The best river, stream, or creek RV sites in Lake Tahoe

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.

94% (3.2K) • 156 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Lake Tahoe

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

1. Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%

(2340)

Placerville, CA · 39 sites · Tents, RVs

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - OPEN IN MARCH OR APRIL - 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. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends, 530-622-1060. Hours are limited. 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. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday and Sunday. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake to discover. 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 fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District 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 18-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.

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from

$40

/ night

The Black Oak Forest

2. The Black Oak Forest

100%

(14)

Garden Valley, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to Garden Valley! A serene gem tucked away in the foothills of The Divide. Sit back in the forest and relax as you enjoy views of the country fused with deer, wild turkeys and other surprises! Get caught up in nature, pick some blackberries, take a mini hike on property, mountain bike world-class trails nearby, hunt for gold, take a dip in a crystal clear river or lake; and end the day cooking by firelight and roasting some smores! Don't miss all of our local Rubicon Trail Events and Jeepers Jamboree or stop by any of our beautiful local lakes and wineries. There are a few local eateries and an ice cream parlor close by, in case you get the hankering! We have five tent spaces (one 2 person tent is up and available, be sure to bring your own bedding and coolers!) RV hook ups, electricity, fire pits with cooking capabilities, large farm sink with well water and soap, rustic outdoor shower and the cleanest out house in Nor Cal! Come rejuvenate in the forest and reset! A stunning 45 minute drive from South Lake Tahoe and a 14 minute drive to historic yet modern conveniences of Georgetown and Placerville. Come and reset the way you deserve to! Try and arrive as close to daylight as possible, it gets dark! We do have some lit up trees at the gate entrance. Please adhere to the 72 hr cancellation window for refunds. Enjoy!

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Electrical hookup

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from

$45

/ night

Camp Nauvoo

3. Camp Nauvoo

98%

(1173)

Placerville, CA · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We are a small privately owned small campground (20 sites only) located 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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from

$64

/ night

Tahoe National Forest

4. Tahoe National Forest

93%

(255)

National forest in California · 1382 sites

Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.

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Eldorado National Forest

5. Eldorado National Forest

93%

(136)

National forest in California · 980 sites

Sierra Nevada gem offers lush forests, lakes, rivers, and peaks for year-round outdoor adventures.

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Natural Time Retreat Center...

6. Natural Time Retreat Center...

Gardnerville Ranchos, NV · 1 site

Gardnerville Ranchos is a desert oasis located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains forty minutes from Lake Tahoe. Our property is biking distance from the East Fork Carson River. The Ranchos is a small retirement community within walking distance of our local bowling alley where you can take (free) transit to Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Reno. Carons Hotsprings and Wally's Hotsprings are both accessible through community (Dart) Transit as well. With the help of my Father Steve, Sandy Gibson built the House of Gibson in 1983/1984. We are on one acre with an orchard, trees, and a pond. My parents (Steve and Sandy) passed in 2021; We are currently busy with restoring the property. Our neighborhood is safe and quiet. Drop in and stay for a spell... Highland Regards, Jason G. Gibson Gibson Core Family

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

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from

$40

/ night

Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

7. Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

97%

(202)

Reno, CA · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Please note: We have two 'Overnighter' sites these are instant book for weary travelers and not meant as full on camping sites. Site 1 and site 2 or Antelope 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. 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 We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper to do campground maintenance and upkeep. trade Only NO PETS SELF CONTAINED and background check Its been a huge water season so 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.

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from

$15

/ night

Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

8. Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

95%

(584)

Somerset, CA · 11 sites · Tents, RVs

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”.

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from

$41

/ night

160 Acres amidst National Forest

9. 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.

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$68

/ night

Stanislaus National Forest

10. Stanislaus National Forest

93%

(173)

National forest in California · 1530 sites

An extensive network of lakes, rivers, streams, and trails delight at this Yosemite neighbor.

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

Auburn State Recreation Area

11. Auburn State Recreation Area

92%

(12)

State park in California · 61 sites

Gold panning, whitewater rafting, and dirt-bike riding are just a few of the unique activities here.

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Toilets

Campfires

Grover Hot Springs State Park

12. Grover Hot Springs State Park

100%

(14)

State park in California · 72 sites

Ease the tension out of your muscles and your mind with a soak at Grover Hot Springs.

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Toilets

Campfires

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

13. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%

(69)

National forest in California · 868 sites

Explore the largest national forest in the lower 48 with trails, fishing spots and hot springs.

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Sugar Pine Springs Resort

14. Sugar Pine Springs Resort

93%

(14)

Somerset, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Get back to nature at our campground located in the El Dorado forest amongst towering evergreen pine, fir and cedar trees. Bordered by a stream, the Sopiago. Natural pools to cool down in during the hot Summer months. Natural Springs. Equipped campsites include a tent area, picnic table, BBQ. Spring water. Gold Pan in this central Gold Rush area. Nearby attractions include Gold Rush towns, Shanadoah Valley Wineries, Bear Lake River Reservoir, Silver Lake.

