Discover the best waterfall campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe, California

United States
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California
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South Lake Tahoe

95% (1943 reviews)

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12 top waterfall campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe

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Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA

*BOOK EARLY* **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH*** **TRAILERS AND RVs MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD** 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 right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED. 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 offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of 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. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents 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, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions. Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.

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Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Somerset, CA

A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider! We welcome guests year round! Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do! Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons! Come relax☮️ March - May 🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers June - September 🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake September - December 🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting December - March ❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm. Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting. Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.

Camp Markley

20 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Markleeville, CA

Nestled in Alpine county, the ranch is located 30 min from South Lake Tahoe, 20 min from Kirkwood, and 15 min from the Carson River. The county is a haven for fishing, hunting, mountain biking, river rafting, hiking, and skiing. The 35-acre property offers ponds, creeks, natural springs, meadows, pines, aspens, trails, and abundant wildlife.

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Ancient Native American Forest

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Placerville, CA

Welcome! When visiting El Dorado's Wine and Gold Country, we invite you to stay at our small chicken-and-hog ranch that sits on land that was once settled by the Miwok People of the Sierras. Here you will find ancient grinding stones and a rock-lined trail along abandoned summertime swimming holes. At the base of this rustic escape, you will find a cascading waterfall that was surely admired then as it is now. Invite your friends and family to explore these ancient living grounds that boast towering oak, pine and cedar trees with all the wildlife native to the Sierra Foothills. There is also a mile-long seasonal stream that meanders down the property along carved granite rock formations. Miles of hiking trails give access to opportunities for recreational activities like mountain biking, mushroom foraging, birdwatching, ancient native-village-site exploration, and nature-gathering. If you are a forager, keep an eye out for Lion's Mane mushrooms which we often find on fallen or decaying oak trees. Beginning in July, be prepared to pick wild raspberries that grow and ripen along the creek. Our small ranch is a natural habitat to a diverse wildlife population that includes quail, turkey, deer, and bear. Our herds of sheep, goat, hogs and chicken vary with the season but they are usually "just hanging around" the farm eating the spoils of a forest rich in life and forage. When guests are around, they are usually kept in their pens where they get to relax with their dine-in buffet of grains, grass and forage. There is tent and RV space access for overnight and multiple-day recreational trips however there is no gray or black water dumping on the property. This is an ideal spot for a private group/family getaway so come enjoy a rustic retreat that you, your friends and family can build strong memories around. Contact us for multiple site rentals and coordination prior to your booking to ensure an exceptional stay. Somerset, CA is located in wine country and is within minutes of award-winning wineries and farm-to-fork eateries so you and your guests can enjoy the best of both worlds on and off-site. There are popular local swimming holes along the Middlefork of the Cosumnes River a short 5-minute drive and a scenic pond for kayaking, canoeing and fishing within 10 minutes of the ranch. We are less than an hour away from Sacramento and about an hour away from Tahoe just below the snowline.

Big Yeti Tiny Village

8 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Washington, CA

As you know Hipcamp lets you book and enjoy your travel plans seamlessly, So....We make every effort to be open year round, even in a blizzard. Please make sure you are equipped completely for your perfect stay over. This is a Mountain Location please check local weather conditions before you arrive. This is located 25 minutes from Truckee. Emigrant Gap has some hidden GEMS. The State park at the end of the road hosts the North Fork of the North Fork of the American River and its water Fall. Bowman Lake and Yuba Gap reservoir are one exit away. This small camping area backs up to 100,000 acres of Tahoe National forest. You can walk to a restaurant with regular bathrooms and wifi. Here we have out door compost toilet and cold out door shower. ATM we are nothing special. Lots of cool things to do minutes from here, but we mainly boast a safe place to park on your journey. Historic and epic rock climbing is minutes from your campsite. Also there are 4 ski destinations less then 20 minutes from us. fishing lakes can be hiked to. Quads, snow mobiles, xcountry skiing, hiking, downhill and horse back riding can all happen without getting back on the freeway. September 1, 2023. In and effort to make stayovers more comfortable, Site 4 and 5 are being removed and site 6 is being modified to host a full time 34Ft RV available for nightly use.

