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Meeks Bay Campground

90%

40 sites · RV, Tent

As you plan your visit, please check out the official campground webpage on the Forest Service website to find information on seasonal closures, any fees, fire alerts and necessary permits. Also remember that many national forest campgrounds are remote, which is what makes them so great, but GPS apps and mapping sites may not be accurate. We recommend that you read and take note of the driving directions and cautions carefully. A special bit of caution to RV’s: you could be in for a bumpy ride, so make sure to do your homework!

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

Explore 601 campgrounds near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%

(2499)

37mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

For everyone’s safety, campers under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and cannot cross the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. STRICT CANCELLATION POLICY - CANCEL WITHIN 8 DAYS TO RECEIVE A REFUND. OR CONTACT HIPCAMP TO CHANGE YOUR DATES. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends, 530-622-1060—hours change. Use caution - twisty, narrow country road. If it's your first time, you might want to check out the route beforehand. 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 onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: Make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in 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 Mosquito Fire Protection District's fire protection efforts and the firefighters of this community. Community volunteers manage the lake for the residents and the Fire Station. 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 27-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Smoke on the Water Diner, which is open on weekends only. 530-622-1060. During your stay, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

95%

(699)

43mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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 our beautiful river canyon. Our property is situated right on the middle fork Cosumnes river. The swimming is awesome and the stars at night will put you into a state of awe! In the area there are 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. We are happy to make suggestions for local hiking areas, like the Devil's Slide "Gorge" only a 15 minute drive but like a trip to mini Yosemite. The Caldor Fire was VERY close to our property and a back burn was initiated nearby the our house (literally 200' away!). Our property became a pivotal point of fighting the fire in our community known as the “Ant Hill Army”. Ask us about the story!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Harris Family Farm and Forest

94%

(564)

32mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our cherished historic family farm, spanning 160 years and 7 generations. Nestled in the serene surroundings of an Apple Hill™ Grower farm, our property offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Choose to camp amidst the lush woods or in our enchanting apple orchard. Spend your days engaging in farm activities, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply unwinding in this idyllic setting. During the harvest season, delight in the experience of hand-picking a variety of fruits and vegetables at their peak of ripeness. Participate in our popular jam making classes held in August, and September for $55 per person, or indulge in a delightful High Tea in the Orchard, hosted on Mother’s Day weekend and June spring afternoons for $45 per person. Be sure to secure your spot early for these sought-after activities, as they tend to fill up rapidly. Our farm is conveniently located near picturesque mountain lakes and charming historic towns, offering ample opportunities for further exploration and discovery. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our farm, where you can enjoy invigorating woodland hikes, lend a hand with farm chores, and partake in our weekend bonfire gatherings featuring s'mores and delectable treats from our pie shop. Don't miss the chance to harvest blackberries, apples, and pumpkins during their respective seasons, adding a touch of seasonal magic to your visit.

Pets

Toilets

Potable water

RockNWater Cove Camping

98%

(792)

46mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with a few close friends or your family, this option is for you. Tucked in along the South Fork of the American River, this beautiful campsite features picnic benches, a propane fire pit with propane included (fire pits help prevent wildfires), and a prep table for fixing up those tasty fireside meals in group sites. Guests also have access to shared bathroom facilities (and yes, there are showers!), volleyball, ping pong, communal benches, a sink and dishwashing station, and a common swimming area along the river. Most sites are within a very short walking distance to the banks of the South Fork of the American River, this place is ideal for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of the foothills and the rush of the river. We offer both tent and RV sites. Each RV site includes its own picnic table, water and 30Amp power hookups. Guests will also have access to our volleyball court, ping pong, communal benches, and a common area with a sink and dishwashing station. Additionally, you can access the swim area and go for a dip to cool off on a hot day. We offer toilets, showers, trash disposal, potable water and more depending on the site you chose. Leashed pets 40 pounds or less are allowed as well. Enjoy biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, climbing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and wildlife watching all nearby, or on site. **Please read rules: 1. Use of or participation in any of the following while on camp grounds is prohibited during your stay: ● Illegal drugs ● Smoking ● Public intoxication ● Fireworks ● No Charcoal 2. Pets/Animals: Guests at our RV sites are permitted to have up to 1 small dog (under 40lbs). Dogs must be leashed at all times when outside the RV. As a courtesy to both staff and fellow guests, please pick up after your pets. 3. Noise Restrictions: Due to policies that govern campgrounds guests are asked to refrain from playing amplified music or running generators. 10PM-8AM quiet hours. 4. Please refrain from cursing or using obscene language, particularly while in the presence of minors. 5. Water Safety: There is no lifeguard on duty. Minors must be supervised by an adult AT ALL TIMES when near the water.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

