94% (378) • 83 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carnelian Bay
Village Camp Truckee
1. Village Camp Truckee
88%
(98)
8.9mi from Carnelian Bay · 134 sites · RVs, Lodging
Village Camp Truckee is nestled in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California, offering easy access to the best outdoor activities, shopping, and dining Truckee, CA, has to offer. Situated at nearly 6,000 ft., Village Camp Truckee is open year-round, making it the perfect basecamp for winter sports enthusiasts headed to Northstar or Palisades Tahoe, and for those looking to enjoy mild summer days fishing or exploring the Truckee River. Just a short drive from the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe, Village Camp Truckee also features modern cabins and RV sites surrounded by majestic redwoods, thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
Wisdom eco-preserve
2. Wisdom eco-preserve
96%
(266)
46mi from Carnelian Bay · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$80
/ night
Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF
3. Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF
98%
(139)
34mi from Carnelian Bay · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property.
As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview).
There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Beckwourth Peak High Camp
4. Beckwourth Peak High Camp
44mi from Carnelian Bay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Beckwourth Peak High Camp — Lost Sierra Retreat in Iron Horse, California
Escape to the breathtaking Sierra Nevada at Beckwourth Peak High Camp, a unique outdoor getaway perched on 60 acres of off‑grid forest land with sweeping mountain and valley views. This peaceful retreat blends adventure and comfort, making it a perfect base for hikers, mountain bikers, gravel riders, families, and anyone who loves wide‑open spaces and fresh mountain air.
Choose from rustic cabins, a spacious yurt, or campground sites set among towering pines and open meadows. All guests have access to a shaded communal deck, a campfire area perfect for starry nights, a modern bathhouse with hot showers, and fast Starlink Wi‑Fi in common areas.
Outdoor lovers will find endless ways to explore the Lost Sierra. Step right onto hiking and mountain biking routes, tackle Beckwourth Peak Trail for panoramic ridge views, or cruise scenic gravel roads popular with bikepackers and adventure riders. You’re also just minutes from the town of Portola and nearby lakes, rivers, and forest trails.
Whether you’re seeking peaceful solitude, exciting trail adventures, or quality time with family around the campfire, Beckwourth Peak High Camp offers a memorable mountain getaway with something for everyone.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$75
/ night
94% (378) • 83 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carnelian Bay
Village Camp Truckee
1. Village Camp Truckee
88%
(98)
8.9mi from Carnelian Bay · 134 sites · RVs, Lodging
Village Camp Truckee is nestled in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California, offering easy access to the best outdoor activities, shopping, and dining Truckee, CA, has to offer. Situated at nearly 6,000 ft., Village Camp Truckee is open year-round, making it the perfect basecamp for winter sports enthusiasts headed to Northstar or Palisades Tahoe, and for those looking to enjoy mild summer days fishing or exploring the Truckee River. Just a short drive from the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe, Village Camp Truckee also features modern cabins and RV sites surrounded by majestic redwoods, thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
Wisdom eco-preserve
2. Wisdom eco-preserve
96%
(266)
46mi from Carnelian Bay · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$80
/ night
Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF
3. Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF
98%
(139)
34mi from Carnelian Bay · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property.
As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview).
There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Beckwourth Peak High Camp
4. Beckwourth Peak High Camp
44mi from Carnelian Bay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Beckwourth Peak High Camp — Lost Sierra Retreat in Iron Horse, California
Escape to the breathtaking Sierra Nevada at Beckwourth Peak High Camp, a unique outdoor getaway perched on 60 acres of off‑grid forest land with sweeping mountain and valley views. This peaceful retreat blends adventure and comfort, making it a perfect base for hikers, mountain bikers, gravel riders, families, and anyone who loves wide‑open spaces and fresh mountain air.
Choose from rustic cabins, a spacious yurt, or campground sites set among towering pines and open meadows. All guests have access to a shaded communal deck, a campfire area perfect for starry nights, a modern bathhouse with hot showers, and fast Starlink Wi‑Fi in common areas.
Outdoor lovers will find endless ways to explore the Lost Sierra. Step right onto hiking and mountain biking routes, tackle Beckwourth Peak Trail for panoramic ridge views, or cruise scenic gravel roads popular with bikepackers and adventure riders. You’re also just minutes from the town of Portola and nearby lakes, rivers, and forest trails.
Whether you’re seeking peaceful solitude, exciting trail adventures, or quality time with family around the campfire, Beckwourth Peak High Camp offers a memorable mountain getaway with something for everyone.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$75
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Marcos
2 weeks ago
19 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Excellent showers. Very well organized. Great and super confortable lounge
See more
S
Scott
October 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With pets
Small space, but adequate. The bathrooms, however, we're on another level! The water pressure was to die for, and the facilities & amenaties (club house, common area, etc) were awesome as well.
Will stay here again.
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R
Rick
October 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great place among the pine trees. Alex offered us an upgraded corner spot that was private and convenient. Thank you so much!
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L
Lori
September 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Wonderful site among the trees! Kelley welcomed us and gave us a tour of all the amenities. The camp was full that night, but very quiet and peaceful, we didn’t hear any of our neighbors. Would definitely book again!
