Top 10 RV Parks Near the Lake Tahoe, CA Area

Top 5 reasons why it is a fun place to visit:

1. Visit Vikingsholm
2. Take the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram
3. Hike Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
4. Rent a kayak with the Tahoe Adventure Company
5. Hike the Eagle Rock Hiking Trail

List of top ten RV Parks in the Lake Tahoe, CA area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Ed Zberg Sugar Pine Point State Park

“Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park contains one of the finest remaining natural areas on Lake Tahoe. With nearly two miles of lake frontage, the park has dense forests of pine, fir, aspen and juniper.

Another attraction is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (also known as Pine Lodge), a summer home built in 1903 in a grove of pine and cedar. From the turn of the century until 1965, the lands of what is now Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park were owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman, and later by his daughter Florence Hellman Ehrman.

The mansion provides an interesting view into the lifestyles of the wealthy on Lake Tahoe. The park is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, ten miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89.” (Source: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510)

What makes this park unique?

This park is located on 2 miles of western Lake Tahoe shore, encompassing about 1000 hectares of land. There is much history with the park, and there are many fun things to do to make new memories on Lake Tahoe!

The sites are on a first-come first serve basis during the winter season.

Max length for trailers is 28 ft and for motorhomes it’s 32 feet.

2. Sunset Campground

Catch the sunset at Lake Tahoe or have a picnic or a beach party…the opportunities are endless! This campground is the prime location for some amazing lake summer days!

What makes this park unique?

Located right on the shore, this park is an opportunity to have instant lake access to all the activities one can enjoy at the beach or on the water.

3. Chilcoot Campground

This is a very small park and it’s about 1 ½ hrs away from Lake Tahoe. This is for people who like to stay in a nice quiet and laid-back area, away from the noise of the lake activities.

What makes this park unique?

This park has a 14-day camping limit. “Chilcoot Campground is in the shade of large cottonwoods in a mixed pine forest alongside Little last Chance Creek. The campground has water, showers, flush toilets and paved roads.

Each campsite has paved parking pad, table, fire ring and grill. 22 of the 40 sites are available for reservation.” (Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/plumas/recarea/?recid=11191). Max RV length is 40 feet.

4. River Rest Resort

This RV park is about 1 hr away from Lake Tahoe and is located right alongside the Washington Creek and Yuba River. It has many different activities and is located in a beautiful setting.

What makes this park unique?

This park is very family-oriented with much to do for the kids. The views are pretty amazing, as the park is tucked away. This park is so popular that you have to book 2 years in advance.

Interesting fact: the Old Washington Cemetery is a historic site right on the property.

5. Donner Memorial State Park

This park is beautiful, but has a very morbid history. Some history enthusiasts visit for the curiosity factor alone (there is a museum that explains the whole history of the Donner Party) while others visit to enjoy nature.

What makes this park unique?

The bizarre and macabre reason for the name of this park is the fact that a group of hikers was stuck in a winter storm in 1846-1847 and resorted to cannibalism in order to survive.

This park is used for sledding in the wintertime and is located right on Donner Lake, which makes it for fun summer activities. Max RV length is 28 ft.

6. Robinson Creek Campground

Located almost 2 hours away from Lake Tahoe, this park is located just 9 miles from Bridgeport, California, next to Robinson Creek at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The Twin Lakes area is close by, offering boating, fishing, hiking and horseback riding opportunities.

What makes this park unique?

There is great rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon and brown trout fishing. For food storage, please use bear lockers to avoid any break-ins. This park is located right on Robinson Creek and is surrounded by Jeffrey pines, Lodgepole pines, sagebrush and summer wildflowers. Some sites are walk to only.

7. Angels Camp RV and Camping Resort

This park is about 2 ½ hrs away from Lake Tahoe. Located in a beautiful spot surrounded by nature, it’s a great spot to relax and soak in the sounds of the birds and scents and views of nature.

What makes this park unique?

With over 100 sites surrounded by lush vegetation, this park is a good balance of organized and well-run park with great amenities and seclusion on California’s historic Gold Rush Trail. There are many fun things to explore, while making this a base camp to take a day trip to Lake Tahoe, if desired.

8. Tahoe Valley RV

Surrounded by breath-taking beauty of towering pines and mountain vistas, while overlooking Lake Tahoe, this park is one of Thousand Trails top picks to stay at.

What makes this park unique?

This is a huge RV Resort with almost 440 sites and a plethora of amenities and activities to do. As a member of the Encore RV Resorts group, one must be a Thousand Trails member in order to enjoy access to this park. The rates are pretty high, but the location is worth it.

9. Zephyr Cove Resort RV Park & Campground

Located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, this place has great views, clean amenities and friendly staff. It gets booked out fast, so plan ahead and book well in advance.

What makes this park unique?

This park is a great basecamp for things to do around Lake Tahoe. Great paved level sites and mature trees provide for a great comfortable stay. Bigger rigs might have a challenging time with some of the turns, so take care.

10. City of Lake Tahoe Campground

This park is operated by the City of South Lake Tahoe Recreational Service Department. Nearby is a 56-acre park that has additional amenities, such as a heated pool, basketball courts, playground, a weight room and pickle ball courts.

What makes this park unique?

“The campground is conveniently located within walking distance to the shores of Lake Tahoe and one of South Lake Tahoe’s most popular parks and beaches ~ Lakeview Commons at El Dorado Beach. Located within the campground are coin operated heated showers and restroom facilities.

Located at each campsite and included in campground fees are BBQ’s, Fire Rings, and Picnic Tables. (Source: https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/campground-by-the-lake/PRCG/1061750/overview)

TIPS TO GET TO LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe can be accessed from the southwest area via Sacramento on US-50 or I-80. When coming from the south, travel US-395 from Topaz Lake to I-580 to Carson City. One can also take the US-95 via Fallon Station. Lake Tahoe is shared by California and Nevada.