The best river, stream, or creek cabin rentals near South Lake Tahoe, California

Welcome to Hipcamp - your go-to destination for camping in the United States. If you're looking for a cabin experience near South Lake Tahoe, California, with river activities to boot, we've got you covered with over 230 options to choose from. Our top campsites include Cosumnes River Ranch (382 reviews), Wondernut Farm (354 reviews), and Sierra Sol Camp (230 reviews). With popular amenities like toilets, cooking equipment, and pets allowed, and activities such as whitewater paddling, climbing, and historic sites nearby, you're guaranteed a memorable camping experience. Prices range from as low as $28 to an average of $90 per night, so you can find something that fits your budget. Book now and get ready to unwind in the great outdoors!

99% (256)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp - your go-to destination for camping in the United States. If you're looking for a cabin experience near South Lake Tahoe, California, with river activities to boot, we've got you covered with over 230 options to choose from. Our top campsites include Cosumnes River Ranch (382 reviews), Wondernut Farm (354 reviews), and Sierra Sol Camp (230 reviews). With popular amenities like toilets, cooking equipment, and pets allowed, and activities such as whitewater paddling, climbing, and historic sites nearby, you're guaranteed a memorable camping experience. Prices range from as low as $28 to an average of $90 per night, so you can find something that fits your budget. Book now and get ready to unwind in the great outdoors!

99% (256)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lazy Bear Cabin

93%

(37)

45mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · Lodging · Alta, CA

Minutes from highway 80 in quietly beautiful Blue Canyon, come relax in your very own Lazy Bear Cabin. This off the grid cabin features solar power with backup power being provided by generator. Enjoy the crackle of a camp fire,, plenty of parking for a few camper vans, and a large porch for all your fresh air desires. We have equipped our small cabin with a sleeper sofa, 42” tv, wood stove, full kitchen and running water for a full bathroom. Minutes from Yuba Gap, Lake Valley Reservoir, Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl. Enjoy a 30 minutes drive to Truckee for shops and eats. We look forward to hosting your next vacation Cabin is equipped with sofa bed along with a comfortable mattress. ***Please bring your preferred sheets, blankets, and pillows. You’ll also want to bring your own firewood, toilet tissue and paper towels . Feel free to gather wood from the forest bed through out the property while the burn ban is lifted. 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

2. Victoria Forest

98%

(302)

47mi from South Lake Tahoe · 3 sites · Lodging · Washington, CA

This area is part of a rich history showcasing the westward expansion, gold mining and simple pursuits. Just step outside the cabin to access miles of single track through the Tahoe national forest, or jump in your car to access lakes, rivers and streams within a 10 minute drive. Snowboarding and; skiing is a 25 minute drive away and snowshoeing and; cross country skiing can start right off the front deck! Come relax in your own private off grid cabin with a cozy loft and a view of Tahoe National Forest. At just over 5,000 feet in elevation and a dirt road drive Muir's Muse is the perfect place to disconnect. A three minute walk will get you to the Pioneer Trail which is a 25 mile non-motorized trail meandering through Tahoe National Forest, Bear Valley, and mountain lakes at its terminus. Open to hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and all lovers of the outdoors, the adventures are endless! Although there is cell service, there is no electricity or running water. There is an outdoor fire ring, a pit toilet on site and a portable heater and small camp stove for you to use... Just bring your own small propane canisters. You will be sent an informational e-mail (not the one generated from Hipcamp) prior to arriving. This email outlines directions and local hiking/swimming holes etc., PLEASE check the email you provided to Hipcamp (and myself) PRIOR to leaving for your trip so you are best prepared! :) Happy outdoorsing! ***Please note that in winter months Muir's Muse is accessible only by snowshoe as our road is not maintained with snow removal. Contact host for more info before booking please*** Refunds will not be granted to poorly prepared snow guests, or guests upset about nature: I.e., wasps, bears, flies, snakes etc.,

3. Guesthouse or Glamping Gold Country

100%

(9)

