Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

Our Local Expert Says:

Home to Vikingsholm and Fanette Island (Lake Tahoe's only island), Emerald Bay truly is one of Tahoe's prettiest corners.

Description:

Emerald Bay State Park is a state park located around Emerald Bay, a National Natural Landmark, at Lake Tahoe, California. The park is home to Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion that is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere.[citation needed] The park contains the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island. The park is accessible by State Route 89 near the southwest shore of the lake. Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe's most photographed and popular locations. In 1969, Emerald Bay was recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the federal Department of the Interior. In 1994, California State Parks included the surrounding water of the bay as a part of the park, making Emerald Bay one of the first underwater parks of its type in the state, protecting the various wrecks and other items on the bay's bottom. The park is located directly south of D.L. Bliss State Park. Summer temperatures at the park range from the low 40 °F (4 °C) at night to mid-70 °F (25 °C) during the day, and during the winter visitors will usually experience temperatures between 20 and 40 °F (-7 and 4 °C). During harsh winters, the bay freezes over. The bay is about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) in length, and about two-thirds of a mile (1 km) wide at its widest point.

Description:

Sitting at an elevation of 6,000 feet, Sugar Pine Point Campground is located on the north shore of the Lower Bear River Reservoir. Visitors would be able to participate in activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and scenic viewing. There is a store within 5 miles of the site.

Rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually by California Department of Fish and Game in Lower Bear River Reservoir. Rainbow trout are stocked in Upper Bear River Reservoir. Lake trout have also been caught.

On site facilities: 10 units, primitive toilets and picnic tables.

Description:

Sitting at the high elevation of 8,200 feet, the Caples Lake Campground is located adjacent to Highway 88, near to Kirkwood. In addition to offering camping facilities, the site provides close access to activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and hiking. There is also a local grocery store within five miles.

Brook, brown, rainbow, and lake trout have been caught in Caples Lake. Tui chub also present. Not presently stocked. Although fishing is allowed year round, the lake is not accessible in the winter.

On site facilities: 35 camping units ( 1 double ), vault toilets and drinking water.

Description:

Sitting at an elevation of 7,600 feet, the Kirkwood Lake Campground provides close access to Kirkwood Lake. Visitors would be able to participate in activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking. Additionally the site allows beautiful views of the area from the scenic vista.

On site facilities: 12 camping units, drinking water, vault toilets and picnic tables.

Description:

Sitting at an elevation of 3,200 feet, Mokelumne River Campground offers semi-primitive camping with opportunities for fishing and swimming in the nearby water holes and river.

On site facilities: 8 camping units ( semi-primitive ), vault toilets and picnic tables.

Description:

Davies Creek Campground is located on a dirt road on the west side of Washoe Lake. This campground has a dozen or so sites and toilets on site. There is a pond a 1/4 mile away in Davis Creek Park. You can fish there in summer, or ice-skate when the pond freezes over in winter. Additionally in the park is a trailhead for the Ophir Creek Trail. This long and pretty strenuous hike gains approx. 4,000 feet to Mt. Rose Campground in the Tahoe Meadows area. From here you can connect to the Tahoe Rim Trail. Washoe Lake State Park is only 10 minutes away on the other side of Washoe Valley.