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Camp Nauvoo

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Placerville, CA

Camp Nauvoo was originally bought by the LDS church in the 1960's for a girl's camp. The camp was owned by the Boy Scouts from 2011-2015. The Rose family bought the property in 2016 with the intent to continue the tradition of tent camping as well as creating opportunities for exclusive events i.e., group/family reunions, weddings and corporate events. 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 (please review). 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 sets, seesaw and tractor play. 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 not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. 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. CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.

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The Waterfall Shire

1 site · Tent27 acres · CA

Heavily wooded 27 acres with a year-round babbling creek that cascades in waterfalls (one is a 25-foot drop!) across the property. During the rainy season the various waterfalls show off in dramatic fashion! Add to the magical sounds and marvelous setting a small Christmas tree grove, a smattering of goats and chickens, and two playful livestock guardian dogs who will become your best friends. Relax under the night stars, hike/bike the Sierra Nevada trails, or pop into a nearby winery with friends. OHV or horseback riding is also available along with river rafting during the summer months. You are limited only by your imagination!

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Animal Lovers Paradise

1 site · Tent30 acres · Greenwood, CA

Pitch your tent smack dab in the middle of HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary - some of the most beautiful acreage in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Cook a delicious, campfire meal - kick up your heels "a bit" after a long, hard day and then - Whew! Cop a squat, sit back, exhale and prepare yourself to take it all in. Silence is golden around here and once here, you will soon come to know – that if you blend in, be quiet, listen and observe – NATURE, in all its glory, will reveal its majesty - right before your very eyes. The 2 acre pond reflects the brilliance of “harmony” in nature. The water is pure, clean and abundant with life yet, HartSong Ranch is a pesticide free facility. Nature, taking care of itself, is truly a beautiful thing. Yellow Water Iris are in full bloom, spring through early summer. Dragonflies and butterflies sparkle in the sunshine. Frogs croak, bats dart here and there and big mouth bass become airborne in search of dinner in the early evening hours. Blue and White Heron visit the pond often – gracefully soaring over the pastures and pond in search of a safe place to land among the Iris. Watching them calculate a strategy to catch a meal, while appearing to stalk in slow motion – FASCINATING! Upwards of 40 Canada Geese goslings are hatched yearly on the grounds of HartSong. It’s absolutely adorable to watch the little ones as they frantically paddle along behind their moms. In addition and if you’re an early riser, you will most certainly feel blessed to observe the loving, yet stern, communications between Canada Goose parents (life- long mates) as they teach their young to fly - every morning at sunrise in the spring. Fire head of cattle (that have never known anything other than kindness), graze the pastures beyond the pond. Yes, they all have names and yes, they are all as sweet as can be. Their tranquility is contagious. The "one and only" ALP campsite is large enough to accommodate 9+ large tents. Only one camping group occupies this campsite. Amenities at the site include... *Porta Potty/Outhouse *Hand washing station - hand soap, hand sanitizer and hand towels provided *3 Picnic Tables with table cloths *Extra Large Dining Tent with Screened Sides for Ventilation *Wood Rounds for Seating, Lighter, Fire Starter Sticks and filled Water Buckets *Warming propane fire box (4' long). This unit is approved to use during high fire season and provides enough of a flame to roast marshmallows, make s'mores and provides incredible ambiance at the campsite during the nighttime hours. *Propane BBQ Grill - available to use during high fire season *BBQ Utensils - Large Spatula/Turner, Large Pronged Fork, Wire Bristle Grill Cleaner/Scraper *Shade sail - 1 *Life Jackets (2 child) *Row Boat with oars *Coleman Heavy Duty Water Jug (5 Gallon) *Clean, Fresh Drinking Water from HartSong's Well *4 Adirondack Chairs with Side Table *Hammock *Swing *Emergency First Aid Kit *Fire Extinguisher *Solar in Ground Lights for easy navigation during the nighttime hours There is an old gold mine on the back side of the property as well as a 30' waterfall. The canal (said to have been built by the Chinese workers during the Gold Rush) winds through the entire property. HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary, a 30-acre facility, is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) non- profit organization and home to 60+ rescue animals. Some are blind - others have physical challenges - most are trauma survivors. Our mission is to provide a landscape of quiet and tranquility for the animals that live within our gates – a sanctuary where they can enjoy nature, peace of mind and suffer no more. There is an old gold mine on the back side of the property as well as a 30' waterfall. Off the ranch adventures are also abundant in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding HartSong Ranch. *The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park – a 14 mile drive from your campsite, features a museum, restored historic buildings and costumed volunteers. Gold was discovered here at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush. *The American River Confluence (North Fork and Middle Fork merge) – a 10 mile drive from your campsite. The drive down the canyon to the American River is beautifully picturesque. Over 100 miles of hiking trails, pristine swimming holes and white water opportunities are available for those of you in search of adrenaline laced activities. *Coloma, California – world famous for its white water rafting excursions – a 14 mile drive from your campsite. *Lotus, California - The Coloma-Lotus Valley is the major destination of the South Fork, shaped by the American River today as in 1848. Three riverfront parks provide opportunities for family picnics and wading, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park brings California’s history to life. While in Lotus, please make a point to stop in at Sierra Rizing Bakery, Coffeehouse and Cafe – located in the beautiful Coloma & Lotus river valley just steps from the South Fork of the American River. They feature small-batch local artisan-roasted coffees, fresh bakery goods, breakfast and lunch fare, as well as specialty drinks, beer, and local wines. They also offer a beautiful outdoor patio that is dog friendly. Dogs are also welcome inside the cafe. For those interested to tour the sanctuary grounds, meet many of the rescue animals living within our gates and, take a short hike to the secret, glorious waterfall, please be certain to book a tour (see EXTRAS to book a private tour). HartSong co-founders, Jim and Kathy Hart, are both former professional musicians so there’s nothing more delightful to our ears than to hear acoustic kumbaya moments around a campfire. We do, however, most graciously request “quiet time” at the campsite after 10PM.

