Lake Tahoe Fall Camping

By: Lake Tahoe Staff

The Lake Tahoe camping season may be winding down for the summer, but there are still a few places to enjoy sleeping under the stars this fall.

Milky Way Lake Tahoe Camping Rachid Dahnoun
Milky Way over Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe | Photo: Rachid Dahnoun

Lake Tahoe is a popular camping destination all summer long; however, for the hardy outdoors people among us, year-round camping opportunities exist around Lake Tahoe. Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy the changing leaves, fewer crowds, and quieter beaches and trails, and the cooler temperatures are perfect for long hikes and mountain bike rides.

lake tahoe autumn
Fall colors around Lake Tahoe. Photo by Carol Chaplin.

Here are some of your options for camping this fall in Lake Tahoe:

  • RV campgrounds such as Zephyr Cove Resort and Tahoe Valley Campground stay open year-round.
  • Camping is permitted year-round in Desolation Wilderness (an overnight permit is required).
  • Campsites managed by the US Forest Service, including Fallen Leaf Lake and Nevada Beach Campgrounds, will be open until October 13.
  • Campground by the Lake, in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, is closed for the 2019 season due to construction.
  • D.L. Bliss, Donner Memorial, Emerald Bay, and Sugar Pine Point are OPEN during the winter for hiking and snowshoeing, but these parks are CLOSED to camping beginning mid-September (varies by park).

Bring extra layers (temperatures drop at night), and don’t forget your sleeping pad! While you are here, make sure you check out all the beautiful fall colors.

Hammock South Lake Tahoe Camping
South Lake Tahoe Camping | Photo: @keeptahoe.local

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