best buddy to explore with you.

Local Tip: Reservations for this campground are only available over the phone and cannot be booked online. 

North Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

If you want to go tent camping in Lake Tahoe without any RVs in the campground, then you want to check out the North Lake Tahoe campgrounds.

Camping in North Lake Tahoe is quieter and more laid-back compared to the south, making it perfect for anyone who wants tranquility. 

Both campgrounds are on the northwest portion of the Lake, with easy access to Tahoe City for any supplies needed and even a couple of craft breweries. 

You will also find the only Lake Tahoe campground that has first-come, first-serve campsites.

6. Tahoe State Recreation Area

• Site Types: tent, small trailers, RVs, group 
• Fees: $35 per day
• Best Sites: 1, 5, 14, 22
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire ring, pets allowed
• Booking Window: 6 months in advance 
• Reserve Campground

This small campground with sweeping lake views is situated right next to the town of Tahoe City on the north shore. 

Tahoe State Recreation Area is a convenient camping location, as supply runs are just minutes away. 

With its great location, a plethora of fun activities await you. 

You could go walking or biking along the lake shore on the paved trail, or you can do some watersports like kayaking or paddleboarding with your family or friends.

Be warned that the campsites are close to the busy Highway 28, and there is little privacy. 

However, this is one of the few Lake Tahoe camping sites that are right on the lake.

7. Lake Forest Campground

• Site Types: RV, ADA, trailer, tent
• Fees: $25 per night 
• Best Sites: 9, 11, 19, 20
• Amenities: picnic table, pumped water, portable toilets, fire ring, fire pit, pets allowed
• Booking Window: First-come, first-served only

The Lake Forest Campground is located just five minutes outside Tahoe City and is one of the only first-come, first-served campsites in North Lake Tahoe. 

The primitive campground has direct access to Lake Forest Beach and is a popular spot for swimming and windsurfing. 

There is also a boat dock for those that enjoy time out on the water.

The campgrounds have limited amenities, with only portable toilets and one water source. 

This makes this a decent place for one night but is not ideal for longer stays.

Lake Tahoe West Shore Campgrounds

8. Eagle Point Campground

• Site Types: ADA, RV, tent, trailer, cabin, lodge, group
• Fees:  $35 for standard tent sites
• Best Sites: 65, 67, 70
• Amenities: picnic table, firewood, coin showers, pet allowed, flush toilets, ADA
• Booking Window: 6 months in advance
• Reserve Campground

Eagle Point and Upper Eagle Point campgrounds are located in Emerald Bay State Park, situated on the peninsula at the opening to Emerald Bay. 

Both offer fantastic views from several campsites and have access to the secluded beach at the bottom of the hill. 

This campground is one of the best around the lake, with the combination of stunning views, lake access, and the park’s beautiful grounds making reservations challenging to come by. 

If you want one of the coveted lake view campsites, you have to book six months out, as they often get snagged right after they are released.

The facilities have everything you need for tent camping, including coin-operated showers, wash basins for dishes, and water pumps to smother your campfire. 

RVs are welcome, although there are no hookups available.

This is definitely one of the best campgrounds in Lake Tahoe that you shouldn’t miss.

9. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground

• Site Types: ADA, tent, trailer(max 18 feet), group
• Fees: $35 for standard tent sites, $45 for the Beach Campsites
• Best Sites: 153, 156, 158
• Amenities: picnic table, firewood, coin-operated showers, pet allowed, flush toilets, ADA, dump station
• Booking Window: 6 months in advance
• Reserve Campground

D.L. Bliss State Park has six different small campgrounds, making each one feel intimate and secluded. 

They offer several options for camping, including group sites, trailers/ campers up to 15 feet, and standard tent camping. 

The campsites are situated amongst the pine trees and giant boulders that break up the landscape making this one of the prettiest areas to camp in Lake Tahoe.

D.L. Bliss State Park is situated between Rubicon Bay and Emerald Bay, meaning there is a lot to see and do, all within a short distance. 

One of the highlights is hiking the iconic Rubicon Trail, which follows the lake’s shore providing stunning views of the crystal-clear water.

While the park may get busy, especially on weekends, the campgrounds remain relatively quiet and will make you feel at home in nature.