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River Oaks Camp

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Placerville, CA

Spring has Sprung on the farm. Come see the green grass and flowers and visit the baby animals. Check out our instagram for updates on the farm. Welcome to River Oaks Camp. A Peaceful Yurt Retreat on a Serene Farm near the Consumnes River **Description:** Welcome to our tranquil yurt retreat nestled on a picturesque small farm near the Consumnes River. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying the comforts of a unique and cozy yurt. **The Space:** Our yurt is designed to provide a serene and comfortable experience. The circular living space features tasteful decor, inviting furnishings, and ample natural light pouring in through the skylight. Unwind in the spacious and open-concept interior that includes a comfortable queen-size bed, a cozy sitting area with plush seating, and a small coffee and tea bar and AC in the unit. You'll have access to an outdoor bathroom just a short distance from the yurt. **Farm Experience:** As our guest, you'll have the opportunity to explore our charming small farm. Take a leisurely stroll through the verdant fields, admire the colorful flowers in the garden, or simply relax on the hammock and soak up the peaceful ambiance. If you're interested, you can even lend a hand with daily farm activities such as feeding the animals or harvesting fresh produce. **Outdoor Spaces:** Step outside the yurt and discover the wonders of the great outdoors. Enjoy your morning coffee on the private deck, surrounded by trees and the gentle sounds of chirping birds. In the evenings, gather around the fire pit and share stories under the starlit sky. A short walk from the yurt will lead you to the Consumnes River, where you can spend your days swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying a picnic on the riverbank. The river's soothing sounds and breathtaking vistas provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. **Nearby Attractions:** The location of our yurt offers easy access to a variety of attractions. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll be delighted by the hiking and biking trails in the nearby state park. Wine lovers can indulge in tastings at the local wineries, while history buffs can explore the charming nearby towns and learn about the area's rich gold rush heritage. **Additional Amenities:** - Free parking on the premises - Complimentary Wi-Fi - Fresh linens and towels provided - BBQ grill for outdoor cooking **Come and experience the peace and tranquility of our yurt retreat on our enchanting small farm. Book your stay today and create unforgettable memories in this idyllic oasis near the Consumnes River!**

