The Ultimate Lake Tahoe Camping Guide [2026]

Fresh alpine air, starry nights around the campfire, sips of hot coffee during a sunrise over the lake—there’s simply nothing like camping in Lake Tahoe. Generally open from mid-May to mid-October, Lake Tahoe’s campgrounds make the perfect home base for exploring all the epic around the basin.

You’ll find that there’s camping options all around the lake, from North Shore to South, and in typical Lake Tahoe fashion, each has a personality all its own. Discover the best Lake Tahoe camping spots here, then pack up the camping gear, ice down the cooler and come explore!

Best Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

Intro to Camping in Lake Tahoe

We. Love. Camping. In. Lake Tahoe. And you will too. It’s quite literally the perfect camping destination. With every sort of campsite you can imagine—from full hook-up RV sites to rustic, backcountry tent camping—Lake Tahoe has a little bit of everything.

There’s the Lake Tahoe herself, of course, acting as an idyllic center point to all your outdoor adventures. Grab a spot at a campground, like Zephyr Cove or Camp Richardson, where you can walk to the lake for beach access, jet ski rentals and beyond. Or, cozy up in a state park, like Sugar Pine Point. Retreat into a secluded, forested location at Camp Shelley. Or find a spot within city limits, where restaurants, coffee shops and more are outside your (tent) doorstep.

You can hike. You can SUP. You can go horseback riding. You can rent kayaks in Emerald Bay, you can mountain bike, you can swim in pristine, alpine lakes. All within steps of your campsite.

Choosing a Lake Tahoe Campground

Selecting the right Lake Tahoe campground can feel overwhelming, given the options are nearly endless. But we’re here to help—and we have a few ideas on how to make it easier on you.

Start with location. A general idea of if you’re heading to North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, eastern shore or west will help you get started.

What amenities are you looking for? Full hookups for your RV? Or a simple tent camping situation?

And of course, activities. Are you looking for convenient access to the lake? Hoping to rent a boat or kayak without moving the car? Planning some backcountry hikes? Or maybe simply hoping to walk to a local coffee shop? It’s all possible! (In fact, here’s a Lake Tahoe itinerary to help you fill your days.)

South Lake Tahoe campgrounds, for instance, offer convenient access to the lake and a host of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. If you’re drawn to stunning views and outdoor activities, campgrounds on the west shore, like Sugar Pine Point State Park, provide access to hiking trails and other adventures. There’s truly something for everyone!

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South Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

Campgrounds in South Lake Tahoe, CA tend to be larger and more family-oriented. Think full hookups and convenience stores, RV turnarounds and on-site rentals. Snag a place on the south shore if ease and accessibility are an important piece of your camping puzzle. (TLDR? Fallen Leaf Lake is our favorite spot.)

Fallen Leaf Campground 

Located at the base of its namesake lake, Fallen Leaf Campground is a crowd favorite for its close proximity to both Fallen Leaf Lake, the city of South Lake Tahoe and Lake Tahoe herself. The campground also features six yurts, providing a unique and comfortable accommodation option for visitors. With a loop of 206 RV and tent sites tucked onto national forest land, plus basic amenities like flush toilets, fire pits and grills, it’s the perfect choice for families looking to enjoy the area.

Fallen Leaf Lake is home to some of Lake Tahoe’s best camping. But, it’s important to know—although spacious drive-through sites for your RV, this one is far from a standard RV park in that there are no full hookups.

But honestly? We don’t care! One day of hiking to Fallen Leaf Lake with your pets, or biking down to Lake Tahoe and you’ll agree. It’s all worth it.

Camp Richardson Resort

A Tahoe landmark all of its own, Camp Richardson Resort boasts over 300 tent and RV sites, plus cabins and vacation rentals galore. Choose a site at one of two excellent campground locations; one on the lakeside of Hwy 89, and the other tucked into the forest just across the road.

Camp Richardson Resort is like the holy grail of South Lake Tahoe campgrounds. It’s a Tahoe institution—with a lakefront restaurant, marina, general store, ice cream parlor, mountain sports center and coffee shop (whew!) all located on the property. Plus, they offer a selection of options for RV campsites, including a few with full hookups.

It’s the dream option for families that want to park the car, set up shop and not worry about traveling around. It really offers resort living in a forest setting, with more outdoor recreation than you could imagine. With so many amenities and activities, Camp Richardson Resort is perfect for the whole family.

Plus, you’ll have the Camp Richardson Marina as your home base, meaning all things lake—parasailing, jet skiing, boat rentals, Emerald Bay cruises—will be at your fingertips.

