Lake Camping in Tahoe, California: Best Lake Campsites 2024

95% (2724 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Tahoe

Star Hosts in Tahoe

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Tahoe

95%

(2024)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · 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 can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. Use caution - twisty narrow country road. If it's your first time you might want to check out the route ahead of time. 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/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- 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 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 and 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. Open on weekends only. 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. Sites are from post to post. 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. Diner: https://www.facebook.com/smokeonthewaterplacervilleca 530-622-1060. The diner is only open Saturday and Sunday. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.

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Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

8 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. 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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200-acre developing eco-preserv

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · 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.

Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Nevada City, CA

Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property. As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview). There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.

L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Carson City, NV

Too cold to camp??? NOT HERE!! We have propane heater avail to rent!! OR spend the night in our new Glamping Tent where you'll be toasty warm!! 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!! The ranch store is self serve mostly. There are price sheets and payment methods listed!

Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!

3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA

Attn: The only boat ramp open at the moment is Orchard Springs, 5 minutes away. We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live over 30 beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional tent site (lakeside)! We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.

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Water front on Topaz Lake

7 sites · RVs, Tents4 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 !!

Russtic Roadside Retreat (R3)

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Nevada City, CA

Learn more about this land: R3 is a rustic studio/cabin located in a private corner of our half acre property, walking distance to historic Nevada City, CA. From its humble beginnings as a simple camping platform, R3 is now fully enclosed with a stunning glass front wall which preserves the great view from the site. A small kitchen area and bathroom with flush toilet and shower complete a private and cozy space. There is much local history and many cultural activities to enjoy in Nevada County. Outdoor pursuits include hiking, road and mountain biking, river and lake access, skiing, and many more, all nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills. Nevada City, and it's sister town, Grass Valley, are Gold Rush Victorian gems, boasting a variety of shopping venues, many fine eateries, and eclectic "watering holes" featuring craft brews, local wines and tasty cocktails. Live music in many locations adds an upbeat and lively ambiance. Unwind with a day at the river or lake, take a road or mountain bike ride, or a hike on one of the many local trails.

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The House of 13 Rainbows

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Nevada City, CA

Four acres nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. We are located at 4200 Ft Elevation, just 3.5 miles from the top of the mountain with 360 degree lookouts. You're about 35 minutes from Historic downtown Nevada City, only 15 minutes from many Yuba River swimming holes, and about 6 miles to the Malakoff Diggins State Park. This property is fully off-grid, run on solar and back up generator. We are technically above snow line! So if you are trying to beat the heat it is about 5-10 degrees cooler at our location! This is a peaceful oasis for you to stay why explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We are creating a collective community vibe for nature lovers and explorers to have a safe and beautiful place to rest and share.

Foothills Yurt Glamping

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Colfax, CA

Escape to a unique retreat in our brand-new yurt, nestled in a serene location perfect for relaxation and adventure. This spacious and cozy yurt features a comfortable bed, modern amenities, and charming rustic decor that blends seamlessly with nature. You might even spot deer roaming the property adding a touch of magic to your stay. The 24 ft. Modern Yurt can sleep up to 4 people with a queen bed, a sofa bed. A queen air mattress is available upon request for additional 2 guests. Other amenities include a sauna, an (unheated) swimming pool with swim-up bar, outdoor kitchen stocked with dishes, large decks and patios, lounges and deck chairs, shade umbrellas, hammock, horseshoe pit and giant chess board. It is the perfect destination for a special occasion, an overnight stop on a long trip, an extended retreat, or just a chance to get away from it all. Guests have access to the yurt, pool area, outdoor kitchen, horseshoe pit and fire pit/chess board area. Do not wander around the property beyond these specified areas, up the stairs or ramp leading to the house, and do not go to the house on site. Home is usually vacant but it is a private vacation home. Colfax is a quaint, historic railroad town with lots of charm and plenty to do in the great outdoors. We are located about two hours from the Bay Area, just 45 minutes from Sacramento and only 45 minutes east on I-80 will bring you to world class skiing on Donner Summit and lots of other activities in the mountains. Colfax offers many restaurants, shops, stores and nearby Rollins Lake is great for boating, fishing, water skiing or swimming. The American River canyon offers kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. In the surrounding countryside, one can find many small vineyards & wineries, an occasional brewery or roadside fruit stand. It can be both sunny and cool here since we are located in the foothills, above the fog and at snowline. The Colfax Amtrak stop is only a 10 minute walk from the house, there's also a Greyhound line that stops in town.

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Earth Castle Empower Retreat

6 sites · Lodging10 acres · Grass Valley, CA

Gorgeous forested ten-acre land with great access to to the Yuba River, American River, hiking, biking, Historical Nevada City, Grass Valley, and more. Our charming and secluded retreat is nestled in the heart of nature, offering the perfect escape if you are seeking tranquility and a connection with the great outdoors. Bask under the breathtaking stars at night and feel the healing effect of nature all around you during your stay. You can visit the historical Empire Mine, The National Hotel, or the Nevada Theater (the first Theater in California). Or just chill up here. It's nice and quiet! Enjoy the simplicity and privacy that a public campground doesn't offer. Earth Castle is also a great place for groups! Plenty of space! We can support pull-through sites for RVs, space for Tents, and room for multiple cars. Your host is passionate about stewarding this beautiful land. She is an author and Evolutionary Astrologer. Interested in having an astrology reading while you are here? Message Anna-Thea and, schedule permitting, she would love to give you a reading!

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Victoria Forest

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Nevada City, CA

This area is part of a rich history showcasing the westward expansion, gold mining and simple pursuits. Just step outside the cabin to access miles of single track through the Tahoe national forest, or jump in your car to access lakes, rivers and streams within a 10 minute drive. Snowboarding and; skiing is a 25 minute drive away and snowshoeing and; cross country skiing can start right off the front deck! Come relax in your own private off grid cabin with a cozy loft and a view of Tahoe National Forest. At just over 5,000 feet in elevation and a dirt road drive Muir's Muse is the perfect place to disconnect. A three minute walk will get you to the Pioneer Trail which is a 25 mile non-motorized trail meandering through Tahoe National Forest, Bear Valley, and mountain lakes at its terminus. Open to hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and all lovers of the outdoors, the adventures are endless! Although there is cell service, there is no electricity or running water. There is an outdoor fire ring, a pit toilet on site and a portable heater and small camp stove for you to use... Just bring your own small propane canisters. You will be sent an informational e-mail (not the one generated from Hipcamp) prior to arriving. This email outlines directions and local hiking/swimming holes etc., PLEASE check the email you provided to Hipcamp (and myself) PRIOR to leaving for your trip so you are best prepared! :) Happy outdoorsing! ***Please note that in winter months Muir's Muse is accessible only by snowshoe as our road is not maintained with snow removal. Contact host for more info before booking please*** Refunds will not be granted to poorly prepared snow guests, or guests upset about nature: I.e., wasps, bears, flies, snakes etc.,

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(135)

Eldorado National Forest

Kirkwood, California

93%

(110)

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

South Lake Tahoe, California

100%

(50)

D.L. Bliss State Park

Tahoma, California

97%

(16)

Donner Memorial State Park

Truckee, California

100%

(14)

Emerald Bay State Park

South Lake Tahoe, California

93%

(252)

Tahoe National Forest

Graniteville, California

91%

(64)

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Mono City, California

95%

(20)

Sugar Pine Point State Park

Tahoma, California

Martis Creek Lake

Truckee, California

Washoe Lake State Park

Washoe Valley, Nevada

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in Tahoe guide

Overview

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.