49mi from South Lake Tahoe · 2 sites · Lodging · River Pines, CA

We have owned our 20 acre ranch for 12 years. We enjoy the peace and quiet and beautiful views surrounded by oak trees. We love hiking down to the river. Very private; seldom do you come across other people. Amador brewing, Solid Ground brewing and the world famous Poor Reds are about 30 minutes away. Learn more about this land: Renovated guesthouse on 20 acres in the gold country. 1900 feet elevation. 30 minute hike to the Consumnes River, with beaches and swimming. Great sunrises, sunsets and stars. Mountain biking available. Rock outcroppings for climbers. About a 30 minute drive to numerous wineries and the foothill towns of Plymouth and Placerville. The kitchen has a vintage stove with four burners and two ovens, microwave, toaster oven, and sink. You will also have access to a full size refrigerator. Outside is a propane bbq with two side burners for your use. There is one bedroom with a full bed and in the living room is a trundle bed that converts to two twins. We have installed hardwood laminate flooring throughout guesthouse; some of the pictures show the prior cement floor. There is wifi, Verizon and At&t get good reception. We use our phones for internet and streaming. There is a 50 inch TV and dvd player. Bring your own hardware/cords if you want to stream from your phone. We have goats if you would like to feed or with. My wife and I live on the property in a house about 200 feet away. You will have as much privacy/interaction as you desire. Our garage is attached to the guesthouse, so I may need to access it occasionally during your stay. We also travel so you may have the property to yourself. We do have two dogs on the property. The Australian healeris very friendly. The Anatolian shepherd is a watch dog so he will bark at you upon arrival and then settle down and leave you alone. You may hear him barking at night at any moving wildlife (deer, turkey, etc.). The last 4.5 miles of the drive to the property is on a winding road. Please drive carefully.

4. Coldstream Ice Haus

100%

(1)

29mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · Lodging · Truckee, CA

Located on 20 acres in Tahoe Wilderness, this is a cool off the grid, solar-powered, rustic cabin situated next to a stream. Sleeps 6-8 people. There is running hot and cold water, shower and a plumbed toilet. Kitchen with refrigerator, propane powered stove/oven, toaster, coffee maker. One bedroom on first floor. Dining/hang out area with firebox and cubbies for hanging/drying outdoor clothing. Upstairs loft has 5 single beds divided by 'pony' walls with shelving and 1 full bed. For winter use, there is a generator when needed. Heat from firebox will keep entire cabin warm. For winter, access provided by snowcat; guided trips only.

Public campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe

98%

(43)

Fallen Leaf Campground

3.8mi from South Lake Tahoe · 188 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Van Vleck Bunkhouse Campground

18mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · in Eldorado National Forest

Harvey West Cabin

20mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · in Eldorado National Forest

South Fork Group Campground

23mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · in Eldorado National Forest

Stories from the community

The "front" of the cabin, which faces the pine tree view

M

Makali

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lazy Bear Cabin

We enjoyed our time at this little cabin so much. We originally planned to camp elsewhere but the place ended up being flooded, so last minute we were able to book this place and head here within a few hours. The host was planning to close the cabin down for this time but allowed our booking anyway and was very accommodating. He even came from out of town a few hours away to make sure we had everything we needed. Any questions we had he answered right away and even came in the middle of the night to change out the propane tank for us. The atmosphere was wonderful and our dogs were very welcomed. We will definitely be back!

The cabin has a great little deck that gets tons of sun. (And at night it makes for a good stargazing platform!)

R

Robert

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Victoria Forest

The cabin was great and a serene location! Everything was clean and as stated. We ended up sleeping on the futon as the loft seemed a little risky (no guard rail), something to keep in mind if you have little ones. We would happily visit again.

Jessica

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Victoria Forest

Deana’s place is perfect for anyone looking for private glamping in Nevada City that’s far enough from town to feel like a recalibrating retreat. I loved all the privacy and having so much space to let my dogs roam around the property without having to worry about interrupting anyone. As others have mentioned, the mosquitos are bad. We brought a couple thermacell’s with us and they eventually helped. We only noticed them at dusk.

Tracy

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Lazy Bear Cabin

We had a relaxing stay, Jeff is a great host. Property is private, and well kept. The added amenities are definitely a BONUS! Our pups love it here. We look forward to returning some time soon! 🙂

z

zsante

August 2025

Group trip

1 night at Lazy Bear Cabin

I loved this property!! It was beautiful and had plenty of space!! The cabin was very clean and cozy!! Highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking to have a get together with friends or even have a private romantic getaway. Jeff was very kind and went out of his way to further educate me on local fire practices. Even through my gross negligence Jeff was very patient and kind to me. He took care of me and prevented me from having a serious problem all before I even called him back. DON’T BE LIKE ME!! Please double check after booking to see if you can burn in Placer County!!