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N
N
September 2025
29 ft travel trailer
We greatly enjoyed staying at Village Camp Truckee. The staff was super friendly. The campground is beautiful; well maintained, grassy dog parks, fabulous playground and clubhouse. Very family friendly. Close to Truckee & Donner. Also, a delicious breakfast on Saturday, prepared with love.
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Luis
September 2025
17 ft campervan
Kelley is the type of host you will like to have at every stay during your trip. The communication with him second to none. And although I could stay at his placed because I forgot my medications at my other stay which prompted me to go back. I am pretty sure his placed will a reflection of his personality just great. Thank you Kelly for looking out for us thank you
See moreS
Sarita
September 2025
16 ft car
Bright Bear Camp was a forested dreamland. Lovely amenities, great spot for our tent, and a warm welcome from Kelley.
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S
Shawna
September 2025
24 ft travel trailer
The site was very clean and well maintained. It was also very spacious for an RV site. The host was very welcoming and helpful when it came to all of the activities that were happening over the weekend. Our site was towards the back of the park, so it was pretty quiet. We will definitely be planning another stay with a slightly larger group!
See moreA
April
August 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Beautiful property, peaceful and quiet. Outdoor shower with perfect water temp! Host was kind and very responsive to messages. Definitely recommend.
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S
Sara
August 2025
42 ft travel trailer
Awesome site for easy hook up and easy out. Hosts were all extremely friendly. The events were awesome. Definitely will be back.
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S
Sharon
August 2025
25 ft travel trailer
Great campground, we maintained - close to downtown Truckee with great restaurants, bars and shops.
My only negative is that we were so close to the site next to us that we could have served coffee to them through the windows!
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J
John
August 2025
Tent
I had a wonderful stay. Adam was very helpful and responsive. A lot of care is being out into the grounds. The hot showers worked well, and the roads were maintained well enough that my low clearance car had no issues driving to and around the site.
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P
Paul
August 2025
21 ft travel trailer
i loved the wooded view it was relaxing it was calm to me it was the best view at the park
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Rae
August 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
Very clean campground. Well kept and well organized.
Sites were fairly close together but it remained quiet.
The Friday night movie was great and an unexpected surprise. Then there was a free breakfast Saturday morning that was amazing. There was everything you could think of for breakfast!
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Richard
July 2025
20 ft campervan
We actually got upgraded to a better spot than the originally booked spot at 79. Management was nice enough to provide us the available option to move to a quieter spot on the outer boundary (#107). This was our 1st stay with Village Camp and we were pleasantly surprised by its convenience, comforts and amenities for a RV Park. Really appreciated the cleanliness of the bathrooms/showers, the comfortable club house accessible to all and of course the service by the front office--all great! Will definitely stay again for our van stays in Truckee.
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J
Jolie
July 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
Kelley's spot was awesome! It was a beautiful and peaceful spot with lots of amenities carefully thought out. Kelley was friendly and warm and happy to help us out when we needed a simple kitchen item that we didn't have. Thank you so much, Kelley!
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Jared
July 2025
22 ft Class A
Group trip
2 night stopover for us and our RV on a Cali roadtrip, all the services for hook up. We arrived late after a long drive from Yosemite, seamless late check-in with info on email, very nice helpful folk running the site, good showers, nice clubhouse, all tidy, clean and spacious, topped up our propane ..cant ask for anything more! Hope to stay longer next time.
We used this site location close to Truckee for a day out (hour drive) to Lake Tahoe and Sugar Pine Point state park which was a beauty, nice swim and time on the beach, relaxing on our last day ..it was also convenient for the long drive back early morning to Fremont to return RV before flying back to UK
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Anjeleah
July 2025
16 ft car
With pets
I can’t say enough good things about Kelley! We forgot our tent and our grill wasn’t working… Kelley to the rescue! She let us rent a camping stove/pans and a tent last minute. She checked in on us but we had a lot of privacy. Other guests were respectful and there were no issues with neighbors being loud. Really wonderful amenities- her bathrooms and outdoor shower and sauna options are great. We loved our stay here- the property was stunning and so close to emerald pools. Be sure to bring bug spray or a thermocell! We will be back!!!
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Owen
July 2025
Tent
I enjoyed my time here - the woods were pretty, there's lots of hiking right by the campsite, and warm showers are a nice touch. It feels pretty isolated, which I like - I didn't see the hosts the whole time I was there, and there were no other campers there when I was. There's a lot of wide open space and a lot of hiking trails - it's the woods! Felt like there were lots of opportunities for solitude.
There's a structure right by the campsite that's clearly still being worked on, but luckily, no work was being done on it while I was there, so it wasn't a disturbance. The lake/pond was definitely dried up - would have been nice to swim considering how hot it was, but it's not far to plenty of swimming holes.
The main criticism I'd give is the price point—$80 a night seems expensive for access to a place to set up a tent. I've seen plenty of "glamping" options on Hipcamp that provide a tiny house or a yurt for around that price. I think about half that price would be a much more reasonable offering.
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Lauren & Noah
July 2025
55 ft Class A
With pets
Near lots of cool Lake Tahoe spots! Our campground neighbors were all friendly, as was the staff! Recommend if needing some level ground to park your rig on near Lake Tahoe!
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