The best camping near Washoe Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Washoe Lake adventure.

Just a stone’s throw from Reno and Carson City, this park sits on a lake at the base of the Tahoe Range.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Washoe Lake State Park

$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$

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Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Verdi, CA

Find privacy, seclusion and solitude in nature at Alpine Valley Camp /|\. Encompassed by Tahoe & Toiyabe National Forests, this Alpine Valley rolls across 10,000 acres at approximately 5,500 feet with towering mountainous peaks on three of its sides rising above 8,000 feet. A meadow with creeks and wildlife lines the Valley floor. Depending on location, distant peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range rise into view. The private and secluded Camp sits at the edge of the meadow on 40 acres. It offers multiple sites for vista viewing, camping and fire pits set along two seasonal creeks. Available for one camping party's exclusive use, basic camping comforts include picnic tables, metal and stone fire pits, and an out house with a view. Follow the lower creek out from the Camp into the meadow and Valley floor to find a damned swimming hole. Off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, hiking, fishing, water sports, golf, skeet, and the like are available at or near the Camp, as is LTE cellphone and data services. Alpine Valley Campsite is a short distance to Reno, Truckee, Stampede and Boca Reservoirs, and Lake Tahoe. It is located approx. 4.5 miles from Stampede Reservoir, 5.4 miles from the Truckee River in Verdi, and 17 miles from the Boca Reservoir and Truckee River in Truckee. Host highly recommends 4x4/AWD vehicle OR at least 7" of ground clearance, driving slow on dirt and rocky roads (approximately a 25-minute drive from entrance of Toiabye National Forest-Verdi, CA entrance at 5-10 mph), and experience with pack-in, pack-out camping. Detailed welcome letter with local destinations, GPS coordinates, Valley map and links provided upon booking. Nightly rate is for up to two campers; any camping party is limited to eight (8) campers and each additional camper is assessed a guest fee of $44/nt If you'd like to collect wood from the property, simply purchase a bundle of wood when completing your booking. This is a pack-in, pack-out camp. Cabela's located in Verdi for all camping needs. Eats, drinks, market, gas, et cetera, are conveniently located in Verdi, too. Alpine Valley Camp /|\ appreciates the outdoor enthusiasts who have come for one or more adventures. (Note price include 12.5% Sierra County Transient Occupancy Tax)

Booked 5 times

Desert camping, no facilities

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Silver Springs, NV

Learn more about this land:Quiet neighborhood with no light pollution. The desert air is clean and stars quite visible. Some desert critters have permanent residence. Lake Lahontan nearby has lots of activities. A convenience store is just around the corner on 95A & 5th Ave.

Booked 1 time

Off-grid Emu Farm Desert Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents41 acres · Reno, NV

Unplug and unwind at our off-grid desert mini farm near Pyramid Lake and Moonrocks. Speak to your host about learning more about our off-grid living and to visit our emus, chickens, bunnies, and goats. Chat with us about visiting Moonrocks on our private road. Connect with nature and enjoy the desert's beauty. A unique camping experience awaits!

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Washoe Lake State Park

Washoe Lake Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In Washoe Lake State Park

from

$17

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Washoe Lake State Park

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L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

1 site · RV, Tent130 acres · Washoe Valley, NV

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!!

Coachland RV Resort

134 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Truckee, CA

Coachland RV Park is situated in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California and is within close proximity to all the outdoor activities, shopping, and dining that Truckee, CA has to offer. Located at an elevation of 5,996 ft., Coachland RV Park welcomes visitors year-round and is a short distance from Northstar Ski Resort and Squaw Valley. During the summer, visitors can enjoy fishing and watersports on the nearby Truckee River. All the beauty that Lake Tahoe offers is just a short drive away from Coachland RV Park.

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Tedastevastan

2 sites · Tents5 acres · Reno, NV

Our land is 5 wooded acres in pinon / juniper forest. Features include: many walking paths all around the land, lookout point with picnic table for sunset viewing, spectacular starry skies, night time enchanted forest, and an outdoor shower. Historic Virginia City is a 7 mile drive. Downtown Reno is 24 miles away.

Fairyland West

1 site · Tent10 acres · Virginia City, NV

This property is located near The Tahoe National Forest and is in the northern Sierra Nevadas. On the west side, the forest is characterized by steep, rugged canyons and amidst dense pines and firs. Lofty peaks along the Sierra crest provide 5 miles from Virginia City for special events or tourism.

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Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

12 sites · 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. 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.

Cabin On Lake Tahoe

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Tahoe Vista, CA

2 separate 1 bedroom cabins (sleeps up to 8 people) ON THE LAKE at the Tahoe Sands Resort for NYE!! Open from Dec 30 to Jan 5th -- prices vary from $100/night to $400/night Tahoe Sands Resort boasts an unusual Tahoe history. The cottages, built in the 1930s and 40s were once military training barracks, while the lodge was built in the 1960s to accommodate Winter Olympians. Now a comfy basecamp for your Sierra adventures, Tahoe Sands Resort offers an array of suites, 1- and 2- bedroom stand-alone cottages. We are a beachfront property so our units feature some of the best views in Tahoe Vista along with fully stocked kitchens or kitchenettes! The stand-alone cabin was recently updated and is a one bedroom (queen) with a fold out couch in the living room. It has a kitchenette with everything you need to prepare your meals there (all you need is the food). The resort is on the Lake and features a hot tub and sauna for cold snowy nights, as well as a friendly lodge atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to get away with your family or friends.