Reimer Pack Yurt

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Emigrant Gap, CA

Glamping with a pack of dogs at your door step. Enjoy a beautiful spacious yurt bordering the Tahoe National Forest in a great location with access to nearby lakes (summer) and ski hills (winter). *Winter* snowshoe out the back door, cozy up by the warm wood stove, or use the yurt as a home base while you ski one of the nearby ski hills (20 minutes from Sugar Bowl). *Summer* enjoy our local hiking trails or one of the many swimming holes just a short drive away. We are home to a pack of 12 working sled dogs, so enjoy morning and evening howl sessions from your large deck while drinking your coffee or sipping your wine.

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Secluded + Peaceful Cozy Cabin

1 site · Lodging150 acres · Garden Valley, CA

Peaceful and private Bear Creek Lodge is tucked up against the El Dorado National Forest, surrounded by majestic oaks, pines, and cedars, in charming Garden Valley, CA. The 3,000-square-foot lodge is located on 150 acres, secluded from noise and light pollution, making for spectacular night skies. The park-like setting makes Bear Creek Lodge the perfect haven in the woods, while the beautifully-appointed four-bedroom home makes it the ideal place for rest, relaxation, & rejuvenation! Bear Creek Lodge has been carefully designed and appointed to help you rest and relax on your getaway to the woods. While you will likely spend evenings listening to nature’s symphony, there are plenty of activities in the house to keep you entertained. Bear Creek Lodge is 100% off the grid and utilizes an industrial generator that powers this large property. We are pet friendly, but you must register your pet on the site and there is a fee if you decide to bring your pet. Please let us know in advance. Max. Occupancy: 4 bedrooms; There is a maximum occupancy limit of 14 guests between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. WiFi: Bear Creek Lodge includes high-speed Wifi thanks to fast satellite Internet. Quiet Hours: While in a remote and secluded area, we must still abide by the local regulations. Quiet Hours must be observed between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Wildlife: The peace and beauty of being tucked away into your own secluded retreat in the woods, comes with the additional steps of having to contend with wildlife and small critters. For your safety and enjoyment, it's important to be vigilant about keeping doors closed into the Lodge. It's also important to clean up ALL food debris at ALL times, both inside and outside the Lodge. Suggestion to Bring: Remember to bring all necessary medications, as the nearest pharmacy is 14-15 miles away in Cool, CA if needed. And we also recommend bringing flashlights for each guest for moving between the main, upper, and lower levels at night time. Always check the weather app ahead of your arrival for weather forecasts at Georgetown & Garden Valley CA. Here are only a few of the nearby adventures that Hipcampers can partake in: Skiing, snowboarding, white-water rafting, wine tasting, Apple Hill, Jeep Jamboree, Rubicon trail, El Dorado National Forest, Coloma gold discovery museum, Red Hawk Casino, antiquing, historic downtown Placerville, hidden local trails, hiking, fishing, water-sports and/or doing nothing but relaxing!

Indoor & outdoor accommodations

8 sites · RVs9 acres · Placerville, CA

Learn more about this land:Historic mining hub. 46 miles from South Lake Tahoe. Nearby are historic parks, mines, wineries, vineyards, orchards & farms. The Eldorado National Forest, ranches. Red Hawk Casino. Historical and county Museums, trails, fairgrounds, the Observatory and guided tours to the waterfall.

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Waterfall camping near South Lake Tahoe guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near South Lake Tahoe, California and experience the beauty of waterfalls? Look no further than Finnon Lake Recreation Area! With over 670 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you're bound to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're seeking a serene escape or an action-packed getaway, our top campsites like Camp Nauvoo and Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden offer the amenities you need, such as campfires, showers, and trash facilities. Plus, you can enjoy popular activities like fishing, whitewater paddling, and horseback riding. With an average price per night of $80 and options as low as $29, camping near South Lake Tahoe has never been more affordable. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!