12 Best Private Campsites Near South Lake Tahoe, CA, US 2026

Looking to go camping near South Lake Tahoe, California? Hipcamp has over 210 private campsites in the area, perfect for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot by the lake or a secluded forest retreat, we've got you covered. With options starting as low as $15 per night, you can find the perfect campsite to fit your budget. Plus, our top campsites, like Cosumnes River Ranch (382 reviews), Yosemite Garden Camp (194 reviews), and TerraSol (160 reviews), have been highly rated by fellow campers. And don't worry about amenities - popular ones like trash facilities, cooking equipment, and toilets are available at many sites. So grab your surfboard, swimsuit, or climbing gear, and get ready to experience the great outdoors at its finest.

98% (385)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Kirkwood Base Camp

100%

(5)

42mi from South Lake Tahoe · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Pioneer, CA

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this property offers a sense of seclusion and a short drive to Kirkwood Ski Resort and convenient to other area amenities including access to world class hiking, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor summer and winter activities in Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe area. This property is perfect for small families and ski parties looking for comfort and adventure. Located near the incredibly scenic Route 88 in historic gold country you can also visit museums, historic sites and even try your hand at panning for gold.

2. Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

94%

(45)

36mi from South Lake Tahoe · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Norden, CA

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.

Looking to go camping near South Lake Tahoe, California? Hipcamp has over 210 private campsites in the area, perfect for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot by the lake or a secluded forest retreat, we've got you covered. With options starting as low as $15 per night, you can find the perfect campsite to fit your budget. Plus, our top campsites, like Cosumnes River Ranch (382 reviews), Yosemite Garden Camp (194 reviews), and TerraSol (160 reviews), have been highly rated by fellow campers. And don't worry about amenities - popular ones like trash facilities, cooking equipment, and toilets are available at many sites. So grab your surfboard, swimsuit, or climbing gear, and get ready to experience the great outdoors at its finest.

98% (385)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Kirkwood Base Camp

100%

(5)

42mi from South Lake Tahoe · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Pioneer, CA

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this property offers a sense of seclusion and a short drive to Kirkwood Ski Resort and convenient to other area amenities including access to world class hiking, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor summer and winter activities in Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe area. This property is perfect for small families and ski parties looking for comfort and adventure. Located near the incredibly scenic Route 88 in historic gold country you can also visit museums, historic sites and even try your hand at panning for gold.

2. Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

94%

(45)

36mi from South Lake Tahoe · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Norden, CA

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.

Stories from the community

R

Regina

May 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kirkwood Base Camp

Collette was welcoming and accommodating. She pointed us to the lower camping site nestled lower on the property in the woods. Quiet and peaceful for self contained campervan or tent site. The trees here are breathtaking and majestic. Come prepared with mosquito repellent as they were in full force!

C

Christopher

May 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kirkwood Base Camp

Was a great stay easy to find with provided directions. We arrived a bit late host was accommodating and very kind We’d definitely stay again while we’re in the area