Boat-in Campground
4.7621 reviewsNorth Shore, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA
Boat-in Campground
$35.00 - $35.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsites are $35 per night. Buoys are available for securing boats for campers. Firewood costs $10 per bundle, and ice is $5 per small bag, all payable via cash.
About this campground
Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters against your tent's edge at Emerald Bay Boat-In Campground, where adventure begins the moment you leave the dock. This exclusive 20-site sanctuary, reachable only by boat or trail, rewards intrepid campers with front-row seats to Lake Tahoe's most spectacular panoramas. Each lakefront site serves as your personal gateway to the fascinating Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail, where sunken vessels tell stories beneath the pristine waters.
The Boat-In Campground offers primitive camping with tent sites accessible by watercraft. RVs, group camping, and glamping are not supported.
Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of American heritage at this storied location, where nature's grandeur earned National Natural Landmark status in 1969. Your tent sits on the very grounds where the legendary Emerald Bay Resort welcomed early 20th-century adventurers, who arrived by steamship to experience Tahoe's untamed beauty. Today's campers continue this tradition of pilgrimage to one of California's most treasured landscapes.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Emerald Bay unfold in perfect 75°F comfort, ideal for swimming and exploring, though mountain nights demand cozy sleeping bags as temperatures dip to a crisp 40°F. The high-altitude environment keeps you on your toes with its mercurial moods—sunshine can transform to thunderstorms in minutes, adding drama to your wilderness experience. Winter transforms this paradise into a formidable landscape where temperatures plunge to bone-chilling 20°F lows.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 6,200 feet above sea level, this mountain campground offers the exhilaration of thin air and expanded horizons. The elevation creates that distinctive Sierra crispness in the air and may leave lowlanders catching their breath during the first day or two as bodies adjust to the alpine environment.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering granite sentinels stand guard over your campsite, their ancient faces carved by glaciers and painted with sunset alpenglow. Dense stands of fragrant conifers create natural privacy between sites while framing postcard-perfect views of the sapphire bay. Keep your camera ready for magnificent ospreys diving for trout, majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, and the occasional black bear ambling through the forest shadows.
Geological RegionEmerald Bay showcases nature's artistry at its finest—a masterpiece sculpted by ancient glaciers that carved this jewel-like inlet from the Sierra Nevada's solid granite heart. Sheer cliffs plunge dramatically into waters so clear you can count individual rocks on the bottom, while aromatic pine and fir forests carpet the surrounding slopes. This geological wonderland represents millions of years of Earth's creative forces concentrated into one breathtaking destination.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessible by boat only. No specific accommodations for disabilities mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized, details on dimensions are not specified.
Sites PrivacySome sites offer better views and access; sites #1, #21, and #22 are highly recommended for privacy and optimal views.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites in the east-most corner are preferred due to proximity to water and privacy.
Best CampsitesUser reviews recommend campsites #1, #21, and #22 for optimal views and accessibility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people per campsite
Groups
No group sites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in a single loop along the lakefront, offering direct water access.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground operates seasonally and is typically open from late May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at ReserveCalifornia.com or via the phone number 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is restricted due to limited access. Visitors are encouraged to make reservations well in advance to secure spots.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 24 hours before check-in without penalty. Fees may apply for cancellations beyond this period.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Boat-In Campground allows visitors to enjoy water-focused activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and diving. The nearby Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail offers scuba diving opportunities to explore historical underwater artifacts.
HikingSeveral trails are accessible from the campground, including scenic paths around Emerald Bay. A notable hike connects the west side of Emerald Bay to its south shore.
FishingFishing is permitted. Trout and salmon species are commonly caught in Lake Tahoe.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Emerald Bay's clear waters, although users report cold temperatures.
BoatingCamping is accessible only by boat, and boating activities are central. Buoys are provided for registered campers. Anchoring near historic underwater artifacts is prohibited.
Wildlife viewingEmerald Bay area is known for wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, and bears.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated pits. Firewood is available for purchase onsite ($10 per bundle).
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include active black bears, steep trails, and sudden weather changes.
Active alertsThe campground is closed during harsh winter weather and typically reopens late May.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 3
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are at South Lake Tahoe. The Vikingsholm visitor center has a telephone for emergencies, and Coast Guard assistance can be contacted via Channel 16.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak camping season typically aligns with warm summer months, late June through early September.
Trash and recyclingFood lockers are provided to secure trash and food, helping to keep bears away. No additional information on recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the north shore of Emerald Bay, the campground offers lakefront access to Lake Tahoe.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight occasional bear sightings and noise disturbances from boats during the daytime.
HostCamp hosts Donna and Victor are praised for their hospitality, providing services such as ferry rides, equipment loans, and assistance with reservations.
Campground Map
North Shore, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA
Driving directionsEmerald Bay Boat-In Campground is accessible only by boat or by hiking through rugged terrain. From Highway 89, park at the Vikingsholm parking lot and hike down a steep one-mile trail to the lake. Alternatively, visitors can access the campground directly via private boat or kayak.
The campground is accessible only by boat or foot, requiring visitors to traverse steep trails or navigate via watercraft. Vehicle access is not permitted to the lakefront.Nearby places
South Lake Tahoe (10 miles, ~25 minutes drive), Tahoe City (22 miles, ~45 minutes drive), Tahoma (15 miles, ~30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in South Lake Tahoe (10 miles). Firewood and ice are available for purchase onsite at the campground from the camp hosts ($10 for firewood, $5 for ice, cash only).
Camper Reviews
4.8
21 reviews
Boat-in Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the scenic beauty and unique boating access of this campground. Guests appreciate the helpfulness of camp hosts and the clean facilities.
Review Summaries
Guests praise the breathtaking views, helpful camp hosts, and the overall serenity of the area. The vault toilets and potable water are also positively noted.
The campground can become congested during the day due to boat traffic, and music from party boats has been reported as disturbing.
Arrive early to secure good spots; sites #1, #21, and #22 are recommended for views and access. Consider morning or late afternoon for water activities due to calmer conditions.
Summer is the ideal season, with warm days and cool nights. Winter camping is unavailable as the campground closes for the season.
"What a joy. Great boat camping experience." "Very peaceful camp if you aren't afraid of an occasional bear wandering through." "Beautiful primitive campground." "Donna and Victor are the best. They...
Show more
Highly recommended sites include #1, #21, and #22 for views and access.
No information specifically addressing accessibility features.
Dogs are allowed at campsites but prohibited on the beach and trails. Regulations are enforced year-round.
Last updated July 20, 2025