Private 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. 

98% (266) 22 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Lake Tahoe

160 Acres amidst National Forest

1. 160 Acres amidst National Forest

98%
(100)
Placerville, CA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront on Slab Creek. There are two choices of sites to camp: At Site 1 you can park an RV or pitch a tent where you have access to a picnic table, fire pit, vault toilet, and amazing sunset views. At Site 2 you can pitch a tent and have access to a picnic table, fire pit, rocking chairs, and a hammock. Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. 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. Bring your paddle boards and kayaks 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? Smoke on the Water restaurant at 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. IMPORTANT NOTES:  1) To get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD or vehicle, ATVs or eBikes. 2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.5 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep and lined with blackberry bushes. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV or eBikes for easy access to creek. 3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and tics have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak is also common.   4) The property has cell service in the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service. 5) We highly recommend bringing a chainsaw or hatchet. There is an abundance of dead wood on the property that can be gathered for camp fires. Trees also occasionally fall on the trail which can impede access to the creek.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$68
 / night
Om Sweet Om Farm

2. Om Sweet Om Farm

100%
(8)
Grass Valley, CA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Om Sweet Om Farms. We are a local couple who have moved away from Los Angeles and come to the country to start our homestead. We offer a forest escape and farm experience with goats, chickens, ducks and more. If you don't have room to bring food, no problem, you can add on Plant Based Ayurvedic catering during your stay. whether you are looking to stay a week in our premium glamping tent and experience Rollins lake and the Yuba River, or stoping through and need a camping spot for the night; we offer a clean, private and spiritual space to restore your senses. Lastly stop by the ceremony space and meditate among the pines and oaks or take a dip in the cold plunge while overlooking the scenic ridge lines over Rollings Lake.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$45
 / night
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

3. Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

97%
(115)
Colfax, CA · 3 sites
Our property is lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on over 30 private, beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house, and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. Please note the Cabin is set on a seasonal CANNABIS garden. All three sites are vacation spots with AC and WIFI, not just simple accommodations, but experiences. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or drive 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! In summer there is a 3-night minimum for the cabin and dome. Occasionally a two day midweek will pop up on the schedule last minute. To see correct pricing, enter your dates as they can fluctuate with holidays, weekends. Prices are decreased midweek. We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), up to 5 people. -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, up to 4 people. -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional teepee tent site (lakeside)! Up to 6 people. We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. If you want an epic stay in the forest, private and away from others, this is your place. Also close to Grass Valley (15min), Nevada City (20 min), Colfax (less than 10).
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$113
 / night
Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

4. Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

94%
(45)
Norden, CA · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
300 acres at 6200’ elevation. Located on donner summits west slope. Great views and easy access. The sites are spaced very well from each other to give great privacy. Nestled among large pines and granite boulders. Union Pacific tracks at the southern edge of the property. Developed camp sites with no hookups. 36 holes of Disc golf on property. Seasonal creeks and South Yuba river very close. 20 mins to Kidd lake, cascade lake and donner lake. 5 mins from Donner Summit and miles of hiking. 20 minutes from Truckee. 45 mins from lake Tahoe. Great on site pizzeria. Please no check-ins after 10pm.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$50
 / 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. 

98% (266) 22 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Lake Tahoe

160 Acres amidst National Forest

1. 160 Acres amidst National Forest

98%
(100)
Placerville, CA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront on Slab Creek. There are two choices of sites to camp: At Site 1 you can park an RV or pitch a tent where you have access to a picnic table, fire pit, vault toilet, and amazing sunset views. At Site 2 you can pitch a tent and have access to a picnic table, fire pit, rocking chairs, and a hammock. Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. 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. Bring your paddle boards and kayaks 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? Smoke on the Water restaurant at 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. IMPORTANT NOTES:  1) To get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD or vehicle, ATVs or eBikes. 2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.5 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep and lined with blackberry bushes. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV or eBikes for easy access to creek. 3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and tics have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak is also common.   4) The property has cell service in the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service. 5) We highly recommend bringing a chainsaw or hatchet. There is an abundance of dead wood on the property that can be gathered for camp fires. Trees also occasionally fall on the trail which can impede access to the creek.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$68
 / night
Om Sweet Om Farm

2. Om Sweet Om Farm

100%
(8)
Grass Valley, CA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Om Sweet Om Farms. We are a local couple who have moved away from Los Angeles and come to the country to start our homestead. We offer a forest escape and farm experience with goats, chickens, ducks and more. If you don't have room to bring food, no problem, you can add on Plant Based Ayurvedic catering during your stay. whether you are looking to stay a week in our premium glamping tent and experience Rollins lake and the Yuba River, or stoping through and need a camping spot for the night; we offer a clean, private and spiritual space to restore your senses. Lastly stop by the ceremony space and meditate among the pines and oaks or take a dip in the cold plunge while overlooking the scenic ridge lines over Rollings Lake.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$45
 / night
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

3. Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

97%
(115)
Colfax, CA · 3 sites
Our property is lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on over 30 private, beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house, and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. Please note the Cabin is set on a seasonal CANNABIS garden. All three sites are vacation spots with AC and WIFI, not just simple accommodations, but experiences. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or drive 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! In summer there is a 3-night minimum for the cabin and dome. Occasionally a two day midweek will pop up on the schedule last minute. To see correct pricing, enter your dates as they can fluctuate with holidays, weekends. Prices are decreased midweek. We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), up to 5 people. -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, up to 4 people. -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional teepee tent site (lakeside)! Up to 6 people. We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. If you want an epic stay in the forest, private and away from others, this is your place. Also close to Grass Valley (15min), Nevada City (20 min), Colfax (less than 10).
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$113
 / night
Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

4. Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

94%
(45)
Norden, CA · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
300 acres at 6200’ elevation. Located on donner summits west slope. Great views and easy access. The sites are spaced very well from each other to give great privacy. Nestled among large pines and granite boulders. Union Pacific tracks at the southern edge of the property. Developed camp sites with no hookups. 36 holes of Disc golf on property. Seasonal creeks and South Yuba river very close. 20 mins to Kidd lake, cascade lake and donner lake. 5 mins from Donner Summit and miles of hiking. 20 minutes from Truckee. 45 mins from lake Tahoe. Great on site pizzeria. Please no check-ins after 10pm.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$50
 / night

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Private 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.