Lake Tahoe Van Life Guide
Lake Tahoe Van Life Guide
If you plan to camp at Lake Tahoe with your campervan, here is a complete guide to help you experience the Lake Tahoe region to the fullest.

Established Campgrounds in Lake Tahoe

Established Campgrounds in Lake Tahoe

Though the Lake Tahoe area has some isolated free camping options, there are several established campgrounds that you can love in the area. These camping grounds cost between $20 and $25/night and require reservations.

If you have a National Parks Annual Pass, you can get a great discount and save more. Some of our favorite camping grounds in North Lake Tahoe include Granite Flat Campground, Kaspian Campground and Mt. Rose Campground.

Suppose you prefer to be close to the bars and restaurants. In that case, the best spot would be Lake Forest Campground in Tahoe City. However, since this spot is right on Hwy 28, expect some road noise.

If you’re in South Lake Tahoe, consider camping at Fallen Leaf Campground and Bayview Campground. These grounds are not part of the casino scene. For other camping ground options in North and South Lake Tahoe, check out Recreation.gov.

Stealth Camping

Most public areas and towns in Lake Tahoe don’t allow campers to sleep in their vehicles overnight. If this is the only option you have, call a business with a large parking lot in the area and know their overnight parking policy. However, we don’t recommend stealth camping. 

Things to do

Things to do

Hiking and Biking

Lake Tahoe region offers a world-class hiking and biking experience. Thanks to the Tahoe Rim Trail, which goes around the Lake Tahoe Basin, you can get to mountain bike most of the TRT apart from Desolation Wilderness and Mt. Rose Wilderness.

One of our favorites is hiking the Desolation and Mt. Rose sections of the trail. We also recommend biking from Mt. Rose to the Flume Trail and Brockway Summit to Tahoe City.

Watersports

Lake Tahoe is one of the best spots in the world to paddleboard. Several shops in the area have water sports gear and equipment that one can rent or buy and explore the water. If you are a river person, enjoy water activities in the River Ranch Inn at Alpine Meadows and Truckee River from Tahoe City. Check out Tahoe Wake Charters for water sports and other amazing activities. 

Eat and Drink

Eat and Drink

Lake Tahoe has some of the best restaurants, bars and breweries. If you’re in the North area, we recommend Tahoe House Bakery, Pioneer Cocktail Club, Drunken Monkey Sushi and Alibi Ale Works.

 

In the South, visit Basecamp Pizza, Sprouts Cafe, Cafe Fiore, Sidellis and South Lake Brewing Co.

Gear and clothing

Gear and clothing

Tahoe's gear shops are top tier. They're fully stocked for water sports lovers who may have forgotten to bring their gear or have lost it. You will find a replacement that suits you just fine. Our favorite shop is Alpenglow Sports, which carries high-quality gear. The staff is also experienced and friendly and will help you get what you need.

 

While here, you will get info on events, local races, campsites, climbing areas, trails and more.  

Becky Lee writes captivating travel articles. Here at justtahoe.com she offers everything (tips, reviews, guides) you need for your visit to Tahoe city.

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