A-frames near Kirkwood with fishing

A small resort town surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests offers some of Tahoe’s best snow.

100% (45 reviews)

United States
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California
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Kirkwood

100% (45 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kirkwood

Top a frames sites near kirkwood with fishing

99%

(61)

Little Arnold A-Frame

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Arnold, CA

Arnold is well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a convenient base for your adventures in the Sierras. If you haven't been to Arnold and Gold Country, there is so much to explore! The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're just a 5-minute walk to the Arnold Rim Trail (with 30+ miles of hiking), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re 2 hours from Yosemite, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. Or you can can always just relax with a view in the cabin. Learn more about this land: Our classic 1970s A-frame cabin offers a simple space of retreat with lovely light, view of the trees and uncluttered decor. Great for couples and also solo travelers! Please note there is a 2 night minimum on weekends (if overlaps with a Fri or Sat) and a 3 night minimum for holiday weekends. We're well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a base for your adventures in the Sierras. There's lots to explore nearby with Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest within minutes, lakes, skiing, mountain towns and wine-tasting, or just relax at the cabin and take in the view. The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're a 5-minute walk to the Stanislaus National Forest/Arnold Rim Trail (we provide a custom map for nearby hikes), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine and Utica and Union lakes. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re ~2 hours from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. We do our best here to strike a balance between simple amenities and comfort. A reminder that we are in the country, so the cabin is best suited to those who like a more rustic getaway. There is no AC, television, or microwave. We've gone without a TV and landline, but WiFi means you can stream to your own devices and make WiFi calls on your cell. We have loads of board games and puzzles. The kitchen has pots/pans/kettle, toaster, mini waffle iron, Brita pitcher, and rice cooker. For coffee drinkers, we have a coffee grinder, french press and pour over dripper. Help yourself to organic coffee and tea! The cabin is mainly heated by a gas fireplace (looks like a wood stove, but does not need wood). We recommend bringing layers and slippers in the winter while the cabin warms up. Like most cabins in the area, there is no AC, but we provide room fans. Cell reception is unreliable throughout the Sierras except for Verizon, however at the cabin, WiFi calls are available through all carriers --to make calls, enable the setting on your cell phone. The cabin comfortably fits 4 people, with 1 bedroom, a sleeping loft (no door) and 1.5 bathrooms. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, and the loft has a full-size mattress and its own half bathroom. We have a flat parking pad instead of a driveway, which makes things easier in the winter months. The rental rate covers a professional cleaning fee and linens and towels! Guests will need to take their garbage and recycling with them to the local refuse center which is on the way out.

A-frames near Kirkwood with fishing guide

Overview

South of Lake Tahoe, the small resort town of Kirkwood is centered around the Kirkwood Ski Resort. Its location along the Sierra Crest ensures some of the deepest and driest snow in the region, while the resort’s more than 2,000 acres of extreme terrain make it a local favorite. In the summer, the resort offers lift-assisted mountain biking, hiking, and disc golf. Surrounded by alpine lakes and national forests, boating, paddling, fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding are also popular activities. Plenty of scenic campgrounds can be found just a short distance away, particularly for those who enjoy camping near a lake or in the forest.

Where to go

Kirkwood and Carson Pass Area

Several camping options can be found just outside of Kirkwood, including developed forest service campgrounds at Caples Lake, Kirkwood Lake, Silver Lake, and Woods Lake, and PG&E campgrounds at Blue Lakes. Further east, the Hope Valley, Kit Carson, and Crystal Springs campgrounds are situated along the west fork of the Carson River. For hot springs and camping, head to Grover Hot Springs State Park, near Markleeville. Additional campsites can be found at the BLM-run Indian Creek Reservoir and Turtle Rock County Park.

National Forests

Kirkwood is surrounded by the Eldorado National Forest, which offers nearly 600,000 acres of forest, lakes, and fishable rivers and streams, in addition to more than 50 developed campgrounds and plenty of dispersed camping options. Two wilderness areas, Mokelumne just south of Kirkwood and Desolation to the north, in particular offer excellent backcountry camping options. Additional camping options can be found in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to the east of Kirkwood, and the Stanislaus National Forest, further south.

Lake Tahoe

Kirkwood is just 35 miles south of scenic Lake Tahoe, with its 72 miles of shoreline. Dozens of beaches, parks, and great camping options surround the lake. For easy access to the lake and amenities, head to Campground by the Lake and historic Camp Richardson near South Lake Tahoe, or Nevada Beach and Zephyr Cove on the Nevada side of the lake. Or spend the night overlooking Emerald Bay at Eagle Point, or by the beach at D.L. Bliss State Park. Fallen Leaf Lake also offers a campground and yurts. Additional options can be found on the west and north shore of the lake.

When to go

Winter is the most popular time at Kirkwood, with most visitors drawn by the abundant snowfall and quality terrain. Camping options are very limited over the winter, and storms can shut down roads and passes. Summer is another popular time to visit for mountain biking. The Markleeville Death Ride is held every July. Visit in the spring for wildflowers and fall for golden aspens, particularly around Hope Valley and the Monitor Pass area.

Know before you go

Kirkwood is situated at 7,800 feet. Other recreation areas and campsites in the region are at higher elevations. Be aware of potential altitude issues.
There is no public transportation to Kirkwood. You’ll want a vehicle to explore the area. In winter, an AWD/4WD drive vehicle and chains are a must.
Campfire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds. Fire restrictions may limit or prohibit fires entirely.
Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear-proof container away from your tent.
Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 or over in California and 18 and over in Nevada.