Camp Shelley

With only twenty-five individual campsites, Camp Shelley is a much more intimate campground than some of its nearby neighbors. Even so, your campsite here will be comfortable and well-equipped, with parking, a campfire ring, a picnic table, a grill, and nearby ADA-compliant restroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers.

Just on the other side of Hwy 89, Camp Shelley offers classic forest camp vibes all at just about 1.5 miles from Lake Tahoe. You’ll be one of the lucky few who can walk or bike down to the water without waiting in traffic or paying for parking.

RV campers—little ol’ Shelley is basic amenities only. You’ll have to look elsewhere for full hookups.

 Campground by The Lake 

If you’re looking to be in the middle of it all, Campground By The Lake is undoubtedly your spot. Directly across from the lake on Lake Tahoe Blvd., this campground offers non-electric standard dry-camping sites, surrounded by all the modern comforts you could dream of.

Although the sites are basic, with no electric or water hookups available, you’ll be a 2-minute walk from the lake and squarely in between some of the restaurants, shops and cafés in South Lake Tahoe. There’s boat parking and a ramp just across the way, making it easy to launch a kayak and enjoy water activities, plus a small dog beach, playground and more.

Best of all? It’s operated by the City of Lake Tahoe, and all of the city’s recreation facilities neighbor the campground. The gem in that crown is the brand new Recreation & Aquatics Center, which offers an indoor pool, fitness center, rock climbing & more.

Between the lake access and all the fun that goes with it (Live at Lakeview, we’re looking at you!) and the proximity to, well, everything, this spot is always a great option.

Tahoe Valley Campground

Tahoe Valley Campground is an important one, guys. It may not have the rustic charm or sprawling forest access that some of South Lake Tahoe’s campgrounds have, but it probably has availability. And hook-ups. Year-round.

Yes, friends, this is one of the rare year-round RV and camping options in all of Lake Tahoe! North or South Shore. It’s located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, within walking distance to groceries, cafés and beyond. Plus, you’re a short ride through town away from the Pope Baldwin Bike Path, Fallen Leaf Lake and our favorite stretch of beaches.

Full hook-ups and year-round access? You gotta keep this one on your list.

Lake Tahoe KOA Journey

No one does ease, comfort and reliability quite like a KOA, and the Lake Tahoe KOA Journey in South Lake Tahoe is no exception. Located just a few miles outside of South Lake Tahoe, right along Highway 50 in Meyers, this campground is one of the few RV campgrounds in South Lake Tahoe with full hook-ups. (Plus a playground and a dog park and a swimming pool and wifi and notoriously clean bathrooms!)

It’s true that on one side of the campground, you have Highway 50—a convenient detail for travelers, but less loved for the road noise. But! On the other end of the campground, you have a babbling creek. Which is a major perk in every way.

Once you get your RV campsite setup, you’ll be a 20-minute drive from the heart of South Lake Tahoe, but across the highway from Tahoe Paradise Park with miles of trails, waterfront and cafes just a bike ride away.

East Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

East Lake Tahoe campgrounds are few and far between, but offer a primo camping experience. Decorated with some of the area’s most picturesque stretches of lakefront, the east shore is small but mighty.

As a reminder, this side of the lake is in Nevada—not California. And let me tell ya, Nevada is holding. The wildly beautiful Zephyr Cove and the hard-to-believe-it ‘s-real Sand Harbor state park are here, alongside two of our favorite campgrounds.

Zephyr Cove Resort 

At the southeastern corner of Lake Tahoe, you’ll find Zephyr Cove Resort and Campground, a magical, full-service campground that’s perfect for RV and tent campers alike. With 93 RV, 47 walk-in, and 10 drive-in sites hugging the shoreline at Zephyr Cove, it’s about as good as it gets for a family-friendly camping trip.

Although campsites are hidden in the forest between boulders and towering pines, there are plenty of modern comforts to be enjoyed. There are bathrooms, showers, fire pits, and barbecues for all, and full hookups (with cable!) and lake views for some of the sites. The resort itself features an on-site restaurant, marina, boat rentals, cruises and more.

Plus, the resort offers free Wi-Fi, meaning you can still browse your favorite websites (stop, we’re blushing) while you’re enjoying the great outdoors.

Note: Zephyr Cove Resort and Marina is one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular campgrounds. It’s always busy, so make reservations early!

Nevada Beach Campground

With its premium lakefront location, long stretch of golden sand beach, and proximity to Stateline, it’s no wonder this campground sells out minutes after inventory releases.