Booked 4 times

Whites Creek Grounds

1 site · RV2 acres · Reno, NV

2.5 acres of square land near the edge of town. The area is mostly dirt with scattered large rocks. The property has paved access from the road but no power/water/utility hookups just yet. Situated 4 minutes from freeway I-580 (395), this campsite is close enough to town for convenience, yet distant

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Water front on Topaz Lake

1 site · RV, Tent4 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 !!

Camp Markley

20 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Markleeville, CA

Nestled in Alpine county, the ranch is located 30 min from South Lake Tahoe, 20 min from Kirkwood, and 15 min from the Carson River. The county is a haven for fishing, hunting, mountain biking, river rafting, hiking, and skiing. The 35-acre property offers ponds, creeks, natural springs, meadows, pines, aspens, trails, and abundant wildlife.

Reno Basecamp ~Mt Rose ~Tahoe ~WIFI

1 site · RV1 acre · Reno, NV

Thank you for considering our urban basecamp! This is a more traditional RV style gravel parking pad with 1/2 hookups (Water, Power) For long term stays we allow grey water dumping :) The space is next to our garage in a quiet neighborhood and is an excellent spot to recharge or setup for your next adventure. Just 5 minutes off Interstate-80 this is an exceptional spot if you're commuting East or West. There is a small park an easy flat 4 minute walk away that makes for great lounging in the summer. If you're traveling with a pup the parks around the house are great for getting energy out.

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Sugarpine Slopes at Grouse Ridge

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Nevada City, CA

It is on this property that I saw my first grouse. Also look for warblers-notably Audubon's and the Hermit Warblers- along with the White-headed Woodpecker. You will likely hear a Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see one Learn more about this land: Welcome to Sugarpine Slopes. The Sugarpine has the longest cones in the world and many birds and mammals like the pine nuts and use the tree for habitat. This is a spring through fall place only. There is no winter access. The property is at 5800 feet. Depending on the weather the road may close from Nov 15th to May 15th. The road on the property is a dirt road. All wheel drive or 4WD vehicles recommended although the lower section could be accessed by most vehicles. Shorter trailers allowed at Site A. Site 3 can also accommodate a small teardrop-style trailer The property is totally undeveloped at this time. It is a wildlife corridor for deer and bear (keep all food contained), the mountain quail and the blue grouse. Keep your eyes open for the Hermit Warbler, Audubon's Warbler, and our gorgeous visitor from the tropics the Western Tanager. You are likely to hear the Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see it and its red crest in an undulating flight through the trees. The property has a lovely west facing slope which climbs gradually at first then more steeply to the top of the property. We have drive-in camping on the lower section. There is one walk-in site at the top of the property. There is wonderful hiking nearby with several trailheads in the area within approximately 4 miles. More information can be provided upon request.

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Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

1 site · RV, TentReno, NV

We love to pass our free time here in the sunshine and juniper drafts overlooking the Sierras. Some days we watch the electric storms across the valley, other afternoons we picnic and nap while listening to the birds and wind. We love the peace and silence, which feels remarkably remote and only 20 minutes from Reno. Learn more about this land:We would love to share our 12 junipered acres with nature enthusiasts like ourselves. Bring your tent or camper and spend afternoons watching beautiful sunsets and wildlife from our land. Spectacular expansive views across the valley to the Sierras and Mount Rose. Conveniently 15 minutes from South Reno (40 minutes from North Lake Tahoe), the silence and absolute privacy here are restorative and replenishing. We do not have trash collection services available and we ask all guest to practice a “leave no trace” philosophy. **Because of extreme fire risk in our area we ask guests to refrain from having campfires for now. As this area is home to beautiful wildlife (and a few other distant homeowners) please visit with an intent to respect the quiet and privacy that makes this area so pleasurable for us all. Thanks for visiting and enjoy your time!

The best camping near Washoe Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

In Washoe Valley, a small enclave between Reno and Carson City, Washoe Lake State Park features incredible mountain views. The two lakes to the north and south of the park are affectionately called Big and Little by the locals who often visit to go kayaking, try their hand at fishing, or spot wildlife such as wild horses, pelicans, bald eagles, and mule deer. In addition to a boat launch, visitor’s center, and several day-use areas, the park’s sole campground offers 49 campsites for tents and RVs. The campground also features a playground, two comfort stations with showers, a loop with water and utility hookups, and even equestrian facilities with room for trailers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Washoe Lake State Park campground is open all year-round with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of its proximity to town, it can fill up on holiday weekends and in the summer, but if you can get in on a Wednesday or Thursday, you’re more likely to find a spot.

When to go

The best times to visit this year-round park are in late spring, early summer, and fall. Washoe Valley is notorious for its strong winter winds, but there can also be plenty of sunshine even when snow is falling. In late fall, the nearby cottonwoods offer a blaze of color and fewer visitors than seen in summer.

Know before you go

In this high desert climate, the main draw to the park is Washoe Lake. The lake is great for kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing, but during drought years, Big Washoe can dry up in summer. The water usually returns in winter after a few snowstorms.
The park is actually divided into three sections. Big Washoe is home to the campground and the larger lake, Middle Washoe is a protected wetlands area, and Little Washoe is a smaller lake with incredible views of the mountains and ice skating in winter.
Several hiking trails run through the park as well as in the desert foothills. Check out the Dead Man’s Trail, which leads up to a gazebo that overlooks the entire valley, or visit nearby Davis Creek Regional Park to hike the Ophir Creek Trail up to the Tahoe Meadows and the Tahoe Rim Trail.