Emerald Bay State Park encompasses the entire shoreline of its namesake bay. Eagle Point Campground is situated right on Eagle Point on the south side of the mouth of the bay, affording park visitors views of both Emerald Bay and the expanse of Lake Tahoe. Few campgrounds in the world have such a magnificent setting. The campground was renovated in 2015.
Emerald Bay State Park camping is spread in loops along the point. Half of the 97 campsites are standard camping sites that accept tents, RVs or trailers. Another 45 campsites are for tents only. Some campsites can only accept a maximum of 4 people, while others can accommodate 8. Campsites with the best lake views have been classified as premium sites. In addition, there are 20 boat-in campsites on the north side of Emerald Bay. Because of the popularity of the park, campsites fill up almost as soon as they become available for reservations. See Reservations Tips below.
Along Highway 89, 22 miles south of Tahoe City and 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe
Elevation:
6,250 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city:
Sacramento - 110 miles, 2:10
Number of Sites:
114
Campground Season:
Open mid-May - early September
Max. People per Site:
4 or 8 (including children), depending on site
Vehicles per Site:
Usually 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle. (additional vehicles $10 per night) Check reservation website carefully for the number of vehicles allowed at your site.
Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, amphitheater
Showers:
Yes, coin operated
Dump station:
Yes
Attractions near Eagle Point Campground:
Hike down to the Vikingsholm mansion. Hike on the famous the Rubicon Trail. Kayak and paddleboard from beaches up and down the lake. Enjoy swimming or scuba diving. Drive up to the Emerald Bay Vista Point.
The 20 boat-in campsites are located on the north side of Emerald Bay at the old Emerald Bay Resort. The campsites are only open in summer. They are first come, first served from May 22 to June 12. From then on sites must be reserved.
Each site can accommodate a maximum of 1 boat and 8 people. The dock is used from loading and unloading only. A buoy is provided for each campsite. Campground amenities include potable water, pit toilets, and food lockers. There are no showers. Boat trailers can be parked at Anchorage Marina at nearby Camp Richardson.
Reservations from ReserveCalifornia: Emerald Bay Boat-in Campsite Reservations Fee: $35 per night
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
Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. Eagle Point is in the center.
Lake Tahoe Attractions and Activities
Emerald Bay is the most famous scenic stopping place around Lake Tahoe. Those who take advantage of Emerald Bay State Park camping are close to many wonderful attractions.
Rent a boat for a day on the water, or sign up for a 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.
Take everyone to Heavenly Valley or Palisades Tahoe for a scenic gondola ride.
Key State Park Regulations
Avoid problems with bears by storing food and scented items day and night in bear-proof lockers, not in vehicles. Ice chests must be stored in provided bear-resistant box, not in vehicles. Bear-proof coolers, e.g. Yeti, must be secured with locks per manufacturers instructions.
Generators may only be operated between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Jumping or diving from shoreline rocks into the water is not permitted.