As one of the most scenic Lake Tahoe campgrounds, Nevada Beach Campground is a top choice for summer vacationers. Dozens of tent and RV sites (no hookups, though!) sit just steps from the sprawling lakefront, with spacious sites and towering Jeffrey Pines.

It’s a true beachfront campground. A few highly prized sites will even have sand at your doorstep! One of our favorite dog beaches is located at the south end of Nevada Beach, easy trails wind out from the campground, and you’ll be minutes away from shops, groceries and beyond. It’s the best.

West Shore Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

Home to a staggering majority of the area’s campgrounds, the west shore promises plenty to explore with endless hiking, quiet wilderness and quaint shops. You’ll be near miles of national forest land, plus can’t miss favorites like Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, the Rubicon Point Lighthouse and Sugar Pine Point State Park. In short, there’s a lot to delight campers here and it’s always worth a stay.

You’ll also be at the base of Desolation Wilderness, a prime destination for hiking and really sinking your teeth into the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

DL Bliss State Park Campground

A true campground gem on the west side of the lake, D.L. Bliss State Park is a mountain oasis with a little bit of it all: pristine beaches, winding pathways, secluded coves, and a picture-perfect forest of thick, green pines. We’d even call it some of the best camping in California—with everything from kayaking to sunrise hiking steps from your sleeping bag.

The sites at DL Bliss are fairly small and equipped with basic amenities only. While there are no hook-ups, campers have access to restrooms and showers, grills and bear-proof storage lockers. But with natural highlights like Lester Beach, the Rubicon Trail, and Calawee Cove all so near, the amenities hardly matter. 

Sugar Pine Point State Park 

Sharing the name of the state park it neighbors, Sugar Pine Campground sits steps away from the west shore’s beaches and trails, and offers a charming dose of Tahoe history. The campgrounds center around the Ehrman Mansion, but there are also two miles of lake frontage, plus nearly endless trails winding through native pine, aspen, and fir trees.

Campsites here come with the usual—tables, campfire rings, and food storage containers—plus fresh drinking water, flush toilets, showers and an on-site campground host. All in all, it’s one of Tahoe’s best state parks and not to be missed.

Note: Pets are allowed on paved walkways only in all of Sugar Pine Point State Park.

Eagle Point Campground

With a location like this one, it’s not hard to understand why Eagle Point Campground reservations sell out six months in advance. Perched at the edge of Emerald Bay with spectacular views, a private beach and the famed Rubicon Trail winding through the nearby forest, a stay here ensures your trip is filled with all the natural wonder you can handle.

A basic campground with small, sometimes unlevel sites, it’s best suited to tent camping, although trailers and RVs are welcome in certain sites. There’s no hook-ups here, but there are hot pay-showers in newly renovated restrooms. There’s also a boat-in only campground on the other end of Emerald Bay that will knock your socks off.

(Looking for more Emerald Bay camping details? We share the goods—like the difference between the upper loop and lower loop—plus more campground options in our dedicated guide to Emerald Bay Camping.)

Meeks Bay 

A small, sandy campground just steps from the beach, Meeks Bay Resort deserves a spot at the top of any beach lover’s summer camping list. Sprawled beside an accessible, family-friendly stretch of sand, you can stash kayaks and paddleboards at your campsite, then walk them down for a midday float or sunset paddle.

As for the campground itself, you’ll find the standard stock of fire rings, picnic tables, BBQ’s, and restrooms available for every campsite. But there’s also 23 RV sites with full hookups. A beachfront rarity.

Plus, you’re close to the West Shore’s state parks, and if you run out of coffee or crave a cold beer, you’ll find that Tahoma is just a quick drive down the road.

Note: No pets allowed at Meeks Bay Resort & Campground.

Kaspian 

A rustic campground with just nine tent only sites, it could be argued that a stay at Kaspian Campground requires a certain taste. Yes, your site is a flight of stairs away from your car, and you’ll have to do without a shower—but what you sacrifice in amenities, you gain in authenticity.

With no RVs or trailers, van-lifers or generators, your time at Kaspian Campground will be filled with mementos of camping as it once was. Of course, there are still flush toilets, campfire rings and grills, plus a camp host to help with anything you may need. Plus, you’re just across the roadway from a bike path and the beach.

William Kent 

Sitting just two miles outside of Tahoe City, William Kent Campground is an excellent choice for travelers who crave a little bit of it all. Nestled in a pine forest across the highway from the lake, you’ll be able to access nearby beaches and trails, nature, and a metropolis with equal ease.

