The best camping in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, CA

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94% (123)

Beautiful lakeside views and endless exploration on the Nevada/California border.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

96%
(37)
36mi from Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit · 1 site · Tent, RV · Reno, NV
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
from 
$131
 / night

Harris Family Farm and Forest

95%
(762)
36mi from Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · 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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from 
$44
 / night

4,000 Ft Closer to Heaven

94%
(770)
36mi from Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit · 13 sites · Lodging · Somerset, CA
Discover the untamed beauty of this incredible 48-acre paradise, which far exceeds our initial expectations of 4.8 acres. From the moment we set foot on this stunning land, we became enchanted by its charm, and we’re excited to share it with you. This is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Picture yourself basking in breathtaking sunsets and marveling at star-studded nights that will make you want to sleep under the open sky, savoring every invigorating breath of fresh air. Whether you bring your bikes, ATVs, fishing poles, hiking boots, horses, or beloved dogs, there’s an adventure waiting for you at every turn. For those who seek tranquility, this is the perfect spot to relax with a good book and immerse yourself in nature's serenity. Set at an elevation of 4,000+ feet, the panoramic views are endless, and the crisp, clean air invigorates the soul. With minimal light pollution and sweeping open skies, this spot offers front-row views to a nightly celestial show. Whether you’re watching the Milky Way stretch across the horizon or catching surprise meteor streaks and the occasional asteroid, the sky truly comes alive here. Bring your telescope or just a blanket—either way, you’re in for an unforgettable cosmic experience. Nestled between the North and Middle Forks of the Cosumnes River and surrounded by the flourishing Fairplay Wine Region, you’ll also find historic Placerville just a short drive away. Come and create unforgettable memories in this remarkable slice of paradise!
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from 
$85
 / night

160 Acres amidst National Forest

98%
(95)
38mi from Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Placerville, CA
Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront on Slab Creek. There are two choices of sites to camp: At Site 1 you can park an RV or pitch a tent where you have access to a picnic table, fire pit, vault toilet, and amazing sunset views. At Site 2 you can pitch a tent and have access to a picnic table, fire pit, rocking chairs, and a hammock. Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. Spend the day relaxing, picnicking, and try your luck at gold panning on pristine Slab Creek where not a single human or road exists for miles. Bring your paddle boards and kayaks and spend an afternoon at Stumpy Meadows, a beautiful mountain reservoir a 25 minute drive from the property. Apple Hill wineries and farms are a 40 minute drive. If you bring the off-road toys you also have access to miles of trails throughout hundreds of acres of national forest. Don’t feel like cooking? Smoke on the Water restaurant at Finnon reservoir in Swansboro is a quick 20 minute drive from the property. If you need supplies, a nice restaurant, or a day of wine tasting to break up the grit, downtown Placerville and Georgetown are both a 45 minute scenic drive. IMPORTANT NOTES:  1) To get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD or vehicle, ATVs or eBikes. 2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.5 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep and lined with blackberry bushes. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV or eBikes for easy access to creek. 3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and tics have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak is also common.   4) The property has cell service in the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service. 5) We highly recommend bringing a chainsaw or hatchet. There is an abundance of dead wood on the property that can be gathered for camp fires. Trees also occasionally fall on the trail which can impede access to the creek.
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Campfires
from 
$68
 / night

Foothill Ridge

95%
(163)
40mi from Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit · 1 site · Tent, RV · Somerset, CA
Home of Mama Earth Farm, this 20 acre foothill property offers a rural but accessible location to connect with nature. Enjoy a simple place to call home after exploring the many nearby activities such as swimming in the local rivers, rock climbing, bike riding, hiking and wine tasting. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent under the shade of an old oak tree. Clean, level, soft tent spaces are maintained and the meadow grasses are trimmed. Enjoy easy access from the road and the serenity of the night in the foothills. No lights, just a dark sky of stars. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset from this spot with a huge canyon overlook a couple hundred feet away from your tent. The Caldor fire burned several acres of this property in 2021 which makes the landscape pretty interesting, especially from the elevated sky deck platform that looks over the cany Organic produce is available from the farm (like you can walk out and pick something yummy in your bare feet) Visually private, pretty quite, and simply beautiful.
Pets
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from 
$40
 / night

Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

97%
(355)
43mi from Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. We have running water on the side of the winery building. 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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from 
$32
 / night

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%
(2328)
43mi from Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · Placerville, CA
ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and cannot cross the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends, 530-622-1060. Hours are limited. Use caution - twisty, narrow country road If it's your first time, you might want to check out the route beforehand. 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 onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday and Sunday. 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 to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in 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. Community volunteers manage the lake for the residents and the Fire Station. 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, Smoke on the Water Diner, which is open on weekends only 530-622-1060. During your stay, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California.
Pets
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Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

The best camping in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, CA guide

Overview

About

The national forest lands surrounding Lake Tahoe are an explorer's dream year-round. Tahoe is the largest mountain lake on the continent and easily among the most beautiful.

On the road with your honey? This area offers a remarkable array of romantic options among its recreational activities. Take a scenic dinner cruise on a paddle boat on Lake Tahoe. Or see it from above on a hot air balloon tour from Lake Tahoe Balloons. Or hit one of the many beautiful wildflower meadows found near the water. Meiss Lake and Winnecmucca Lake are especially known for their colorful flora.

If you've got an architectural bent, take a tour of Emerald Bay's 38-room Vikingsholm "castle." It's a sprawling lakeside mansion built as a summer home in 1929. These days, it's considered one of the finest combinations of architecture and nature ever designed.

94%
123 ratings · 36 reviews

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