Camping near South Lake Tahoe
Nature and history collide on South Lake Tahoe camping trips offering mountain and water recreation.
95% (3429 reviews)
- South Lake Tahoe
95% (3429 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near South Lake Tahoe
95%
(1723)
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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$30
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95%
(21)
L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas
1 site · RV, Tent130 acres · Washoe Valley, NV
We sit on 130 acres of primarily pasture over looking Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake. Olde LYFE Alpacas offers visits with the animals, including an organized 60 min Peaceful Walk with an alpaca where you’ll experience them up close. To book an experience, go to www.oldelyfealpacas.com. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!!
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$25
/ night
92%
(13)
Coachland RV Resort
134 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Truckee, CA
Coachland RV Park is situated in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California and is within close proximity to all the outdoor activities, shopping, and dining that Truckee, CA has to offer.
Located at an elevation of 5,996 ft., Coachland RV Park welcomes visitors year-round and is a short distance from Northstar Ski Resort and Squaw Valley. During the summer, visitors can enjoy fishing and watersports on the nearby Truckee River.
All the beauty that Lake Tahoe offers is just a short drive away from Coachland RV Park.
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$70
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96%
(606)
Harris Family Farm and Forest
7 sites · RVs, Tents125 acres · Pollock Pines, CA
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our cherished historic family farm, spanning 160 years and 7 generations. Nestled in the serene surroundings of an Apple Hill™ Grower farm, our property offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Choose to camp amidst the lush woods or in our enchanting apple orchard.
Spend your days engaging in farm activities, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply unwinding in this idyllic setting. During the harvest season, delight in the experience of hand-picking a variety of fruits and vegetables at their peak of ripeness. Participate in our popular jam making classes held in August, and September for $55 per person, or indulge in a delightful High Tea in the Orchard, hosted on Mother’s Day weekend and June spring afternoons for $45 per person. Be sure to secure your spot early for these sought-after activities, as they tend to fill up rapidly.
Our farm is conveniently located near picturesque mountain lakes and charming historic towns, offering ample opportunities for further exploration and discovery. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our farm, where you can enjoy invigorating woodland hikes, lend a hand with farm chores, and partake in our weekend bonfire gatherings featuring s'mores and delectable treats from our pie shop. Don't miss the chance to harvest blackberries, apples, and pumpkins during their respective seasons, adding a touch of seasonal magic to your visit.
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$48
/ night
98%
(182)
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.
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$35
/ night
96%
(34)
Water front on Topaz Lake
1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Topaz, CA
Learn more about this land:Beautiful lake front property on Topaz Lake , we have 6 rv sites to choose from on 4 acres .First come first serve . Bring your Rv or pitch a tent . Bring your whole family. We have kayaks and paddle boards . Fishing boat available to rent . Life jackets available and a peddle boat too ! Lots of float toys !!
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$50
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95%
(176)
Cosumnes River Somerset Camp
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents23 acres · Somerset, CA
This land was home to the Miwok, then European and Chinese miners, then a cattle rancher. It was also home to a former nun who quit the dominican order to purchase this land for inner city kids to have a chance to ride, swim, hike and fish. We moved here in 2017 and purchased this land with the main goal to raise our large family here, but we have found that good things must be shared! There is NOTHING like being in the wilderness of this area for a good re-centering of the soul! We have found it to be a true blessing for our family, and we hope you can experience this blessing as we share this space with you.
We feel certain you will not be disappointed with this beautiful river canyon. Our property is situated right on the middle fork cosumnes river. We have 2 sleeping cabins and several tent sites (can be rented separately). The cabins offer a rustic/minimalist type vibe - bring your own bedding/pillows to sleep on the comfy futon. A table and chairs are provided for the cabins. Tent sites have a wood table (bring your camp chairs) and a fire pit when the season is open for burning. The swimming is awesome and the stars at night will put you into a state of awe! Many family owned wineries in the area, most of them offering free tasting. It’s a short drive to Tahoe and the Marshall gold discovery site as well as the historic hangtown Placerville. The recent Caldor Fire was VERY close to our property and a back burn was initiated nearby the cabins. It is still as beautiful as ever but please know there are lots of slash piles. Falling trees and burned up stump holes are also a risk and it is presumed campers will be cautious and use at their own risk. Please don't hesitate to shoot us a message if you have any questions!
