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 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

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

85%

(20)

Camp Richardson

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

100%

(9)

William Kent Campground

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

95%

(20)

Meeks Bay Campground

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

Kaspian Campground

9 sites In Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

97%

(38)

Fallen Leaf Campground

188 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

Nevada Beach Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents 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

from

$17

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

95%

(1686)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA

*BOOK EARLY* The campground is closed until April 1st. **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH*** **TRAILERS AND RVs MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD** 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 right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED. 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 offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you 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. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents 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, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVS/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions. Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.

95%

(21)

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!!

98%

(181)

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. 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.

95%

(173)

Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

9 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!

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.

96%

(34)

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 !!

96%

(606)

Harris Family Farm and Forest

7 sites · Tents125 acres · Pollock Pines, CA

Enjoy our peaceful historic family farm (160 years and 7 generations). We are an Apple Hill(tm) Grower farm away from the congestion and traffic. Camp in the woods or near the farm in the Christmas trees. Spend a day helping on the farm, hiking in the woods or just relaxing. You pick fruit and vegetables available in season. We offer jam making classes in July, August and September $30 per person. Join us for High Tea in the Orchard once a month through the summer $40 per person. Sign up early for these activites they fill up quickly. Our farm is near many mountain lakes and historic towns. Looking forward to having you visit our farm.Enjoy hikes in the woods or help on the farm. On weekends, we have an evening bonfire with s'mores and goodies from our pie shop. You pick blackberries, apples and pumpkins available in season.

98%

(934)

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.

100%

(1)

Ancient Native American Forest

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Placerville, CA

Welcome! When visiting El Dorado's Wine and Gold Country, we invite you to stay at our small chicken-and-hog ranch that sits on land that was once settled by the Miwok People of the Sierras. Here you will find ancient grinding stones and a rock-lined trail along abandoned summertime swimming holes. At the base of this rustic escape, you will find a cascading waterfall that was surely admired then as it is now. Invite your friends and family to explore these ancient living grounds and animal ranch that boasts towering oak, pine and cedar forests. There is also a mile-long seasonal stream that meanders down the property along carved granite rock formations. Miles of hiking trails give access to opportunities for recreational activities like mountain biking, mushroom foraging, birdwatching, ancient native-village-site exploration, nature-gathering, and bush-crafting. If you are a forager, keep an eye out for Lion's Mane mushrooms which you can find growing on fallen and dying oak trees. In the summertime, be prepared to pick wild raspberries which grow and ripen along the creek. Our ranch is a natural habitat to a diverse wildlife population that includes quail, turkey, deer, and bear. Our herds of sheep, goat, hogs and chicken vary with the season but they are usually "just hanging around" the farm eating the spoils of a forest rich in life and forage. When guests are around, they are usually kept in their pens where they get to relax with their all-you-can-eat dine-in buffet of non-gmo grains, grass and forage. There is tent and RV space access for overnight and multiple-day recreational trips however there is no gray or black water dumping on the property. This is an ideal spot for a private group/family getaway so come enjoy a rustic retreat that you, your friends and family can build strong memories around. Contact us for multiple site rentals and coordination prior to your booking to ensure an exceptional stay. Somerset, CA is located in wine country and is within minutes of award-winning wineries and farm-to-fork eateries so you and your guests can enjoy the best of both worlds on and off-site. There are popular local swimming holes along the Middlefork of the Cosumnes River a short 5-minute drive and a scenic pond for kayaking, canoeing and fishing within 10 minutes of the ranch. We are less than an hour away from Sacramento and about an hour away from Tahoe just below the snowline.

100%

(56)

160 Acres amidst National Forest

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Placerville, CA

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront year-round on Slab Creek. Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded, magical forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. Pitch a tent or park your RV at your choice of locations with amazing views and total seclusion. Spend the day relaxing, picnicking, and try your luck at gold panning on pristine Slab Creek where not a single human or road exists for miles. Pitch a tent next to Slab Creek and spend an entire night bathed in the sounds of the rushing water and enchanted forest surrounding you. Plan a retreat. Plan a family reunion. Plan a hunting trip with the boys. Bring your motorless watercraft and spend an afternoon at Stumpy Meadows, a beautiful mountain reservoir a 25 minute drive from the property. Apple Hill wineries and farms are a 40 minute drive. If you bring the off-road toys you also have access to miles of trails throughout hundreds of acres of national forest. Don’t feel like cooking? Frank’s Diner on Finnon reservoir in Swansboro is a quick 20 minute drive from the property. If you need supplies, a nice restaurant, or a day of wine tasting to break up the grit, Downtown Placerville and Georgetown are both a 45 minute scenic drive. **Coming Spring 2024 there will be three sites available to book on the property: (1) a drive-in tent/RV site, (2) a drive-in furnished bell tent, and (3) a hike-in furnished wall tent. If you are booking the main site for spring 2024 onward, please be aware that there may be up to two additional parties camping on the property at that time. However, the three campsites are each in separate areas so you will likely not encounter the other parties except in passing on the road to/from the creek.** IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: 1) For ease of access, and to get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD vehicle with clearance. 2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.3 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep in parts. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV for easy access to creek. If your vehicle is 4WD you can drive approximately 1 mile down, park and hike the remaining .3 mile to the creek. 3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, rattlesnakes, etc have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak can also be spotted in certain areas. 4) The property has cell service on the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service.

61%

(18)

Big Yeti Tiny Village

8 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Washington, CA

As you know Hipcamp lets you book and enjoy your travel plans seamlessly, So....We make every effort to be open year round, even in a blizzard. Please make sure you are equipped completely for your perfect stay over. This is a Mountain Location please check local weather conditions before you arrive. This is located 25 minutes from Truckee. Emigrant Gap has some hidden GEMS. The State park at the end of the road hosts the North Fork of the North Fork of the American River and its water Fall. Bowman Lake and Yuba Gap reservoir are one exit away. This small camping area backs up to 100,000 acres of Tahoe National forest. You can walk to a restaurant with regular bathrooms and wifi. Here we have out door compost toilet and cold out door shower. ATM we are nothing special. Lots of cool things to do minutes from here, but we mainly boast a safe place to park on your journey. Historic and epic rock climbing is minutes from your campsite. Also there are 4 ski destinations less then 20 minutes from us. fishing lakes can be hiked to. Quads, snow mobiles, xcountry skiing, hiking, downhill and horse back riding can all happen without getting back on the freeway. September 1, 2023. In and effort to make stayovers more comfortable, Site 4 and 5 are being removed and site 6 is being modified to host a full time 34Ft RV available for nightly use.

98%

(89)

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.

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.