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from

$34

/ night

HOME OF THE ZIN MAN

15. HOME OF THE ZIN MAN

100%

(1)

Somerset, CA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

We are The Home of Zinman! Dark Forest Estate Welcome, old and new visitors! Some of you may already know the name Perry Creek Winery. We are back after 5 years and excited to see everyone again. We offer picnics in the park or inside our tasting room. Just let us know upon arrival if you would like to be served—there are no obligations. We respect your privacy if you are here just to camp and enjoy your peace. Each spot has a fire pit and picnic table, and there are two outside bathrooms open 24 hours. Please note, we do not have showers. Wood is provided at your site upon reservation. We have propane barbecues available for use, and propane refills are offered—up to 7 gallons at current rates. You can picnic in the park, take a hike through our vineyard, and explore 47 acres in total ,.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$45

/ night

Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

16. Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

98%

(139)

Nevada City, CA · 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

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from

$45

/ night

Gypsy on the Mountain

17. Gypsy on the Mountain

94%

(24)

Alta, CA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Hello hip camper! Nestled in the heart of nature's untouched beauty, lies a hidden gem perfect for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This secluded three-acre campsite offers an exclusive retreat into the wilderness. Setup your tent and enjoy some serenity before and after exploring the beautiful northern Sierras. The property is located just off I 80 in the small town of Alta. There are no restrooms on site But a quick five minutes to Gold run rest area. Places to check out. Euchra bar hiking trail in Alta(experience hiker) Steven trails in Colfax Rollin lake in Colfax. Pennyweight trail in Colfax Lake valley in Emigrant Gap Emerald Pools in Emigrant Gap

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from

$50

/ night

Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

18. 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.

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Potable water

from

$50

/ night

Lost Arrow Ranch Retreat

19. Lost Arrow Ranch Retreat

100%

(2)

Calpine, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Pond fishing, private land, family-friendly, great views, and great adventures. Welcome to Lost Arrow 89 Retreat, a one-of-a-kind camping experience on 26.5 acres of open ranch land with stunning views of the Sierra Valley and surrounding mountains. This is a peaceful, private escape where guests can spread out, unplug, and enjoy a true connection to the land. Each campsite offers a spacious cleared area with two leveled tent pads, a picnic table, and more. Water access is available nearby via hose. The setup is ideal for couples, families, or small groups looking for extra room and privacy with access to the Sierra Mountains and all its attractions. Our property features an 800,000 gallon private pond that has been carefully managed over the years with multiple generations of healthy largemouth bass. Guests have exclusive access to this catch-and-release fishing spot, offering a rare opportunity to fish a rare species in the Sierras, and a beautiful setting. Rod rentals are available if needed. Lost Arrow 89 is also a working ranch. As you enter, you’ll pass a dirtbike track, a large white ranch house, and a barn full of horses. Two friendly donkeys, goats, and more than 40 free-range chickens roam the property. The ranch also includes large horse pastures and arenas. This is the kind of place where you wake up to fresh mountain air, with a view of the valley, spend the day fishing or exploring, and end the evening by the fire under a sky full of the brightest stars.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$36

/ night

Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs

$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$

20. Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs

89%

(57)

Verdi, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV

National forest in California · 980 sites

Sierra Nevada gem offers lush forests, lakes, rivers, and peaks for year-round outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

93%

(173)

National forest in California · 1530 sites

An extensive network of lakes, rivers, streams, and trails delight at this Yosemite neighbor.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Auburn State Recreation Area

11. Auburn State Recreation Area

92%

(12)

State park in California · 61 sites

Gold panning, whitewater rafting, and dirt-bike riding are just a few of the unique activities here.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Grover Hot Springs State Park

12. Grover Hot Springs State Park

100%

(14)

State park in California · 72 sites

Ease the tension out of your muscles and your mind with a soak at Grover Hot Springs.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

13. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%

(69)

National forest in California · 868 sites

Explore the largest national forest in the lower 48 with trails, fishing spots and hot springs.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Sugar Pine Springs Resort

100%

(2)

Calpine, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$36

/ night

Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs

$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$

20. Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs

89%

(57)

Verdi, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV

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Picnic table

from

$180

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

James

2 weeks ago

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to HOME OF THE ZIN MAN

We are honored to be the first HipCamper at ZinMan and enjoyed the friendly hospitality! Beautiful sites, lots of amenities, and fantastic wines!

Stephanie

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to 160 Acres amidst National Forest

Beautiful quiet peaceful raw land, a perfect getaway to recharge for the weekend. Stunning view, well kept, and very relaxed hosts with excellent communication. LOVE that we had the entire property to ourselves and that it was behind a locked gate. The primary RV/tent site is very level, has some shade coverage, picnic table, well kept fire ring, large water container, and a very clean pit toilet 15-20 yards down a lantern lit path. (The owner’s RV sits at the back of this main site, but they were not there during our stay, and it is very well kept so it is not an eye sore to the gorgeous views.) We setup our rooftop tent in an opening. We did not walk all the way down to the creek, but we took the path down about a 100 yards to watch the sunrise. It was easy and a mild/moderate incline. The sunrise was spectacular! A few reviews mention glass and gunshots. The property is clearly well taken care of and a labor of love. We found the main areas to be mostly glass free. Do your part and clean up after yourself (and maybe even a little extra.) We did hear some very distant gunfire across the valley, most likely target practice, but nothing that disrupted the quiet peaceful vibe. The only other noise was the occasional vehicle and a few airplanes. You’d be hard pressed to find a quieter place within a few hours of the Bay Area. As far as the road, Mosquito Rd on the way in is infamous and has some harry spots. There’s an alternate route if you’re towing or a nervous Nelly.