Update: D.L. Bliss State Park Campground is closed for the 2023 season

10. Sugar Pine Point State Park Campground

• Site Types: ADA, RV, tent, trailer, group
• Fees: $35 for standard tent sites, $25 for the winter
• Best Sites: Amenities: flush toilets, food locker, picnic table, fire ring, coin-operated shower facilities, dump station, pets allowed
• Booking Window: 6 months in advance
• Reserve Campground | Campground Map

Located at Sugar Pine Point State Park on the west shore of Lake Tahoe is this pristine campground located on a two-mile stretch of the lake. 

Sugar Pine Point Campground offers a connection to nature unparalleled by other areas in the south and north. 

This large campground has 175 individual sites, ranging from tent-only to options accommodating up to a 32-foot RV. 

The facilities include coin-operated showers and dump stations for the RVs. 

Just 4 minutes away by car is Sugar Pine Point Beach which is one of the most gorgeous stretches of the lake. 

Onsite is a rental company that offers canoe, kayak, and stand up paddle board rentals for daytime activities.

If you want to go winter camping in Lake Tahoe, this is one of the few campgrounds that is open, but make sure to check the weather as Lake Tahoe gets a lot of snow in the winter.

11. Kaspian Campground

• Site Types: tent only
• Fees: $23 per day
• Best Sites: 3, 5, 7
• Amenities: picnic tables, fire ring, flush toilets, drinking water, trash collection provided, food locker, pets allowed
• Booking Window:  6-month rolling basis
• Reserve Campground

Kaspian Campground is a great campsite for those that like camping away from large crowds and RVs running their generators. 

With only nine campsites that are spread out, you will find some peace and tranquility even though the main road is close by.

This is a tent camping facility, meaning you cannot pull your car up to the campsite to unload your gear and food. 

Everything must be carried in, which is not that far but still a hassle for those with large setups. 

The biggest upside is that a nice and quiet stretch of beach is right across the road.

12. Meeks Bay Campground

• Site Types: tent, trailer, group
• Fees: $33 for standard tent sites
• Best Sites: 10, 24, 34
• Amenities: picnic table, firewood, pet allowed, flush toilets
• Booking Window: 6 months in advance
• Reserve Campground

The Meeks Bay campground is a small Lake Tahoe campground that has only 36 sites that are nestled in a forested area right next to the lake. 

The picturesque Meeks Bay offers a sandy beach that is perfect for water activities like stand up paddle boarding and kite surfing when the winds pick up. 

The campsites are average size but offer up little privacy as there is little other than the tree trunks to create separation. 

If you book early, you can get one of the sites closer to the lake with views of the water. 

For those that are interested in watersports, rentals are available at the neighboring Meeks Bay Resort. 

It’s also important to note that this campsite is a popular hangout for bears trolling for ice chests that campers forgot to put in the bear lockers.

Local Tip: It is best to book six months in advance once the availability opens up in order to secure a spot.

13. Meeks Bay Resort and Marina Campground

• Site Types: ADA, RV, tent, trailer, cabin, lodge, group
• Fees: $35 (May 13th to June 12th and September 6th to October 16th), $45 (June 13th to September 5th) 
• Best Sites: 3, 12, 16
• Amenities: Take out food, general store, full RV hook-ups, picnic table, firewood, coin-operated showers, flush toilets
• Booking Window: 10-month rolling basis
• Reserve Campground

Located just north of Meeks Bay is Meeks Bay Resort and Marina campground, which is privately run by the Washoe Tribe. 

These two facilities are often confused as they share the same name and beach inside Meeks Bay. 

The resort offers several options for camping, starting with the classic tent campsites that are situated in a wooded area just a few minutes walk from the beach. 

They also offer RV sites that come complete with full hookups. 

There are cabins available for those that like the idea of camping but are not too excited about the idea of roughing it in nature. 

The resort offers watersport rentals, including standup paddle boards and kayaks that are available by the hour. 

They also have a small outdoor quick service restaurant and a small general store.

14. William Kent Campground

• Site Types: tent, RV, trailer, cabin, yurt
• Fees: $33 to $90, depending on the site’s specs
• Best Sites: 5, 13, 20, 36, 42
• Amenities: picnic tables, flush toilet, drinking water, bear-proof food storage locker, dump station, pets allowed
• Booking Window: 6-month rolling basis
• Reserve Campground

This campground in North Lake Tahoe is located in a residential area, and several of the campsites butt up with neighboring cabins. 