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$45
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100%
(1)
Ancient Native American Forest
8 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 and animal ranch that boasts towering oak, pine and cedar forests. 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, nature-gathering, and bush-crafting. If you are a forager, keep an eye out for Lion's Mane mushrooms which you can find growing on fallen and dying oak trees. In the summertime, be prepared to pick wild raspberries which grow and ripen along the creek.
Our 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 all-you-can-eat dine-in buffet of non-gmo 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.
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$40
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98%
(935)
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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$85
/ night
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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$50
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61%
(18)
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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$15
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98%
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Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude
12 sites · RVs, Tents96 acres · Reno, CA
When you come to camp here you are on a working farm in transition. Girlfarm has been a local food go to for restaurants, farm family members, and regenerative agriculture interests. Today, the farm is looking forward to a new course in agri tourism as we begin planning walking gardens, art installations in the landscape, and interactive classes.
If you would like a list of grass fed meats available, veggies, or herbs just text your host before arrival.
We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper who we could offer trade for camp care - text host directly.
Its been a huge water season so skeeters are around we also recommend tents have a rain fly and ground cloth.
Welcome
It was important to choose a partner like Hipcamp to invite like minded individuals who respect both the natural environment and the idea of less is more.
At any time you may encounter farming activities, building out of tiny houses for future bookings, or gardens in the process of creation.
As we move toward offering the land as a place to both find solitude or chosen participation our Flyte and Sparrow experience will hopefully be a place you will want to return to as your own tradition.
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$15
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Under $50
Star Hosts in South Lake Tahoe
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near South Lake Tahoe guide
Overview
The South Lake Tahoe basin’s clear blue waters and towering vistas draw visitors year-round. Heavy winter snowfall can create an enchanting place for cabin stays and snowsports, while visiting South Lake Tahoe in the warmer months means opportunities to enjoy even more thrilling activities associated with this mountainous region—think lakefront tent sites and RV parks that give campers easy access to water sports, beaches, hiking, and trail biking. Visit South Lake Tahoe for camping experiences among the woodlands, hills, rises, gorges, and canyons of the Sierra Nevada range.
Where to go
D.L Bliss State Park
Encompassing seven miles of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, the D.L Bliss State Park Campground offers tent and RV camping with water activities centered on the lake’s natural beauty. Scuba divers can visit the underwater shipwreck preserve in Emerald Bay, tent campers can set up camp steps from the water, and watersport enthusiasts can launch kayaks from the shore. A few simple RV sites allow RVers to take advantage of a dump station and enjoy grilled trout caught in the crystal waters and shared around picnic tables at each site. Elsewhere in the park, hike the self-guided nature trail to wonder at Balancing Rock, or experience the grandeur of Sierra Nevada upheaval promontories overlooking the lake.
Eldorado National Forest
With two major highways running through Eldorado National Forest, getting into the woods is easy from Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Fish in the rivers and streams once teeming with gold prospectors, or ski down the alpine backcountry into lush meadows. Over 50 modern campsites, cozy cabins, hiking trails, and primitive backcountry camping opportunities await exploration in the forest’s Mokelumne and Desolation Wildernesses.
Meeks Bay Campground
Meeks Bay Campground is a federally operated camping area nestled between two Tahoe state parks: D.L. Bliss and Sugar Pine Point. Primitive tent camping and RV sites (without hookups) are available with the added bonuses of fire pits and raised barbecues. Close campsites among the pine trees facilitate sharing and camaraderie between campers staying in one of the most popular spots near South Lake. Boat on the lake one day, and bike on the trails the next.
Sugar Pine Point State Park
The largest Lake Tahoe state park, the west shore’s Sugar Pine Point State Park includes 2,000 acres of evergreen forest, including cedar, aspen, and fir, plus more than 100 campsites in summer. Besides the easy lake access and diverse plant, bird, and wildlife watching opportunities at the Edwin Z’berg Natural Preserve, Sugar Pine Point also offers winter camping for a snowy experience and guided moonlit snowshoe tours in late winter or early spring.
When to go
Summers in Lake Tahoe rarely top out at 90°F, usually only twice per year and generally toward the end of July and August. The warmest days of the year start in June, making swimming, water skiing, fishing, and kayaking draws to the area. If you’re looking for a quieter time, the highland climate of Lake Tahoe begins to cool in September, offering chillier nights perfect for snuggling around a campfire. Meanwhile, winter camping in Tahoe may only be for hardy campers, but ski chalets and cozy cabins are prime during this time of year.
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