Alex

January 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to 160 Acres amidst National Forest

Great spot. Trail down to the creek is accessible by pickup if you have a chainsaw and don’t mind a few scratches.

Isaiah

December 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

Awesome, secluded location. Will be coming back when weather gets warmer

Bill

December 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Peaceful environment Clean restrooms Affordable Worth the drive

King

December 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Finnon Lake Recreation Area

We had an amazing time camping at Finnon Lake! We tent camped with our two dogs and couldn’t have asked for a better spot—our site was very close to the water, which made the whole stay super relaxing. Waking up to the lake just a few steps away was perfect. The campground was clean, peaceful, and easy to get around. Our dogs had plenty of space to enjoy without feeling crowded, and the whole area just felt really dog-friendly and laid back. The scenery was beautiful, and being so close to the water made it easy to fish, relax, or just enjoy the view. Overall, it was exactly the kind of quiet, nature-filled getaway we were hoping for. We’ll definitely be coming back!

John

December 2025

Tent

4 nights at Finnon Lake Recreation Area

It's a nice place with beautiful views. The campsites are pretty close together, with many being both RV and car sites. It's not a recipe for a quiet environment, but that's really not expected in these type of campgrounds. I saw several families there, and everyone was having fun (responsibly) and a good time was had by all. The bathroom was clean, as were the campsites. Wildlife was nice in the way of ducks, geese, and very vocal (as always) blue jays. Plenty of woodpeckers as well. My only wildlife complaint might be they have a pretty serious issue with moles tearing up the sites, but it's nothing a fox or coyote couldn't fix.

Liz

November 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at The Black Oak Forest

Great experience!!! Ideal for who loves nature, hiking, enjoy the river and take a breath out of stress of city life. Good food near and places for relaxing with friends and family :)

Sara

November 2025

14 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Amazing gem! Beautiful. We loved our stay on Finnon’s Lake. The only neighbors we had were the birds and deer.

Shileen

November 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at 160 Acres amidst National Forest

We had such a wonderful time at this campsite and truly enjoyed the peaceful serenity among the trees. I’ve lived in the Sierra Nevada area my whole life, and as a fairly healthy 26-year-old, I can say the trail is no joke. Definitely read the reviews and plan ahead—bring something to help you get down and back up. I ended up finding two walking sticks and just took my time. The views were absolutely worth it, and my three dogs had the best time splashing around in the creek! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a beautiful, quiet getaway

Ryan

November 2025

23 ft campervan

1 night at The Black Oak Forest

The trees were beautiful, and the area was very nice. It was exactly what I had wanted for an outdoor camping experience. The hook ups for my camper van were as expected, and our stay was wonderful!

Michael

November 2025

15 ft Class B

1 night at Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Amazing scenery, well kept, and the drive was breathtaking. If you’re not good with narrow roads and tight turns, I would suggest look at the maps before you make your choice. I loved it tho!

CHAD

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to 160 Acres amidst National Forest

Very remote. Loved the isolation. Be prepared for rocky ground. The drive up was kind of gnarly, but that added to the adventure. Bring lots of your own water!

Kathleen

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

The tent site was perfect; it was very peaceful, with wonderful views in all directions. Wendy was super and offered to get us extra wood for the fire since the wood on site was a bit moist from recent rain. We would definitely camp here again!

Frankenstein

November 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Amazing! My stay was so relaxing, pretty much no one else at the lake. There were deer that came through camp once in a while. The bathroom was clean and a great amenity to have, water spigots all over the property. Self check in type situation, easy to find my spot and get myself situated even arriving after dark!

Angela

November 2025

13 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Beautiful, quiet spot great for a very relaxing time!

Kevin

November 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Black Oak Forest

Great quiet campground! Arrived at night and was a little lost at first since the entrance the the campground is not the main driveway where my navigation had shown - it was a different entrance. The campground was flat and had great space to find a good spot. The porta-potty and sink were clean and maintained. The shower was cold and open, but was fun showering in nature. Also saw some deer and heard animals in the morning. It was a great and relaxing weekend here. 🙂

Cam

November 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to The Black Oak Forest

Excellent host- we look forward to coming back next year.

Mariah

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Finnon Lake Recreation Area

I spent my first trip there and highly recommend Finnon lake campground! I was very impressed with how clean the campsites were and how clean the bathrooms were as well! The drive and scenery was beautiful and relatively easy. I absolutely loved this campground and will be going back for future stays!

Christopher

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Finnon Lake Recreation Area

This is our second time camping at this spot and it’s a hidden gem. The Lake is beautiful to watch on si rise and sunset time. Site A7 was perfect for our car camp set up. Not too far from the Lake and spaciouse enough as well.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek RV sites 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.