Despite being in this setting, William Kent Campground still has secluded areas surrounded by pine trees that will make you feel at one with nature. 

Its easy beach access and well-maintained facilities make it the most popular campground in the area. 

The grounds have close access to the William Kent day-use area and beach, which are located right across the main road. 

Local Tip: It’s a bit easier to find availability at this campground, even if you don’t book six months out, as long as you have a flexible schedule. 

Lake Tahoe East Shore Campgrounds

15. Nevada Beach Campground

• Site Types: ADA, RV, tent, trailer, group
• Fees: $35 tent or RV, $165 for groups
• Best Sites: 54, 105, 167
• Amenities: picnic table, firewood, coin-operated showers, pets allowed, flush toilets, ADA access
• Booking Window: 6-month rolling basis
• Reserve Campground

Nevada Beach Campground is ideally situated right next to the beach but just far enough from the highway and the casinos to make it feel secluded. 

The campsite has limited facilities with no showers or RV hookups, so you will have to rough it and do some real camping. 

The upside is that you will get some peace and quiet and not have to deal with hoards of tourists. 

The campsites sit amongst the towering pine trees, with some of the sites offering a slight view of the lake’s blue water. 

A short walk to Nevada Beach provides a relaxed setting, and in the evening, you will find one of the best sunset locations around the lake. 

One section of the beach is dog friendly, so bring your four-legged friends.

The campground is a short drive from the heart of South Lake Tahoe with all of its shops, just in case you need to do a supply run or if you don’t feel like cooking. 

Local Tip: This is one of the best campgrounds in Lake Tahoe, so make sure to book six months in advance to secure a spot.

16. Zephyr Cove Resort

• Site Types: RV, ADA, tent, airstream camping, trailer, walk-in & drive-in sites 
• Fees: $52 average per night
• Best Sites: 11, 140, 189
• Amenities: picnic tables, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, bear-proof food box, pets allowed but limited to two and should be leashed, full hookups for RVs, laundry facilities
• Booking Window: 6 months in advance
• Reserve Campground

Located on the National Forest lands on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe, the Zephyr Cove Resort RV Park & Campground offers tranquility and the convenience of easy lake access. 

The great advantage of this campground is its location which is just a few minutes away from the main Zephyr Cove Resort and beach. 

This allows the guests to enjoy the convenience of local amenities, including their multiple restaurants and watersport rentals. 

Enjoy outdoor activities like horseback riding and parasailing while camping in the secluded forest. 

There are three camping options: 93 RV sites with full hookups, 57 classic tent sites, and stylish airstream rentals.

Local Tip: One of the downsides of staying here is you may hear some road noise from Hwy 50, and the RV sites are a bit cramped. 

Camping near Lake Tahoe

If you want to go camping at Lake Tahoe but didn’t plan or book in advance, chances are very slim for securing a campsite.

Fortunately, there are several campgrounds near Lake Tahoe that do have availability and won’t require you to book 6 months in advance.

Camping near Lake Tahoe is also a great option for those who want to avoid the crowds at the larger campgrounds by the lake.

These campgrounds near Lake Tahoe are arranged based on the closest drive to the lake to the farthest.

1. Silver Creek Campground

• Drive Time/Distance to West Lake Tahoe: 11 mins, 6.9 mi
• Open Season: May 26 – October 8
• Amenities: pit toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, fire ring, food storage lockers, drinking water, no showers
• Reserve Campground

2. Goose Meadow Campground

• Drive Time/Distance to West Lake Tahoe: 14 mins, 9.4 mi
• Open Season: May 26 – October 8
• Amenities: pit toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, fire ring, food storage lockers, drinking water, no showers
• Reserve Campground

3. Mt. Rose Campground

• Drive Time/Distance to North Lake Tahoe: 20 mins, 9.7 mi
• Open Season: June 9 – September 24
• Amenities: pit toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, fire ring, food storage lockers, drinking water, no showers
• First-come, first-served sites available
• Reserve Campground

4. Alpine Meadow Campground

• Drive Time/Distance to North Lake Tahoe: 20 mins, 10.7 mi
• Open Season: May 15 – October 15
• Amenities: pit toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, fire ring, food storage lockers, drinking water, pets allowed, cell phone service no showers
• Reserve Campground

