ADVERTISEMENT
a small pond in the expansive national forests of the Lake Tahoe area

Best Campgrounds in South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe strides the California and Nevada state line. It is the largest alpine lake in North America. The crystal clear waters invite visitors from the world over. There’s plenty to do along the 71 miles of the lake shore. Take advantage of all the activities offered along the south shore by camping in one of these pristine sites.

  • Camp Richardson

    Open year round, Camp Richardson offers lodging, a full-service marina in the summer, skiing in the winter, and beachside dining every month. The camp also has RV and tent camping areas. Additionally, they have a sports center and general store open seven days a week. In the summer, visit the ice cream shop.

  • Meeks Bay Resort

    RV and tent sites near the white sand beaches on a quiet cove of the lake are ideal at Meeks Bay Resort. For the non-campers, cabins are available. The adjacent marina has all kinds of rental equipment, including kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, and powerboats. They are located closer toward the western shore of the lake.

  • Emerald Bay Boat Camp

    Emerald Bay on the southwest corner of the lake is known for its emerald green water. Camping with there is a unique experience, as they can only be reached by boat from the South Lake Tahoe marinas.Located in the north end of Emerald Bay State Park, the camp sits secluded in the wilderness, perfect for unplugging from technology and recharging in nature.

  • Sugar Pine Point State Park

    If you are a bicyclist or motor cyclist, you will appreciate camping next to the adjacent bike paths and mountain bike trails. Ride the paved bike path from the camp to Tahoe City, just 10 miles away. For you walkers, next door is the Edwin Z'berg Natural Preserve. Sugar Pine Point's location offers some of the best fishing to be had on the lake, especially on the western side of the lake.

  • Bayview Campground

    Bayview is a 12-site, first-come/first-served campground at the south end of Emerald Bay. Located at the trail head for Cascade Falls and Desolation Wilderness, campers can stay under the tall pine trees next to boulder outcroppings. Each camp site has a picnic table, standing BBQ, and food storage container. Nearby are the Vikingsholm Castle and access to the many hiking trails. This campground is also pet-friendly.

  • Zephyr Cove Resort

    Zephry Cove Resort, on the Nevada side in South Lake Tahoe, is an RV Park just across the beach from the Lake. All sites have full hook-ups with cable and Wi-Fi. Nearby are shower facilities with heated floors and a coin laundry. One of the favorite activities here is riding the catamaran from the marina. Evening champagne rides are provided that take advantage of the sunset, and they offer dinner cruises for your enjoyment as well.

Last Updated: August 18, 2014