Despite the proximity to town, sites at William Kent make for a quiet retreat. You’ll find the usual perks, including picnic tables, fire pits, and grills at the campground, plus flush toilets and fresh water, all tucked in the forest beneath a halo of trees.

Most importantly, you’ll be able to walk to enjoy the beaches of Lake Tahoe and grab a lakefront happy hour at Sunnyside.

North Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

Known for being more low-key than South Lake Tahoe, the north shore has a notably less of a ‘busy’ feel to it. Contained mostly to a highway that snakes along the lake’s edge, there’s a more residential vibe here, accounting for less people and consequently, fewer campgrounds. (And not even one RV park.)

Tahoe State Recreation Area

Located just outside of Tahoe City, the Tahoe State Recreation Area campground is one of the rare camping options for visitors on the northern edge of Lake Tahoe. With only 23 sites, it’s the kind of spot you’ll have to plan ahead for—but claiming a scenic campsite just a few feet from the lakes alongside a mellow bike path leading into town will make it all worth it.

Although campsites here are comfortable, there are no hookups or dump stations available. Of course, swapping out the RV for a simple home base is easy to do when you’re so close to the area’s best beaches, restaurants, and activities.

Lake Forest 

A refreshing take on camping, Lake Forest Campground is a primitive property available on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s right y’all. No reservations. While the amenities are admittedly basic—pump water and portable toilets only—the location and price make this spot a true diamond in the rough.

Located just outside of Tahoe City and operated by the Tahoe City Public Utility District, this modest 20-site campground is no-frills in all the right ways. Close to the lake, close to the town, and close to Mother Nature, there’s still a lot to love even (or perhaps, especially) if a dip in the lake is the only shower you can expect.

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Best RV Campgrounds at Lake Tahoe

RV camping at Lake Tahoe is the perfect way to stay—but not every campground is set up for it. While sites are guaranteed to be beautiful, you have to know where to look to find RV-specific perks like hookups and pull-through sites. Here’s exactly what you need to know before you pull in.

Full Hookup RV Campgrounds at Lake Tahoe

If full hookups (water, electric, sewer) are non-negotiable, your options are limited but solid:

Zephyr Cove Resort — Without a doubt, this is the best full-hookup option in all of Lake Tahoe. It offers the complete experience—full hookups with cable TV, 93 RV sites, lakefront beach access, a marina, and a restaurant on the property. It’s scenic, convenient and centrally located between South Lake Tahoe and the magic of the east shore.

Tahoe Valley Campground — This is an important one to know, as it’s one of the very few year-round, full hookup options in South Lake Tahoe. Located in the heart of town, it’s a pet-friendly option with hookups, a heated pool, laundry facilities and more, plus easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path. Not the most scenic setting around, but the convenience and year-round availability make it an essential option.

Lake Tahoe KOA Journey — Ten minutes from the heart of South Lake Tahoe, the Lake Tahoe KOA along Highway 50 offers full hookups, a swimming pool, playground, dog park, and famously clean bathrooms. Although just outside of town, we love this one for the local feel. Head to Tahoe Paradise Park, out to Hope Valley, or just hang out along the river.

Partial Hookup / No Hookup but RV-Friendly

Camp Richardson Resort — A small number of full hookup sites are available alongside hundreds of standard, no-hookup RV sites, plus a handful of large pull-through sites to accommodate large RVs. Lots of amenities here, with an on-site restaurant, beach, and infinite hiking and biking access.

Fallen Leaf Lake — Although there are no hookups here, there are 21 pull-through sites, and plenty of spacious sites that would work well for an RV. Check each site before you book for details like driveway grade, length and entry and you’ll be set.

Nevada Beach Campground — No hookups, but the sites are wider and more RV-accommodating than most National Forest campgrounds. Plus, it’s an easy road in and out, there’s plenty of parking and—most importantly—you’re lakefront.

Meeks Bay Resort — Just outside of Tahoe City, Meeks Bay Resort offers the only west shore escape that’s truly RV-friendly. There are 23 RV sites with full hookups, that can accomodate up to 60 feet of tow vehicle and RV. Sadly though, no pets allowed here.

Not Recommended for RVs

Technically RV accessible, but with tight sites, low clearances, or dodgy parking: Camp Shelley, Tahoe State Recreation Area, Lake Forest, Eagle Point, D.L. Bliss, and most west shore state park campgrounds.

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Best Tent Camping at Lake Tahoe

You know what feeling we love? Crawling out of the tent to make a coffee while watching the sunrise in the Sierra Nevada. If that sounds like your kind of morning, we’ve got great news—epic tent camping is pretty easy to find in Lake Tahoe.