5. Luther Campground (Dispersed Camping)

• Drive Time/Distance to South Lake Tahoe: 18 mins, 11.6 mi
• Open Season: May 25 – November 15
• Amenities: pit toilets, picnic tables, fire ring, pets allowed, dry camping
• Google Map

6. Granite Flat Campground

• Drive Time/Distance to North Lake Tahoe: 20 mins, 14.5 mi
• Open Season: May 26 – October 8
• Amenities: pit toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, fire ring, food storage lockers, drinking water, no showers
• Reserve Campground

7. Lovers Leap Campground

• Drive Time/Distance to South Lake Tahoe: 35 mins, 20 mi
• Open Season: May 15 – November 1
• Amenities: pit toilets, picnic tables, fire ring, pets on leash allowed, no showers
• First-come, first-served
• Campground Info | Google Map

8. Hope Valley Campground

• Drive Time/Distance to South Lake Tahoe: 30 mins, 22.5 mi
• No. of Sites: 27
• Open Season: May 19 – September 24
• Amenities: pit toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, food storage lockers, drinking water, no showers
• First-come, first-served sites available
• Reserve Campground | Google Map

9. Washoe Lake Campground

• Drive Time/Distance to North Lake Tahoe: 40 mins, 31 mi
• Open Season: Year-round
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire ring, food storage lockers, drinking water, pets allowed, 
• First-come, first-served only
• Local Tip: This campground is a short drive to one of the few hot springs in the area.

Lake Tahoe Campgrounds Map

Free Camping in Lake Tahoe (Dispersed Camping)

For those that are up for an adventure, dispersed camping might be just suitable for you.

This type of camping generally requires that you backpack into the wilderness, where you will bring all of your own equipment and set up camp wherever you want.

There are zero facilities, and you will need to bury your human waste and pack out all of your trash. 

In many cases, there is a permit required, which will set you back between 5 to 15 dollars.

This is the best option you have if you’re looking for free camping in Lake Tahoe. 

• DESOLATION WILDERNESS

This massive wilderness area located southwest of Lake Tahoe is composed of 63,690 acres of mountain lakes and giant granite rock formations. 

The landscapes are stunning, and you will feel the gravity of being deep in nature. 

Wilderness permits for Desolation Wilderness are available six months in advance and cost $5 for the first night, $10 for two or more nights, plus an additional $6 registration fee per person. 

See this helpful planning guide here.

• MT. ROSE WILDERNESS

This mountainous wilderness area northeast of Incline Village offers sweeping views of the Tahoe Basin. 

This is a popular location for backpackers that want to hike a seven-mile section of the Tahoe Rim Trail and make an ascent of Mount Rose along the way. 

Currently, no wilderness permits are required, but a permit is required for any open fires, including camp stoves.  

• MEISS COUNTRY

Most of those exploring this backcountry area south of Lake Tahoe are making their way along a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, where it combines with the Tahoe Rim Trail. 

The area is full of stunning landscapes with mountain meadows, streams, and small lakes that are surrounded by mountain peaks, including Stevens Peak. 

There are currently no wilderness permits required for Meiss Country. 

• MOKULEMNE WILDERNESS

This wilderness area is located south of Lake Tahoe in the remote area between Highway 4 and Highway 88. 

This area is where three National Forests converge, including El Dorado, Humboldt-Toiyabe, and Stanislaus. 

Mokulemne Wilderness is best known for its rough landscape composed of towering volcanic peaks and high-elevation meadows. 

Wilderness permits are required and are self-service, meaning you will need cash to pay at one of the available ranger stations.

To find the specific areas for free camping, see the dispersed camping section in this guide.  

• GRANITE CHIEF WILDERNESS

Located to the north of Desolation wilderness along the west shore of Lake Tahoe is this wilderness area with beautiful red fir forests, massive granite peaks, and meadows fed by seasonal streams. 

This is a popular area for through hikers and horseback riders that make their way along a 27 mile section of the Pacific Coast Trail. 

Wilderness permits are not required for overnight trips, but a California campfire permit is required to use a camp stove. 

Best Time to go Camping in Lake Tahoe

The best time to visit Lake Tahoe for a camping trip is between the months of June to the end of August when the weather is warmer and all the trails and facilities are open for the season.

Since Lake Tahoe is at an elevation, camping outside these months will be tricky due to snow. 

If you don’t mind bundling up, shoulder season is great for avoiding the crowds that visit Lake Tahoe during the summer months. 

