Best RV Camping in Lake Tahoe: 8 Great Parks

If you’ve finally decided to tick Lake Tahoe off your bucket list, your RV trip is bound to be a blast. Its gleaming waters, epic mountains, and evergreen pine forests offer a hearty mix of activities to partake in. But with so many campgrounds and resorts in the region, finding the best RV camping in Lake Tahoe can feel overwhelming.

Here’s a shortlist discussing the best places to park your RV near Lake Tahoe. We’ve used bullet points to highlight actual Google ratings of each getaway, as well as daily prices, number of sites, and exact location.

Buckle up.

Zephyr Cove Resort

Google Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1.3k reviews
Location: 760 Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448, United States
RV Sites: 93
Rates: $50 to $120 daily

Drive your camper to the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe, and set up camp under the lush pine trees of Zephyr Cove RV & Campground. This getaway has everything an RVer dreams of—beach access, marina activities, top-notch RV park facilities, serenity, and gorgeous natural surroundings.

Partake in world-class dining, sightseeing boat tours, parasailing, and horseback riding excursions. Campers will have an outdoor patio, laundry, free bathhouses with hot showers, a general store, watercraft rentals, free WiFI, and access to resort amenities. Sites have full hookups, cable TV, picnic tables, fire rings, and can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet.

Nevada Beach Campground

Google Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1k reviews
Location: Bittlers Road, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448, United States
RV Sites: 52
Rates: $20 to $50 daily

RVers looking for endless stretches of sand should book a spot at Nevada Beach Campground. This idyllic escape lies on the sandy shore of Lake Tahoe amidst native pine trees. It has tent and RV campsites with views of the bright blue lake waters.

Although it has no hookups, it has amenities like flush toilets, drinking water, tables, campfire rings, and grills. RV campsites are paved, and accommodate motorhomes and trailers up to 45 feet. Explore the hiking and biking paths snaking through the adjacent forest and meadows.

William Kent Campground

Google Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars from 180 reviews
Location: 1995 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145, United States
RV Sites: 84
Rates: $20 to $45 daily

Set on Lake Tahoe’s western shore, a couple of miles south of Tahoe City, you’ll find William Kent Campground. It’s right across the road from the lake. This state-run sanctuary has dry camping sites, flush toilets, potable water, barbecue grills, campfire pits, cabins, and yurts.

There are 70+ sites that welcome tents and all RV types up to 50 feet. The spots offer good privacy. Leashed pets are welcome but can’t access the beach. Guests can enjoy swimming and non-motorized boating.

Tahoe Valley Campground

Google Ratings: 4.0 out of 5 stars from 865 reviews
Location: 1175 Melba Dr, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, United States
RV Sites: 439
Rates: $70 to $200 daily

Spanning more than 60 acres, Tahoe Valley Campground is another stellar RV camping spot in Lake Tahoe. It offers resort-style excitement year-round, with amenities such as a sparkling swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, horseshoe pits, and volleyball.

There’s also a dog park, WiFi, and laundry facilities. Adults enjoy on-site fishing, and karaoke, while kids love the movie nights, craft activities and bounce house. Outside, there’s plenty to keep you occupied, from stunning beaches, a beautiful river, and breweries to thrilling casinos.

Meeks Bay Campground

Google Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 247 reviews
Location: 1175 Melba Dr, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, United States
RV Sites: 40
Rates: $20 to $45 daily

With good proximity to two popular California State Parks, Meeks Bay Campground is another perfect RV camping spot next to Lake Tahoe. There are no hookups, and it only welcomes RVs under 20 feet. However, there’s lots of fun to be had, from combing the sandy beach to kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

Visitors will also have easy access to excellent hiking and backpacking at Desolation Wilderness. Amenities include drinking water, restrooms, BBQs, fire rings, and food lockers. If you insist on full hookups and other conveniences, consider staying next door at the privately owned Meeks Bay Resort and Marina Campground.

Camp Richardson Resort

Google Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars from 375 reviews
Location: 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, United States
RV Sites: 108
Rates: $65 to $180 daily

Camp Richardson Campground is a blissful destination for travelers who want to experience the lake’s scenic beauty through RV camping and boat cruising. Expect an outrageous variety of on-site amenities to keep you smiling throughout your stay.

To pamper guests, they have a full-service marina, mountain sports rentals, boat cruises, mouthwatering dining options, a coffee shop, as well as an ice cream parlor. They even have a water taxi to beat the Tahoe traffic. Sites are a mix of full and partial hookups. Each space has a picnic table and fire pit.

Fallen Leaf Campground

Google Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars from 613 reviews
Location: 2165 Fallen Leaf Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, United States
RV Sites: 206
Rates: $30 to $50 daily

1/4 mile north of the picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake, you’ll find Fallen Leaf RV campground nestled among towering pine trees. When you aren’t swimming, tubing, waterskiing, or windsurfing in the crystal clear lake, explore the local hiking trails, historic sites, and interpretive programs of the nearby visitor center.