D

De La Luna

August 2025

1 night at Lazy Bear Cabin

Loved the escape under the stars. Got rest and re energized to continue my trip ✨

Helen

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Victoria Forest

Idyllic, safe (for kids), private spot, close to incredible hikes, swimming holes, in the middle of the forest. The cabin was great in that you didn't need to set up a tent, and it shielded us from the elements. Otherwise it is still just like camping!

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Alyssa

August 2025

1 night at Lazy Bear Cabin

It was very clean and super fun! Very very cozy too

A

Ani

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lazy Bear Cabin

We had a wonderful two-night stay—it was exactly what my husband and I were looking for to celebrate our 5-year anniversary. Jeff was great to communicate with and made everything easy.

V

Viet-Ly

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Victoria Forest

This spot was really beautiful and close to a lot of swimming and hiking. The land is surrounded by lots of trees and the small cabin suited our family’s sleeping needs. The porta potty did its job and even had air freshener. Since it was July, fires were not allowed. The only downside was the big amount of mosquitoes, but that’s nature.

Reuel

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Victoria Forest

We loved the tiny green home as my four year old loving called it. A perfect peaceful long weekend getaway and so convenient to rivers, lakes, Nevada City and the 80! Felt remote but also so close to everything. Really appreciated the host’s recommendations.

B

Brad

June 2025

With pets

1 night at Coldstream Ice Haus

We had an amazing stay at this secluded cabin nestled right on a beautiful, peaceful creek. The setting is absolutely serene — perfect for a quiet escape into nature, and especially great for families with kids. Ours spent hours playing by the water, exploring the woods, and just being kids without screens or schedules. The cabin itself strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and cozy comfort. It’s a great “glamping” experience — you get all the perks of being out in nature without sacrificing a good night’s sleep, indoor restroom and shower. Thoughtfully stocked and very clean, it made us feel right at home. If you’re looking for a place to unplug, unwind, and make some lasting family memories, this is it. We’ll definitely be coming back!

J

James

June 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lazy Bear Cabin

Lovely, cosy space tucked up on a ridge near Emigrant Pass. Very hospitable owner who went out of his way to take care of us.

Brian

June 2025

3 nights at Victoria Forest

Nice and relaxing spot for a few days of quiet time. Outdoor shower was a bit wonky (large bag with a hose) and cumbersome but nothing too tough! The door looked like maybe a bear had tried to get in recently (which I actually think is cool, haha) and the fire pit was a nice place to relax in the cool evenings! Overall, rad spot!

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Erica

June 2025

3 nights at Lazy Bear Cabin

We had a wonderful stay at Jeff's cabin. Jeff was communicative and helpful. The cabin had all the basic necessities and worked well for my teenage daughter and myself. There was plenty of space to explore on the property, and the forest and creek areas were beautiful. If you travel during the summer months, be prepared for lots of mosquitoes. If you visit on a permissible burn day, I highly recommend using the fire pit for a campfire. It was a great way to end our trip. I suggest you bring your own extra toilet paper, towels, dish soap, and hand soap. Some of these items were provided, but it was nice to have extra since there are not any stores nearby. We look forward to visiting in the future.

K

Kyle

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Lazy Bear Cabin

We spent 1 evening and planned to hike in Soda Springs the next morning. The location and privacy we just what we were looking for. Very well equipped cabin!

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Elijah

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Victoria Forest

Nice private campsite in shaded trees. Cabin, picnic table, and firepit are close to each other.

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Heather

May 2025

With pets

2 nights at Victoria Forest

Camp was exactly as described. I loved it. Very private and I loved being able to walk to the pioneer trail to hike. The Yuba River-Emerald Pools was only a 20 minute drive. Gorgeous area. Will be back!

Taylor

May 2025

4 nights at Victoria Forest

Excellent location. Super private. Had everything we needed! Thank you Deana for offering such a lovely spot to get away. We had a great time.

A

Alex

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Guesthouse or Glamping Gold Country

We enjoyed our stay at Ric and Mimi’s guest house. The place was spacious, the bed was comfy, and the goats were super cute. Quiet, restful, refreshing. Just what we were looking for. We will come back!