Visiting in May or September is a great time to camp, but verify that the campground is available, as opening and closing days for the season vary.

Lake Tahoe Camping Reservations

The first step to camping in Lake Tahoe is figuring out the reservation system.

Most campgrounds on the Lake Tahoe Basin can be reserved through Recreation.gov, with a couple of privately-owned sites. 

The Lake Tahoe campgrounds located inside the state parks are reserved through Reservecalifornia.com.

Most sites are on a 6-month rolling basis which means that on December 1st, you can reserve for June 1st, on December 2nd, you can reserve for June 2nd, and so on. 

NOTE: When booking through Reserve California, you have to type in the name of the State Park, not the specific campground. 

For example, if you want to book a campsite at the Eagle Point Campground, you will have to search for Emerald Bay State Park so you can see the campgrounds available in that state park.

Lake Tahoe Campgrounds Reservations

• HOW TO BOOK A CAMPSITE IN LAKE TAHOE

The first step is to create an account with Recreation.gov ahead of time, which is simple and straightforward.

If you are reserving a popular campsite and need to book six months in advance, make sure to do the following:

1. Have a few campsites pre-selected since sites get booked up very quickly.

2. Be logged in to your computer before 7 AM PST and be ready to book your campsite.

3. Add the campsite to your cart as soon as possible, and you will have about 15 minutes before it’s released.

• WHEN TO BOOK

As mentioned, most campgrounds release their availability six months before. 

You don’t necessarily have to wait for your entire camping trip’s dates to be released before you book.

For example, if your trip is from June 1st to 5th, you can reserve your campsite as soon as the availability opens up for June 1st, which would be December 1st on a 6-month rolling basis.

Need to Know for Camping in Lake Tahoe

• Book in advance

Securing a reservation can be difficult at campgrounds in Lake Tahoe, outside of a few first come, first serve facilities. 

Many popular campgrounds will be completely booked the same day the reservations become available, with the best individual campsites getting picked first. 

Reservations for most campgrounds in the Tahoe Basin become available six months to the day and are quickly scooped up. 

Reservations can also only be made prior to two days before, meaning no last-second bookings.

• Be bear aware

If you are camping at Lake Tahoe, expect that there will be bears roaming your campsite at night. 

There’s not much to be afraid of as long as you follow regulations and secure all food in the provided bear-proof boxes located in each campsite. 

Leaving food out or storing it in your car or tent can result in a $1000 fine and put you or the bear at risk of a dangerous encounter. 

It is also strongly advised to keep any aromatic toiletries in the bear box. 

If you are camping in wilderness dispersed camping areas, it is required that you store your food in an approved bear canister that is left at least 100 yards downwind from your tent.

FAQs: Lake Tahoe Camping Sites 

Can you camp anywhere in Lake Tahoe?

No. Camping is only available in designated campgrounds around Lake Tahoe and in dispersed camping areas, including Desolation Wilderness and Granite Chief Wilderness. 

Camping in most areas requires advanced reservations or a wilderness permit that must be secured in advance. 

Where can I camp in Lake Tahoe for free?

The only free camping in Lake Tahoe is in dispersed camping areas within wilderness areas that do not require a permit. 

These areas include Mt. Rose Wilderness, Meiss Country, and Granite Chief Wilderness. You will have to hike in, and there are no services available.

How much does it cost to camp at Lake Tahoe?

Rates depend on the campsite you are going to choose. But campsites in Lake Tahoe range from $20 to $45 per night for drive-up tent camping. 

RVs that require hookups are often more expensive and can cost as much as $65 per night.

Is Lake Tahoe good for camping?

Yes, Lake Tahoe is a great place to go camping. You will wake up to the smell of fresh pine and have easy access to its beautiful beaches and extensive hiking trails while having easy access to modern conveniences.

However, if you want solitude when you go camping, then Lake Tahoe might not be the best option for you unless you stay in dispersed camping sites.

Wrap-Up: Best Camping in Lake Tahoe

If you’re planning on going camping in Lake Tahoe, we hope that this list has helped you with your upcoming adventure.

Is it time to get away to the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe for a camping trip? Take this opportunity to select the perfect campsite for your next adventure into nature. 

Now get ready to make that reservation so you can start planning for all the fun and great food you will eat around the campfire. Don’t forget the smores!