Lake Tahoe is a beautiful freshwater lake on the California-Nevada border. Whether tent camping, RVing, or staying in a cabin or resort, there are some excellent Lake Tahoe campgrounds and resorts on the edge of the beautiful lake.
Join us as we look at camping near Lake Tahoe and give you options for some of the best campgrounds.
Can You Camp Anywhere on Lake Tahoe?
First, you should know if there are restrictions on where you can camp in the area. You can’t camp just anywhere, unfortunately.
In most cases, you must be in a designated camping spot. There are some Lake Tahoe dispersed camping areas if you want to boondock, though. There are also many excellent opportunities for camping in Lake Tahoe campgrounds and resorts, so you have plenty of options.
9 Best Lake Tahoe Campgrounds on the Water
Lake Tahoe has some great campgrounds with prime access to the beach and marina. Here are 9 of the best Lake Tahoe campgrounds located right on the water.
1. Nevada Beach Campground
Google Maps Address: Bittlers Rd, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
Amenities: This Lake Tahoe campground does not have RV hookups, but it does provide a table and fire ring. There are also restroom and trash services, and potable water is available.
Pet-Friendly: Nevada Beach campground is pet-friendly.
Why You’ll Love It: The Nevada Beach campground is as close to the beach as you can get. While camping here, you can enjoy swimming at the beach, hiking, or fishing on the lake. The beautiful mountains also make this spot a must-see location.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.4/10
2. Camp Richardson Resort and Marina
Google Maps Address: 3004 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Amenities: Camp Richardson has water and electrical hookups and an on-site dumping station. There’s also a table and fire ring.
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Why You’ll Love It: Camp Richardson’s RV Village is within walking distance to the beach and the marina. There’s also an on-site general store, and the Beacon Bar and Grill is an excellent option for lunch or dinner.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 7.8/10
Pro Tip: There is a lot to see and do in Lake Tahoe. Make sure you can fit everything you want to do into your schedule by first reading up on How Big Is Lake Tahoe?
3. Meeks Bay Campground
Google Maps Address: 96158 Meeks Bay Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Amenities: At Meeks Bay, there’s a table, fire ring, and grill at every site. Each site also has access to flushing toilets, drinking water, and food storage lockers, which keep wildlife out of your food. There are no RV hookups here, and visitors have reported that the campsites are small, so only shorter rigs will fit.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the Meeks Bay campground
Why You’ll Love It: Meeks Bay campground is only minutes from a private beach on Lake Tahoe. Camping here also provides excellent opportunities for boating.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.0/10
4. Zephyr Cove Resort
Google Maps Address: 760 US-50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
Amenities: Zephyr Cove Resort provides electrical, water and sewer hookups, a fire ring, and a picnic table.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Zephyr Cove Resort.
Why You’ll Love It: Sites at this Lake Tahoe campground can handle big rigs with pull-through RV pads. Campers here can go boating, hiking, fishing, and participate in many other marina activities. For example, Zephyr Cove is close to the beach, the Zephyr Cove Restaurant, paddle boating, horseback riding, and a general store.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.8/10
5. Campground By the Lake
Google Maps Address: 1150 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Amenities: This Lake Tahoe campground can accommodate larger trailers or fifth wheels with pull-through RV pads. However, the Campground By The Lake only has partial hookups with electrical and water. You’ll find a fire ring and a picnic table at each site.
Pet-Friendly: You can bring pets, with three being the max number per site. It also costs $2 per dog, but there’s a dog run at the campground, making the fee more worthwhile.
Why You’ll Love It: The Campground by the Lake is across the street from the beach and Lake Tahoe. Campgrounds feature easy access to swimming at the beach, an on-site swimming pool, a playground, and nearby hiking trails.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.0/10
6. William Kent Campground
Google Maps Address: 1995 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Amenities: William Kent Campground has no RV hookups, but there is a dumping station. Flush toilets, drinking water access, a fire ring, and a picnic table are also available.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at William Kent.
Why You’ll Love It: This campground is an excellent location if you want to get the most out of staying near Lake Tahoe. William Kent Campground is only minutes from the lake, which provides direct access to swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Excellent bike trails also surround Lake Tahoe.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.6/10
Pro Tip: If you dream of selling your house and hitting the road full time, this is How Much It Costs to Full-Time RV.
7. Sugar Pine Point State Park
Google Maps Address: General Creek Campground, 7360 CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142
Amenities: Although Sugar Pine Point only offers dumping services, it does have flushing toilets and shower areas for campers. There’s also access to drinking water, a picnic table, on-site firewood, and a fire ring. The campground provides food storage lockers, and you’re required to use them to reduce wildlife encounters–especially bears–in Lake Tahoe campgrounds.
Pet-Friendly: Sugar Pine Point State Park allows pets on a leash within the campsite. However, pets can’t go on the beaches or trails.
Why You’ll Love It: The Sugar Pine Point campground is in the Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park. Therefore, this campground is the perfect location if you want to enjoy the natural aspects of Lake Tahoe. You can also visit the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion to learn how the wealthy lived on Lake Tahoe in the early 1900s.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8.8/10
8. Meeks Bay Resort and Marina
Google Maps Address: 7941 Emerald Bay Rd, Tahoma, CA 96142
Amenities: RV sites include full hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and food lockers.
Pet-Friendly: Pets can’t set foot anywhere in the resort.
Why You’ll Love It: Meeks Bay Resort has camping, RV, and cabin lodging available. Whatever way you stay, it has beautiful mountain views and excellent access to Lake Tahoe. The on-site Wa-She-Shu Grill serves both breakfast and lunch and is the perfect place to eat while visiting the beach.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.0/10
9. Lake Forest Campground
Google Maps Address: 2504-2540 Lake Forest Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Amenities: Lake Forest campground has vault toilets, trash pickup, and access to drinking water. There are no RV hookups at this Lake Tahoe campground.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed.
Why You’ll Love It: The Lake Forest campground is located in North Lake Tahoe and provides premiere access to the Lake Forest beach. Boating is available from the on-site boat ramp, and fishing and swimming are also everyday activities for campers.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 7.6/10
Best Time of Year to Visit Lake Tahoe
The best time of year to visit Lake Tahoe is during the summer between June and August. Summer is the best time to camp because between June and August, the temperature averages around 70, which is perfect for enjoying the beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is an excellent location for any summer or fall vacation. You can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and numerous other marina activities when camping nearby. Whether tent camping, RVing, or staying in a resort, there are many fantastic Lake Tahoe campgrounds to choose from.
What’s your favorite thing about visiting Lake Tahoe? Drop a comment below!
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