97%

(250)

42mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Please note: We have three 'Overnighter' sites these are instant book for weary travelers and not meant as full on camping sites. Site 1 and site 2 Antelope or #3 please refrain from booking unless you are traveling through - All other camp sites require a minimum of 24 hours notice this allows for getting the sites ready - so if you want to camp here please note this requirement If you are traveling w a bumper pull of any type you need to book Big Rig ( soon to be named Art Camp) this is our only pull through camp site all others only tiny teardrops, cassettes, tents, vans, cars, or cab overs. If you need an instant book please reach out by text we will try an accommodate 775-221/0001 text please Bobcat is great for tents, cars, vans, small trucks, no bumper pulls Camping here is low activity experience as in there is hiking up in the National Forest or just hanging out in your camp site, or bring your camera, notebook and binoculars, or road bike. When you come to camp here you are on a 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 fresh veggies contact Prema Farm one day BEFORE arrival - Please come visit in April May and June it is some of the most green and lush times in the high desert. It can also bring snow, winds, and rain. Be prepared- look at the forecast and contact me directly if you have concerns If fall is your thing prepare for cool Nights but incredible sunsets and sunrises/ 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, gardens in the process of creation, snakes, bugs, ticks, and wild animals. 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.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Roughlands

96%

(88)

44mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Escape to 38 serene acres of forested beauty in Nevada City, CA. Enjoy two cozy glamping platforms, a peaceful tent site, or an RV spot. Unwind in our charming bath house with a flushing toilet, steam shower, and outdoor hot tub. Nature, comfort, and tranquility await your perfect getaway.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

96%

(405)

41mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. We have running water on the side of the winery building. 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.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Manzanita Mountain

96%

(42)

44mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Our property boasts 10 acres of private land nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, while being conveniently located 7 minutes off highway 80. On a hillside full of mature oak, pine, and manzanita trees, Manzanita Mountain currently has five individual campsites, a community fire pit, and a bathhouse with two showers, sinks, and new porta-potties. Almost a mile of trails weave through a private forest on half of the property. Each spacious campsite has its own fire pit, water supply, food storage, and level surfaces to spread out your camp stove and gear. Or if you don’t feel like cooking, Auburn and Colfax are a 20 min drive or less with many great restaurant options. Manzanita Mountain is ideally located near excellent hiking and water activities too. Perfect for couples, families, or groups of families to enjoy the outdoors.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Foothill Ridge

95%

(170)

39mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV

Home of Mama Earth Farm, this 20 acre foothill property offers a rural but accessible location to connect with nature. Enjoy a simple place to call home after exploring the many nearby activities such as swimming in the local rivers, rock climbing, bike riding, hiking and wine tasting. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent under the shade of an old oak tree. Clean, level, soft tent spaces are maintained and the meadow grasses are trimmed. Enjoy easy access from the road and the serenity of the night in the foothills. No lights, just a dark sky of stars. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset from this spot with a huge canyon overlook a couple hundred feet away from your tent. The Caldor fire burned several acres of this property in 2021 which makes the landscape pretty interesting, especially from the elevated sky deck platform that looks over the cany Organic produce is available from the farm (like you can walk out and pick something yummy in your bare feet) Visually private, pretty quite, and simply beautiful.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

King Madrone

94%

(40)

38mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 3 sites

Learn more about this land: Tent sites are next to the pear orchard. Choose any site. There is no need to meet with the host when you arrive. Follow the red arrows. Do not proceed the home located at 1071 Fruitridge. Look for the Hipcamp sign and red arrow markers and turn left into the orchard lane. Check in is 4pm. You need to check in by 7pm during the summer. Or pay the Flex fee. Use google maps and locate 1071 Fruitridge Rd in Placerville, CA. When you get to 1071, which is a house on the right side of the paved driveway, look for our Hipcamp sign in red, turn hard right into the orchard and follow the red arrows past a wood barn, and up to a small red shed. At this point you may camp in the meadow next to the shed or you may proceed to the next meadow over to the left (follow red arrows and look for umbrellas). We normally only have one site occupied per evening. Ocaisonally two sites will be occupied. The sites are very private and quiet as this is a large, private ranch. You can park close to your tent site. 2WD / 4WD access weather permitting. We offer 3 sites in a large meadow area. Max of 4 persons per site. RV's welcome but we do not have hookups. RV's will be parked next to our barns surrounded by pear orchards. Fresh drinking water is available in the tent meadow area. Hot showers are now available at $10 extra per nite per site (two people). Late check in after 6pm, $10 flex fee. A gas BBQ is now available at a common area. Please don't move the BBQ. Deer, wild turkeys, geese aplenty. Ample walking opportunities on our ranch and wild forestlands and amazing granite rock outcrops. Visit the South Fork of the American River (you can raft in summer!) Hunt for old gold mines on our place and, maybe, find some new ones! Go wine tasting very close by (Lava Cap, Madrone, Boeger) and visit Sutter's Mill in Coloma, where gold was discovered back in 1848. If you arrive late check in at night, scope out the area with a flashlight first and know how you will drive down thru the orchard to the campsite area in the meadow. People have gotten stuck at night turning the wrong way, especially in the wet season. Follow the red arrows to the campsite area. Stay on the pavement until you know where you are driving!

Pets

Toilets

Showers

HOME OF THE ZIN MAN

98%

(25)

41mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Tent, RV, Trailor or Truck Bed. Firepit & picnic table in each spot. 2 bthrms no showers. If its mobile and you can sleep in it, Your welcome Here! Many hidden spots. We want your stay to be one to remember! Dark Forest Estate Home to the Zin Man! Award winning Wines family Owned and Operated. No obligations to taste. ( WE RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY) Lush Forests, park. creek, vineyards. Many local activities. inquire within Friendly and Spirited we are here at the Home of the Zin man... Max days allowed 10 Max pet 2 per site Sincerely, Dark ForestEstate!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Camp Nauvoo

98%

(1279)

40mi from Meeks Bay Campground · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We are a small privately owned campground ( 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 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 set . 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 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.

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Campfires

More to explore nearby

90%

21 ratings · 6 reviews

Not recommend

· July 2025

So slammed

With kids

Way way way too busy.. Customer service is a joke and there so slammed thst they just don't care..

Recommends

· December 2018

Beachside camping with a little store that is cute!

Recommends

· October 2018

Weather can change from warm to cool and rain

July 2018

Meeks Bay is congested and isn’t the most peaceful campsite. If you are okay with having a packed campground then I highly recommend it due to its location! You are right next to the lake, and our campground hosts were extremely kind and friendly. Lake Tahoe is a great place to be; there are a few Market/Delis which have lines out the door for food and beverages. We recommend driving into Tahoma and go to that market the food there is amazing. Also bring some cash so you can rent a kayak from the campground hosts instead of having to drive further. Reasonable price at $35 for the day compared to $80-$100. So great hikes as well if you drive further North such as Eagle Rock Trail. This is less then a mile up and the views are worth it.

June 2016

Also - this campground does accept bookings and is generally booked up so do not expect to be able to walk in.

June 2016

Best part about this campground is that it has great beach access - all sites are just a short stroll away from the lake. Unfortunately, the sites are pretty small and tightly packed, so there is not much privacy. The campground is also really close to Highway 89 which makes it pretty loud during the day - you can hear the cars zooming by. Not a bad place to stay if you want to explore the Tahoe area but definitely not a campsite at which I would recommend spending too much time.

LocationMeeks Bay Campground, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California, United States

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What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Best RV camping near me

Best glamping near me