The best hot spring campgrounds in Tahoe

Straddling the California/Nevada border, Lake Tahoe provides a variety of camping options for intrepid Hipcampers. Looking for a summertime beach and sunshine experience? Aim for Zephyr Cove, which sits on the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe. Stay at the RV campground for easy access to beach volleyball and boat rentals at the connected resort.

If you're more into sightseeing, head for Emerald Bay State Park on the California side. The big tourist draw here is Vikingsholm, a gorgeous Scandinavian-inspired estate that offers guided tours. There are also some out-of-the-way sights to see at Emerald Bay. Scuba divers can examine the remains of century-old boats and barges in the Underwater Area.

Lake Tahoe State Park sits in Nevada on Lake Tahoe's northern side. This one's good fun for campers who enjoy spotting wildlife. Take the beginner 2-mile trail around Spooner Lake to see waterfowl and osprey. There's also a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe available from the Sand Point Nature Trail.

Coming to the area in winter? Check out Camp Richardson on the California side for some killer cross-country skiing. There's no need to bring your own equipment, either. A full-service recreation sports center rents skis, snowshoes, tandem bikes and more.

81% (375)

Top-rated campgrounds near Tahoe

Straddling the California/Nevada border, Lake Tahoe provides a variety of camping options for intrepid Hipcampers. Looking for a summertime beach and sunshine experience? Aim for Zephyr Cove, which sits on the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe. Stay at the RV campground for easy access to beach volleyball and boat rentals at the connected resort.

If you're more into sightseeing, head for Emerald Bay State Park on the California side. The big tourist draw here is Vikingsholm, a gorgeous Scandinavian-inspired estate that offers guided tours. There are also some out-of-the-way sights to see at Emerald Bay. Scuba divers can examine the remains of century-old boats and barges in the Underwater Area.

Lake Tahoe State Park sits in Nevada on Lake Tahoe's northern side. This one's good fun for campers who enjoy spotting wildlife. Take the beginner 2-mile trail around Spooner Lake to see waterfowl and osprey. There's also a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe available from the Sand Point Nature Trail.

Coming to the area in winter? Check out Camp Richardson on the California side for some killer cross-country skiing. There's no need to bring your own equipment, either. A full-service recreation sports center rents skis, snowshoes, tandem bikes and more.

81% (375)

Top-rated campgrounds near Tahoe

1. Wisdom eco-preserv

97%

(265)

39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nevada City, CA

This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.

2. Manzanita Camping & Co

97%

(249)

16 sites · Tents, RVs · Coloma, CA

Set up camp and relax in one of our private manzanita surrounded tent sites. A short three min walk to our cobble beach along the beautiful South Fork America River will keep you cool during this hot summer. Or use our sites as a base camp for the many hiking and biking trails in the area. Taste some local wines at one of the many wineries or grab a growler at a nearby brewery. Propane fire pits are provided for your stay at your camp site, with one tank of propane included for your use... Because what is camping without looking at a fire and roasting marshmallows? Our fire pits sure help add to that *camping feel* but COOKING OVER FIRE PITS (OTHER THAN S'MORES) IS NOT PERMITTED, so please plan to bring your own camp stove or preferred camp-cooking appliances and the required fuel. We look forward to your stay with us! FAQ: What should I bring? For our standard tent or RV sites, the sites include a picnic table and a propane fire pit with propane for heating/ambiance only. You should plan to pack everything you would usually expect to bring with you to a typical Forest Service or State Park campground... For example: propane camp stove or equivalent with your own propane/fuel for cooking, extra tables for your personal camp set-up needs, shade tents or pop-ups, games or camp activities, camp cots/pads/air mattresses, camping bedding, tents, camp chairs, etc. We are happy to answer any question you may have!

3. Natural Time Retreat Center...

1 site · RV · Gardnerville Ranchos, NV

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

4. Grover Hot Springs State Park

100%

(14)

72 sites · Markleeville, California

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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%

(69)

868 sites · Mono City, California

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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds in and near Tahoe

100%

(2)

Mount Rose Campground

25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(1)

Kit Carson Campground

12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Slept so well underneath the shade of these trees!

100%

(1)

Crystal Springs Campground

19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Hope Valley Campground

21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(14)

Grover Hot Springs Campground

72 sites · Tents, RVs · in Grover Hot Springs State Park

100%

(1)

Lookout Campground

23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(3)

Markleeville Campground

10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(1)

Silver Creek Campground

22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

B

Benjamin

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

Awesome property. Serene cabin with beautiful wood framing. Host is very hospitable and interesting.

n

nik

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

I loved staying on Adam's land. The property was gorgeous and Adam was attentive to any needs I had.

Walking on the property- lots of big trees!

L

Leah

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

We had a great time at the Shamballa cabin over the weekend! It’s a beautiful rustic cabin in the middle of nature. You’ll get the feel of glamping (only wood burning stove for heat, no bathrooms in the cabin or running hot water (but flush toilet and hot water sink and shower in main house)), but you’ll be staying in a beautiful cabin with comfortable beds, a kitchen to prepare meals and a cozy place to relax. We enjoyed exploring the area and hiking the Dragons nest trail (get ready for some exercise as you go up to the top!). There is so much land to see and we only saw a little bit! I imagine it’s beautiful in the Winter months also! Thank you Adam and we hope to visit another time!

