Camping near Lake Tahoe is the perfect way to experience one of our country’s most marvelous natural wonders. As one of the deepest and clearest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Tahoe is famous for good reason — it’s surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and pristine beaches that can be easily explored during a week-long Tahoe vacation. It features an abundance of RV parks, state parks, and national forest lands that can be easily camped in, and its crystal clear waters are some of the purest you’ll find anywhere.
On top of that, the surrounding towns are stacked with a variety of experiences — from chic communities with boutique hotels and restaurants to small towns that let you live lake life at a slow pace. That’s why Lake Tahoe RV camping is an experience that no RVer should be without.
Why RV to Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe is well known as a spectacular natural wonderland, but it also can sometimes have a reputation as a high-priced place for the uber-wealthy.
While there is some merit to that belief, RV camping in Lake Tahoe is a way to experience elements of the high life while living on a budget. That’s because the majority of camping options around Lake Tahoe will cost you a fraction of the price of a hotel. By also cooking in your own RV kitchen, you can save even more by eliminating the cost of eating out every day.
Don’t have an RV? Check out these RVs you can rent near lake Tahoe.
Types of camping near Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe camping features an array of different types of campgrounds — from state parks to national forests to county campgrounds to city parks to private RV parks. What this all means for you is that you’ll have a variety of different price points for RV campgrounds, ranging from free to luxury.
Our 7 favorite camping spots near Lake Tahoe
Our favorite campgrounds near Lake Tahoe come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and budgets. These campgrounds are all spectacular in their own way, so we won’t list them in order of rank, rather we’ll list them based on different types of experiences — from private RV parks to national forest lands.
Before you set out camping, be sure to check out our RV packing checklist by destination.
Full hookup RV park and RV resorts
Tahoe Valley RV Resort
Price: $80-$120/night depending on the season for non-members
As a member of the Thousand Trails Network, you can be eligible for free or discounted camp nights.
Sitting just south of the hip town of South Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Valley Campground offers the full stack of RV resort amenities. The campground features a pool, tennis courts, cabins, hiking trails, and a location that can’t be beat. As the name implies, it’s situated in a valley where you and your rig will be nestled between massive trails and natural beauty — all just a stone’s throw from some of the best cuisine and activities that Lake Tahoe has to offer.
That’s why Tahoe Valley campground is some of the best camping around Lake Tahoe.
Coleville/Walker KOA Holiday
Price: $50-$90/night
This is one of the best campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe area because it offers you access to a host of Sierra Nevada sites — including Lake Tahoe.
Even though Coleville is further from the lake than some of the other Lake Tahoe campgrounds, think of this KOA as a basecamp that’ll provide you easy access not just to Lake Tahoe, but also to things like Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, Reno, and Virginia City.
Beyond access, this KOA is set up as a magical RV oasis for an RVing family featuring a playground, pool, ice cream socials, lawn games, and much more. All sites are full hookup and the campground is big rig friendly.
Meek’s Bay Resort
Price: $45-$65/night
Meek’s Bay resort blends alpine lake wilderness with a full-feature RV resort. Nestled on the west side of the lake, Meek’s Bay is more removed from the hustle and bustle of busier areas along Lake Tahoe. Despite its more remote location, you can still enjoy full hookup sites, RV resort amenities like private beach access and an on-site grille, and relatively easy access to town.
As an added bonus, Meek’s Bay is accessible via one of the most popular bike paths in the Lake Tahoe area.
Public RV camping near Lake Tahoe (limited/no hookups)
Tahoe Basin Campgrounds
Lake Tahoe is unique in that it features an array of public lands near it that also make for some of the best Lake Tahoe RV camping.
Specifically, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the USDA manages a network of campgrounds in some of the most pristine spots around Lake Tahoe — all for a very affordable price.
Note: These are dry camping options so you’ll need to be ready to boondock your RV without hookups.
Here are three examples:
- Meeks Bay Campground — Not to be confused with Meeks Bay RV Resort, this Forest Service Campground is still nestled in one of the most beautiful bays along Lake Tahoe.
Price: $33/night - Nevada Beach Campground — Nestled deep in trees and still a stone’s throw from a beautiful and private beach, this spot is one of the best Lake Tahoe camping sites.
Price: $40/night - Goose Meadow Campground — A terrific budget spot to camp that’s on a river, near a small town, and still close to everything.
Price: $22/night
Sugar Pine Point State Park
Price: $35/night
State parks are often the perfect fit for RVers because of their affordability and accessibility. Sugar Pine is no exception and features some of the best RV camping in Lake Tahoe.
Nestled in the tall Sugar Pines — the namesake of this Lake Tahoe Campground — you’ll have generously sized campsites, be close to bike paths, have access to hot showers and clean toilets, and get great cell service which is a rarity for state parks. These features combine to make Sugar Pine some of the best camping in Lake Tahoe.
Campground by the Lake
Price: $40.25/night
A rarity in the RVing world, Campground by the Lake is a city park that also features some of the best Tahoe camping you can find.
The park is also a city park for the city of South Lake Tahoe and it features a library and hockey rink right on the same grounds. The best part is, if you come to Lake Tahoe to experience its renowned restaurants, museums, and galleries, these will all be within walking distance of this Lake Tahoe campground.
Tahoe State Recreation Area
Price: $30/night
If you enjoy small-town vibes while having easy access to Lake Tahoe, this state campground is one of the best camping spots along Lake Tahoe. The town of Tahoe City (population: 1,760) is just 0.25 miles from this campground. Tahoe City is a charming little town that can serve as your basecamp for all your Lake Tahoe adventures — be it biking up the Squaw Valley, rafting the Truckee River, or checking out the local museum.
The area around the Truckee River even features one of the largest quantities of campsites anywhere in the country!
Rent an RV near Lake Tahoe
First, be sure you have a camping checklist so you’ll have everything you need for your Lake Tahoe camping trip. Then, you can check out all our RVs for rent right on Outdoorsy’s site. Here are some of our best RVs for rent by state.
And here are a few great RV rentals right in the Lake Tahoe area:
- 2017 Forest River Forester Class C
- 2021 Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser
- 2017 Winnebago Forza Class A (Sleeps 9)
- 2020 Forest River Grey Wolf
- 2017 Thor Synergy Class B
Happy Tahoe travels!
