Tahoe Campground
4.6232 reviewsTahoe State Recreation Area, 0.25 miles east of Tahoe City on Highway 28, Tahoe City, CA
Tahoe Campground
$10.00 - $35.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $10 for bike-in sites to $35 for standard camping sites. Reservation fee charged is $8.25 per booking.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic Highway 28, Tahoe Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary waters of Lake Tahoe. This intimate, conveniently located retreat welcomes adventurers seeking easy access to both wilderness and civilization. While perfectly sized for tent campers and small RV enthusiasts, its prime location puts you minutes from Tahoe City's attractions and the lake's crystalline shores.
Tahoe Campground is primarily suited for tent camping, smaller trailers, and RVs without hookups.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time and discover the rich heritage of the Tahoe Basin. Just moments away, the William B. Layton Museum in Tahoe City chronicles the fascinating evolution of this alpine paradise from Native American homeland to timber boomtown to world-class recreation destination. Your campsite serves as a perfect base for exploring the area's storied past.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada seasons at this dynamic destination. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, perfect for nearby skiing and snowshoeing adventures. As summer arrives, warm days reaching a comfortable 85°F invite endless outdoor exploration, while cool mountain evenings provide the perfect backdrop for campfire stories under star-filled skies.
ElevationPerched at classic Sierra Nevada altitude, the campground offers that perfect mountain air that makes every breath feel refreshing. The elevation provides cooler temperatures than the valley below and that distinctive high-country atmosphere that draws visitors back year after year.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up surrounded by towering mixed forests where sunlight filters through pine and fir branches, creating a natural cathedral. The nearby Lake Tahoe shoreline beckons with its famously clear waters and stunning mountain vistas. Keep your camera ready and food properly stored—this is active black bear country where wildlife sightings add excitement to your wilderness experience.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Sierra Nevada range, the campground occupies a special place where ancient geological forces created one of nature's masterpieces. The surrounding mixed forests thrive in this unique ecosystem shaped by volcanic activity and glacial carving, while Lake Tahoe's pristine waters reflect the dramatic peaks that define this iconic mountain landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree accessible campsites (#17, #26, and #27) are present, featuring accessible parking, fire rings, nearby water, and food lockers. Restroom and shower facilities are usable but may require assistance for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate trailers up to 15 feet and camper/motorhomes up to 21 feet.
Sites PrivacyMixed levels of privacy reported; while some sites are separated by trees, others are closely packed, leading to less privacy.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lakeside sites for better views and less noise. Avoid sites close to Highway 28.
Best Campsites13, 15, 16.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests per site.
Groups
Details about group sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized into two loops: lakeside and hillside. Lakeside sites closer to Lake Tahoe.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through the camping season. Closed during winter months.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via call (800-444-7275) and online California State Parks camping website.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; typically fills up during peak season due to high demand.
Cancellation PolicyReservations must be canceled according to California State Parks guidelines. Late cancellations may incur penalties.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tahoe Campground offers easy access to recreational activities, including hiking, beach access, and biking trails leading to Tahoe City.
HikingUsers mention paved paths leading directly from the campground to Tahoe City with picturesque views of Lake Tahoe. Specific trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.
SwimmingThe campground features a small, rocky beach and a pier at Lake Tahoe, offering swimming opportunities. Users note the lake can be cold.
BikingThe campground connects to nearby bike paths, praised for being scenic and easily accessible. Users highlight proximity to Tahoe City’s bike routes.
Wildlife viewingActive bear population reported, emphasizing the need for proper food storage. Bears are mentioned as a notable part of the camping experience.
Beach activitiesUsers describe a small rocky beach where floating and swimming are possible. Sunbathing or beachcombing details are not provided.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are prohibited during Red Flag Warning days. Fire pits are available but may vary in quality.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear presence requires strict compliance with storage rules. Proximity to Highway 28 may pose noise dangers.
Active alertsConstruction on Highway 28 may lead to noise disturbances. Campfires are prohibited during Red Flag Warning days.
Weather forecast
49
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services available in Tahoe City, approximately 0.5 miles away, including police, fire stations, and medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season occurs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingTrash must be stored in bear-resistant food lockers due to high bear activity. No further recycling details provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to Lake Tahoe with direct access to the shoreline and a small pier.
Common complaintsNoise from Highway 28 and construction. Lack of privacy due to closely packed campsites.
HostHosts like Kirby and Denise have been noted for their friendly and professional demeanor.
Campground Map
Tahoe State Recreation Area, 0.25 miles east of Tahoe City on Highway 28, Tahoe City, CA
Driving directionsLocated 0.25 miles east of Tahoe City on Highway 28. Easily accessible from the main highway. Visitors can use Google Maps for precise directions.
Access is considered urban, as the campground is alongside Highway 28. Roads are paved and accessible year-round.Nearby places
Tahoe City: 0.25 miles, Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park: 11 miles, D.L. Bliss State Park: 17 miles, Tahoe City Lake Forest Campground: 1 mile, William Kent Campground: 3 miles, Silver Creek Campground: 7 miles, Goose Meadows Campground: 10 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available within walking distance, such as Safeway and CVS (approximately 5 minutes). Fuel stations are nearby in Tahoe City.
Camper Reviews
4.6
32 reviews
Tahoe Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Tahoe Campground highlight its proximity to Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City as major advantages. Complaints focus on traffic noise, lack of privacy at some sites, and issues with facilities such as showers and fire pits. The campground's cleanliness is widely appreciated.
Review Summaries
Users praise the campground’s convenient location, beautiful lake views, clean restrooms, and well-maintained grounds. Accessibility to nearby shops, restaurants, and bike trails is frequently...
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Frequent complaints include traffic noise from the nearby highway, closely packed campsites lacking privacy, and issues with facilities like coin-operated showers and unclean fire pits. Some bear...
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Users recommend choosing campsites closer to the lake for a quieter experience, bringing cable locks for bear-proof coolers, and considering offsite firewood purchases for better value. Campsites...
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Summer is the most popular season, with frequent activity and crowded sites. Reviews indicate construction noise during peak months. Winters are less reviewed, and details on winter usability are...
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"The dock that you can walk down to is very beautiful. Highly recommend this place strictly for the beautiful view of the lake." – Matthew
"We came late at night, but there were available sites....
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Best sites: #13, #15, #16. Campsite #11 has a footpath running through it that is commonly used by locals, detracting from the camping experience. Sites closer to the highway receive negative...
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Three accessible campsites (#17, #26, and #27) offer features like nearby water, fire rings, and food lockers. Restrooms and showers are usable but may require assistance.
Small dogs are allowed, and users note the campground is pet-friendly. No complaints about pet policies were mentioned in the reviews.
Last updated July 20, 2025