M

Mark

September 2025

3 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

Adam has created a magical, sacred and powerful property in the forest. The cabins and structures are gorgeously crafted, and integrated with the forest. Adam was a very gracious, kind and the instructions on how to arrive to the property we very clear.

A

Alexandra

September 2025

4 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

This land is magical. It has the most beautiful trees and spring and variety of landscape to plant your tent. I stayed in a cabin that was huge with two very comfortable bedrooms and beds and a kitchen. It’s an eco lodge so electricity is solar and toilets are compost so be mindful of that but there’s also a guest flush toilet if really needed. So many trails to hike on. A real treat to be staying in Adam’s land.

S

Spencer

September 2025

3 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME! Beautiful. The nature is so nice. The steward is kind and helpful.

L

Larelle

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

Had a wonderful time the cabin was great and plenty of privacy. The dogs had a great time exploring.

B

Brandon

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Manzanita Camping & Co

I've stayed here a few times. The site is unrivaled. Matt is awesome and accommodating. So close tot he river is a hard thing to find at a reasonable price anywhere. The bathrooms are awesome with quality toilets and showers. The kitchen area at the large lagoon is excellent, and the running water int he sink a lifesaver. highly recommend!

M

Mr.

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

We had an incredible stay at the cabin on the campgrounds. The experience was more than just a getaway,it was deeply spiritual. Being surrounded by nature gave us space to slow down, reflect, and connect with one another in a meaningful way. From the stillness of the trees to the night skies filled with stars, every moment reminded us of the beauty and balance of creation. One of the things we appreciated most was not having Wi-Fi. Instead of screens, we had conversations. Instead of scrolling, we shared laughter, cooked together, played games, and had real heart-to-heart talks. That absence of constant distraction allowed us to create a stronger bond as a family and be fully present with each other. We left the cabin not just refreshed, but spiritually renewed. This was more than a stay it was an experience of connection, peace, and gratitude. Highly recommend for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and the power of nature. 🌿✨ RaMean Maat

A

Andrew

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

The Shambala cabin in a word : Awesoem! The campsite and area to explore was huge peaceful, and a perfect place to let the kids roam free without worry. It felt so good to get them outside, breathing fresh air and exploring nature. The cabin itself was spacious, pretty stocked with essentials (super helpful if you forget a few things), and had everything we needed for a great stay. Adam and Holly were kind and informative, and everyone we met was friendly. It was the kind of trip that reminds you why the outdoors matter. We had a blast. Will be back! Thanks guys

J

Jordan

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

We just went last minute on a mini vacation we needed to reset from the city. It was absolutely beautiful. We stayed in the Geronimo cabin. Adam, the owner is such an amazing person and so is Holly that works there as well. Everything was so clean. The beds were really comfy. It was just absolutely beautiful. We cooked dinner dinners, and had the fire going in in the morning and at night. There’s so much to do around the area, hiking, swimming, bonfires. I am so glad that we went and we will definitely be back. It was an amazing time with the family and a great experience. Thank you, Adam and Holly so much that was just what we needed!!!

P

Paul

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

Really enjoyed staying at the Radiance Cabin. Beautiful and secluded little spot right near the fresh spring and the hike up to the Dragon’s Nest which is a neat lookout. Outdoor shower wasn’t functioning at this time but had a great bathtub with plentiful hot water.

Rich

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

My family and I had tons of fun here! It was convenient with enough amenities for the "first-timers" camping but still rustic enough that the experienced camper was very satisfied! Good driving distance to a beautiful swimming hole. Plenty of hiking to be had. 40 minute drive to nice restaurants and old western style town of Nevada City.

Jasmine

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

We loved the solitude! Great proximity to hiking, state parks and of course, plunging into the Yuba River.

K

Kasie

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

Even better than the photos! This cabin felt like a slice of heaven, with easy access to the Yuba river. The kitchen was well equipped for our group dinners each night and the rooms were comfortable. We will absolutely be saving this spot for future trips!

J

Jen

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

Charming rustic cabin in a peaceful setting — a real treat, especially over the 4th of July weekend. We loved strolling the property and taking in the surroundings. The outhouses were clean, and it was a big plus to also have access to a flush toilet and a hot shower

r

ronald

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

This is truly for those who are down to earthly goodness, very raw and alive, I loved it.

H

Hannah

June 2025

4 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

Most lovely cabin ever. Heavenly stay. Special lands. This slice of earth is so dear to me.

C

Catlin

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

Stayed in the Serentity cabin and it was so nice. It was quiet and comfy with pretty much everything you would need is provided. Comfy beds, kitchen stuff and a wood stove for keeping warm. The shower and bathroom at the main house were definitely a huge plus after a dusty summer hike. I would stay here again for sure!

K

Kyle

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

The cabin provided a wonderful place for my family to play and explore while providing necessities for cooking and sleeping. The hikes around the nature preserve were beautiful and well-maintained.