Sites are large, well spread out, and some are next to the waterfront. They have BBQ grills, fire rings, and asphalt pads. Notably, there are no hookups or a dump station, so come prepared to boondock.

Eagle Point Campground at Emerald Bay State Park.

Google Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 156 reviews
Location: Emerald Bay State Park. Hwy 89. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
RV Sites: 100
Rates: $35 to $45 daily

Situated in Emerald Bay State Park, Eagle Point Campground is a great home base for your Lake Tahoe vacation. It’s a short walk to Lake Tahoe, and it offers a nice quiet beach to unwind. While there, make sure you check out the famous Rubicon foot trail and historic Vikingsholm Mansion.

Unfortunately, this getaway only accommodates trailers up to 15 feet long and motorhomes up to 18 feet. Picnic tables, food lockers, fire rings, restrooms, and water faucets are available. There are also tent sites and boat-in campsites.

Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe in an RV

Lake Tahoe welcomes RV-based visitors year-round due to the broad range of activities. Those looking to splash, boat, and bask should target the summer months, while powder chasers should visit in the winter. If you want to avoid the high-season crowds, fall is a prime leaf-peeping season, and the sunsets are enchanting. Spring offers bits of both summer and winter, with fewer prices and crowds.

A Quick Overview of Lake Tahoe + Best Things to Do

Lake Tahoe is America’s largest alpine lake. It’s perched in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, between the border of California and Nevada. It carries the reputation of a well-rounded vacation paradise — and for good reason.

In the summer, there is an outstanding range of exciting water pursuits, and in the winter, there are plenty of snowy adventures to get your adrenaline flowing. In between, there are opportunities for hiking, golfing, dining, shopping, and enjoying nightlife. With such a tantalizing mix of pursuits, it’s no surprise that many RVers want to visit this destination.

Lake Tahoe Fun Facts:

Tahoe means “big water” in Washo.
It has 72 miles of shoreline.
It’s the 2nd deepest lake in the U.S., reaching a depth of 1,645 feet.
63 tributaries feed the lake.
It’s over 2 million years old.
There are 11 state parks and 3 Forest Service zones in the Lake Tahoe region.
It receives around 15 million visitors a year.
It’s so clear that underwater objects can be seen in depths of over 70 feet.
Its water is more than 99.994% pure, making it cleaner than most commercially distilled water.

Here are the top things to do in Lake Tahoe.

Marvel at the Beauty of Emerald Bay State Park

Carved by glaciers, this park is a must-see for visitors. It’s home to colorful granite cliffs, forested hillsides, tumbling waterfalls, and a Scandinavian-style castle.

Shred Some Alpine Powder

Winters bring a lot of the white stuff, creating opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, and snowmobile tours. There are more than a dozen skiing resorts to pick from.

Set Sail on the Cobalt Blue Waters

To orient yourself with the stunningly blue waters, take a cruise trip. Tours range from 2-hour affairs to day-long excursions with sightseeing, swimming, and tubing.

Spend a Day at Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Here, you’ll find an expansive sun-drenched sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Zoom Down the Mountain in an Alpine Coaster

For some big mountain thrills in the summer, take an epic Gondola ride, then jump on the gravity-powered alpine coaster at Heavenly Ski Resort. You’ll glide through stunning rock formations and forest along the 3,400-feet track.

Enjoy a Scenic Drive Around the Lake

There’s a 72-mile scenic byway that takes around three hours to drive around Lake Tahoe. Roll down your windows and take in the jaw-dropping vistas and peaceful shorelines from the comfort of your RV.

Hike or Bike Your Heart Out

There are hundreds of hiking and biking trails in the region that match different fitness levels and scenery desires. The most rewarding trails are in the South. Hikers and bikers love Tahoe Rim Trail, Pope Baldwin Bike Path, Mount Tallac Trail, Rubicon Trail, Cascade Falls Trail, and Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

FAQs About RV Camping in Lake Tahoe

Here are some frequently asked questions about Lake Tahoe campgrounds and RV parks:

Where Can I Park My RV for Free Near Lake Tahoe?

All campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe area require a fee. However, there are some free dispersed camping options in Tahoe National Forest and Eldorado National Forest. Some of the popular free spots are Luther Pass Dispersed Camping Area, Scott’s Lake Area, and Meiss Meadow Sno-Park.

How Much Does it Cost to Camp at Lake Tahoe?

Nightly rates at private RV parks with full hookups start at around $50, while public campgrounds start at $20. Expect to pay between $80 and $150 at private campgrounds during the high season and popular holidays.

Lake Tahoe: The Ultimate Vacation Mecca

Whether you want to get sun-drenched by the beach, hit snowy slopes, hike scenic trails, or discover fascinating history, Lake Tahoe has it all. To accommodate all stripes of travelers, this vacation mecca has a wide range of accommodation options, including affordable RV campgrounds and high-end resorts.

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Author Profile

Cynthia Measom

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Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.

The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.