South Lake Tahoe's
Campground by the Lake

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe's
Campground by the Lake


Campground by the Lake

Campground by the Lake is operated by the City of South Lake Tahoe. The campground is almost lakefront at South Lake Tahoe, within easy walking distance of beaches and a public boat launch. The campground has spaces for tents, RVs and trailers. They also offer tent-cabins and standard cabins.

Although campsites at Campground by the Lake are located among the trees, the campground is surrounded on three sides by the city. Some of the campground's neighbors are civic buildings such as a library and visitor center, others are restaurants and residential streets. The campground has 175 sites and many good amenities. Currently (2024) no campsites have electric or water hook-ups.

Notice: "Campground by the Lake will accept reservations for loops D, E, F and portions of C. Loops A, B, and tent cabin village are no longer available due to the construction of a new Recreation and Aquatics Center. " (4/2024)

"At this time there are no sites with electric hookups or water hookups available. All sites are considered dry sites. Water is available at the campground entrance and a few community (shared) water spigots are located in each loop."

"Please be advised that from Spring 2024 - to Winter 2026 significant construction will be taking place on the north side of the Campground, previously loops A & B. Before making your reservation, be aware that loud construction noises and other construction-related activity may impact your stay. Work is scheduled between the hours of 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, 7 days a week."

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Campground by the Lake Basics
Campground by the Lake Location: 1150 Rufus Allen Blvd. off Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe
Elevation: 6,250 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Sacramento - 103 miles, 1:56
Number of Sites: 175
Campground Season: Open May - October, weather permitting
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children) First 6 are included in campsite fee, 2 more people may be added at $6 per night each.
Cabins 4 - 6
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($6 fee per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: $2 per night per dog (max. 3 dogs per site)
Operated by City of South Lake Tahoe Parks
Information: (530) 542-6096

Reservations at Campground by the Lake
Reservations available: Reservations can be made for camping dates from May through September.
Otherwise sites are first-come, first-served (April and October).
Booking Window: Reservations for the 2024 camping season will open Monday, March 4, 2024, at 8:00 am.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 40 feet
Accessible Sites: Accessible sites and showers available
Fees: No hook-ups - $40.25 per night
HooElectric hook-up site - $50.25
Tent Cabins - $55.50 - $80.50
Reservations: Campground by the Lake Reservations
Check-in, Check-out Times: 1:00 PM, 11:00 AM

Campground by the Lake Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring, some sites with electric and water hook-ups (A Loop), some with only electric (B Loop)
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, WiFi (signal may be weak during peak periods)
Campground Map Campground by the Lake Map
Showers: Yes, fee
Dump station: Yes
Attractions near Campground by the Lake: Stroll over to El Dorado Beach and Launch Ramp. Visit the nearby ice arena. Tour the Tahoe Museum. Stop in at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center. Spend some quiet time in the Public Library. Enjoy a nearby playground and bike path.

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South Lake Tahoe beach

South Lake Tahoe beach
directly across the road from the campground




Waldo Lake, Oregon.

Waldo Lake


General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate




Campground in the city of South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe's Campground by the Lake

Lake Tahoe
Attractions and Activities

Lake Tahoe visitors enjoy a wonderful variety of activities and places to visit. Campers at South Lake Tahoe's Campground by the Lake are right next to El Dorado Beach. Nearby are many of the lake's most popular attractions.

  • Head down to the Emerald Bay viewpoint and then take a tour the Vikingsholm mansion. Sign up for an Emerald Bay cruise.
  • Set out hiking up the Eagle Falls trail to beautiful alpine lakes.
  • Relax on South Lake Tahoe beaches, or head to a casino in nearby Stateline, Nevada.
  • Find nearby boat rentals and lake tours.
  • Rent paddleboards and wend your way along the shoreline.
  • Try fishing from shore or a boat.
  • From Echo Lakes hike (or take their water taxi) across the lakes and into the Desolation Wilderness.
  • Drive to Heavenly Valley or Squaw Valley for a scenic gondola ride.
  • Tour nearby Tallac Historic Site.

Key Campground by the Lake Regulations

  1. Avoid problems with bears by storing food and scented items in bear-proof containers or out of sight in vehicles.
  2. Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times.
  3. To prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

    Check City of South Lake Tahoe Parks - Campground by the Lake for any campground updates amd a complete list of regulations.

Nearby Campgrounds

Lake Tahoe Area Campgrounds


Truckee River Campgrounds



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