The best desert camping near South Lake Tahoe

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Looking for a camping adventure near South Lake Tahoe, California with a desert vibe? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 150 options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Check out top campsites like Paradise Shores Camp (371 reviews), Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (315 reviews), and Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras (27 reviews) for tried and true experiences. Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and cooking equipment. And if you're into climbing, paddling, or off-roading, this is the perfect terrain for you. With an average price per night of $41 and options as low as $20, camping near South Lake Tahoe has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

84% (296) 10 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe

5. Natural Time Retreat Center...

14mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · RV
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
Pets
from 
$40
 / night

6. Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

96%
(37)
36mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · Tent, RV
We love to pass our free time here in the sunshine and juniper drafts overlooking the Sierras. Some days we watch the electric storms across the valley, other afternoons we picnic and nap while listening to the birds and wind.  We love the peace and silence, which feels remarkably remote and only 20 minutes from Reno.  Learn more about this land: We would love to share our 12 junipered acres with nature enthusiasts like ourselves. Bring your tent or camper and spend afternoons watching beautiful sunsets and wildlife from our land.  Spectacular expansive views across the valley to the Sierras and Mount Rose.  Conveniently 15 minutes from South Reno (40 minutes from North Lake Tahoe), the silence and absolute privacy here are restorative and replenishing.  We do not have trash collection services available and we ask all guest to practice a “leave no trace” philosophy.  **Because of extreme fire risk in our area we ask guests to refrain from having campfires for now. As this area is home to beautiful wildlife (and a few other distant homeowners) please visit with an intent to respect the quiet and privacy that makes this area so pleasurable for us all.  Thanks for visiting and enjoy your time!  
Pets
Picnic table
from 
$131
 / night

Looking for a camping adventure near South Lake Tahoe, California with a desert vibe? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 150 options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Check out top campsites like Paradise Shores Camp (371 reviews), Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (315 reviews), and Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras (27 reviews) for tried and true experiences. Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and cooking equipment. And if you're into climbing, paddling, or off-roading, this is the perfect terrain for you. With an average price per night of $41 and options as low as $20, camping near South Lake Tahoe has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

84% (296) 10 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe

5. Natural Time Retreat Center...

14mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · RV
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
Pets
from 
$40
 / night

6. Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

96%
(37)
36mi from South Lake Tahoe · 1 site · Tent, RV
We love to pass our free time here in the sunshine and juniper drafts overlooking the Sierras. Some days we watch the electric storms across the valley, other afternoons we picnic and nap while listening to the birds and wind.  We love the peace and silence, which feels remarkably remote and only 20 minutes from Reno.  Learn more about this land: We would love to share our 12 junipered acres with nature enthusiasts like ourselves. Bring your tent or camper and spend afternoons watching beautiful sunsets and wildlife from our land.  Spectacular expansive views across the valley to the Sierras and Mount Rose.  Conveniently 15 minutes from South Reno (40 minutes from North Lake Tahoe), the silence and absolute privacy here are restorative and replenishing.  We do not have trash collection services available and we ask all guest to practice a “leave no trace” philosophy.  **Because of extreme fire risk in our area we ask guests to refrain from having campfires for now. As this area is home to beautiful wildlife (and a few other distant homeowners) please visit with an intent to respect the quiet and privacy that makes this area so pleasurable for us all.  Thanks for visiting and enjoy your time!  
Pets
Picnic table
from 
$131
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field