Best Tent Camping for Views

Eagle Point Campground — If you can snag a coveted spot in the Lower Eagle Point section of the campground, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe—take your pick! It’s one of the most scenic and secluded campgrounds on the south shore. While small RVs and vans are welcome, tent camping here offers the best opportunity to tuck into a private corner of your site to enjoy unreal views.

DL Bliss State Park — One of our personal favorites, D.L. Bliss State Park offers some of the best access to Lake Tahoe of any campground in the basin. And not just the beach—although Calawee Cove at the base of the campground is one of the lake’s most scenic—but along the Rubicon Trail, which starts at your home base. That said, sites tend to be small, making tent camping the call here.

Best Tent Camping for Beach Access

Nevada Beach Campground — If enjoying Lake Tahoe’s beaches is on your camping agenda, Nevada Beach Campground is the call. Sites sit a short, flat walk to the beach, which features a massive stretch of sand, a dog-friendly corner and plenty of shade beneath the pines.

Meeks Bay Resort – On the west shore, Meeks Bay Resort delivers for anyone looking for a short, easy walk to the sand from your campsite. Rent kayaks and SUP boards from the resort, swim along the sandy shoreline, then head back to your campsite, all by foot.

Best Rustic Tent Camping

Camp Shelley — With only 25 sites and a secluded location off of Highway 89, Camp Shelley is exactly the quiet, mountain retreat you’re looking for. Although you’re really not that far from the world at all, you’re guaranteed total silence, a starry sky and the kind of peace only a good camping trip can get you at this one.

Lake Forest Campground — First-come, first-served, 20 sites, pump water, and pit toilets. No reservations. No frills. Close to the lake, close to Tahoe City, and genuinely peaceful. The best option when everywhere else is booked.

Best Tent Camping for Families

Fallen Leaf Campground — Striking the perfect balance between the great outdoors and easy access to modern comforts, Fallen Leaf Lake is easily our favorite South Lake Tahoe campground. Quiet and beautiful, yet minutes from town, you have infinite trail access, can walk to Fallen Leaf Lake, bike to Lake Tahoe or be at a brewery with ease.

Camp Richardson Resort — The busiest and most popular campground in South Lake Tahoe, this one is basically custom-built for families, big groups, or anyone who just wants a fun, easy experience. On-site, you’ll find a lakefront restaurant, marina, ice cream shop, general store and gear rental center—all within walking distance of your campsite. Plus, the best local beaches and a flat, paved bike path into town are all minutes away.

Zephyr Cove Resort — If you’re going to sleep in a tent, having that tent at Zephyr Cove will make things a whole lot easier. With an on-site restaurant and marina, hot showers and hot coffee available, plus a short walk to one of the most bustling beaches around the lake, time in the tent will be the only part where you’re roughing it.

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How To Make Lake Tahoe Camping Reservations

Mostly bygone are the days when you toss the camping gear in the car and head east. Lake Tahoe campgrounds fill up fast in peak summer months, with top locations selling out six months in advance. It’s crazy, we know. Here are a few tips for snagging the site (and dates!) of your dreams:

ReserveCalifornia.com — California State Parks campgrounds: DL Bliss, Sugar Pine Point, Eagle Point (Emerald Bay), Tahoe State Recreation Area. Sites open 6 months in advance to the day. For a July 4th weekend, that means booking January 4th. Set an alarm, and be prepared to book right at the release time.

Recreation.gov — National Forest campgrounds: Fallen Leaf, Camp Shelley, Nevada Beach, Kaspian, William Kent, Meeks Bay, Camp Richardson. Sites also open 6 months in advance. Same story—set an alarm for 6 months ahead of the date you want, at the release time. Have the site map researched ahead of time.

Tahoe Valley Campground — Books through RVontheGo.com. Year-round availability makes this the easiest to secure on shorter notice.

Lake Tahoe KOA — Books through koa.com. Summer weekends fill fast, but mid-week availability is usually good.

Zephyr Cove Resort — Book through Zephyr Cove’s website directly.

Lake Forest Campground — First-come, first-served. No reservations. Show up early on summer mornings for the best chance at a site.

Pro tip on cancellations: Because of the insane froth for Lake Tahoe campgrounds, people who book six months in advance often end up cancelling closer to the reservation date. You can get lucky snatching up their cancellations on both ReserveCalifornia and Recreation.gov, especially for weeknight stays. Set daily alerts for your favorite campgrounds, and keep checking starting one month out. Don’t give up!

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Lake Tahoe Camping: Frequently Asked Questions