The best cave camping in Lake Tahoe

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Straddling the California and Nevada border, North America’s largest and second deepest Alpine lake is also one of its prettiest, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and towering pine forests. With 72 miles of shoreline, beaches and coves, charming towns, miles of hiking trails and bike paths, and 15 area ski resorts, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them occupied year-round. There are a wide range of Lake Tahoe camping options for every type of camper—from tent sites and full hookup RV sites with lake views to cabins and yurts in the woods. 

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Tahoe

1. 70+ Acre Historic Goldmine Mountain

2 sites · Lodging · Dutch Flat, CA
Scenic 70-Acre Campsite with Forest Trails, Cliffs, Lake Access, and Historic Gold Mine Caves Welcome to your next unforgettable camping adventure! Nestled in the heart of historic Dutch Flat, California, this private 70-acre paradise offers campers a rare chance to explore rugged forests, hidden trails, rocky cliffs, and real historic gold mine caves — all in total privacy and surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Wake up to the sound of rustling pines and birdsong, spend your day hiking winding trails or exploring the old gold mine entrances tucked into the hillsides, and cool off with a swim in our private lakefront area, complete with sunny rocks perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. This is a perfect spot for campers looking to truly disconnect and experience the raw beauty of Northern California’s mountain country — without the crowds. Whether you’re pitching a tent in a shady forest clearing, setting up camp by the water, or parking your van in one of our open meadow spots, you’ll have space to roam, explore, and make your own adventure. Amenities: • 70 acres of private land to explore • Forest trails, rocky cliffs, and mining caves • Lake/swimming hole with sunny shoreline • Designated campfire rings (where permitted) • Rustic outhouse-style restrooms available • Easy vehicle access to most sites • Pet-friendly — bring your adventurous dogs! • Stargazing at night with minimal light pollution Things to Know: • This is true back-to-nature camping — no hookups • 4WD not required, but recommended for adventurous spots • Pack it in, pack it out — help us keep the land beautiful • Quiet hours after 9PM to preserve the peacefulness of nature • Families, solo adventurers, and small groups welcome Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, a basecamp for Sierra Nevada adventures, or a unique group camping experience, our 70-acre property invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature. Book your stay with us today — your next great story starts here!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$70
 / night

Straddling the California and Nevada border, North America’s largest and second deepest Alpine lake is also one of its prettiest, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and towering pine forests. With 72 miles of shoreline, beaches and coves, charming towns, miles of hiking trails and bike paths, and 15 area ski resorts, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them occupied year-round. There are a wide range of Lake Tahoe camping options for every type of camper—from tent sites and full hookup RV sites with lake views to cabins and yurts in the woods. 

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Tahoe

1. 70+ Acre Historic Goldmine Mountain

2 sites · Lodging · Dutch Flat, CA
Scenic 70-Acre Campsite with Forest Trails, Cliffs, Lake Access, and Historic Gold Mine Caves Welcome to your next unforgettable camping adventure! Nestled in the heart of historic Dutch Flat, California, this private 70-acre paradise offers campers a rare chance to explore rugged forests, hidden trails, rocky cliffs, and real historic gold mine caves — all in total privacy and surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Wake up to the sound of rustling pines and birdsong, spend your day hiking winding trails or exploring the old gold mine entrances tucked into the hillsides, and cool off with a swim in our private lakefront area, complete with sunny rocks perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. This is a perfect spot for campers looking to truly disconnect and experience the raw beauty of Northern California’s mountain country — without the crowds. Whether you’re pitching a tent in a shady forest clearing, setting up camp by the water, or parking your van in one of our open meadow spots, you’ll have space to roam, explore, and make your own adventure. Amenities: • 70 acres of private land to explore • Forest trails, rocky cliffs, and mining caves • Lake/swimming hole with sunny shoreline • Designated campfire rings (where permitted) • Rustic outhouse-style restrooms available • Easy vehicle access to most sites • Pet-friendly — bring your adventurous dogs! • Stargazing at night with minimal light pollution Things to Know: • This is true back-to-nature camping — no hookups • 4WD not required, but recommended for adventurous spots • Pack it in, pack it out — help us keep the land beautiful • Quiet hours after 9PM to preserve the peacefulness of nature • Families, solo adventurers, and small groups welcome Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, a basecamp for Sierra Nevada adventures, or a unique group camping experience, our 70-acre property invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature. Book your stay with us today — your next great story starts here!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$70
 / night

Public campgrounds in and near Lake Tahoe

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best cave camping in Lake Tahoe guide

Where to go

South Shore

The South Shore is home to lively South Lake Tahoe, full of restaurants, shops, lodging options, and casinos across the state line. Options include the opportunity to stay in a tent, RV, or cabin, many of which come complete with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, hot showers, and dump stations. Just outside of town, historic Camp Richardson offers tent and RV sites and cabins, along with sports rentals from bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards to snowshoes and cross-country skis. Near the Tallac Historic Site, find the Fallen Leaf Campground with campsites and yurts in the woods just north of Fallen Leaf Lake.

West Shore

The West Shore is home to some of the most scenic Lake Tahoe campgrounds and parks, including Emerald Bay State Park. Camp at Eagle Point Campground, on a promontory overlooking the bay, or spend the night at a boat-in campground right on the shore. D.L. Bliss State Park offers several campgrounds, including one near Lester Beach. Additional public options include the Meeks Bay Campground and the campground at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. To escape the crowds, head into Desolation Wilderness in Eldorado National Forest.

North Shore

The North Shore stretches from Tahoe City to Incline Village and includes several charming towns in between, with shops, restaurants, and beaches. Just south of Tahoe City, William Kent Campground offers yurts, cabins, and tent sites, while Kaspian Campgrounds offers tent-only campsites. Camp right by the lake at the Tahoe State Recreation Area, or head inland from Lake Tahoe to find camping options along the Truckee River toward Truckee and high up on Mount Rose.

East Shore

The east shore is Tahoe’s least developed area, home to the popular Sand Harbor beach and East Shore trail on the northern end. Halfway down the shore, find camping options near Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, including backcountry cabins and three developed hike-in campgrounds. Further south, Zephyr Cove Resort offers cabins, tent and RV sites, and scenic lake cruises. Near Stateline, camp with your motorhome or pitch a tent within walking distance of the lake and amenities at Nevada Beach Campground.

East Shore

The east shore is Tahoe’s least developed area, home to the popular Sand Harbor beach and East Shore trail on the northern end. Halfway down the shore, find camping options near Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, including backcountry cabins and three developed hike-in campgrounds. Further south, Zephyr Cove Resort offers cabins, tent and RV sites, and scenic lake cruises. Near Stateline, camp with your motorhome or pitch a tent within walking distance of the lake and amenities at Nevada Beach Campground.