Camping & Cabins

Choose from the following to find a site:

• Cabin Rentals
• Campground Camping
• Dispersed Camping
• Group Camping
• RV Camping

Lake Tahoe offers many types of camping opportunities. Whether you enjoy the convenience of a full service cabin or campground, or the secluded primitiveness of backcountry and wilderness camping, National Forest lands at Lake Tahoe have something for everyone. For cabin rental information, follow the "Find An Area" link on the right side of this page, then select the area you are interested in. Dispersed also known as car camping is not permitted on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Campfires & Fire Restrictions

• National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin are under year-round fire restrictions. This means wood and charcoal fires are only permitted within metal fire rings in developed campgrounds, such as Fallen Leaf or Nevada Beach. Read the Forest Order


• Campfires and charcoal are never permitted in Desolation Wilderness or Meiss Country; along the Pacific Crest or Tahoe Rim trails; on National Forest roads, trails or trailheads; in rock fire rings; on National Forest beaches; or in the general forest.


• Propane appliances with an on/off valve are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit as long as seasonal fire restrictions are not in effect.


• Seasonal fire restrictions can go into effect during periods of increased fire danger. This means wood and charcoal fires and propane appliances may be restricted

Developed Campgrounds

Developed campgrounds offer a range of facilities for the tent or RV camper. All developed campgrounds at Lake Tahoe charge a fee and there are many around the lake to choose from. The open season for campgrounds is dependent on snowfall, but they are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information on developed campgrounds, visit Campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Backcountry & Wilderness Camping

Wilderness camping is available in the Desolation, Granite Chief and Mt. Rose wildernesses. Permits may be required. When camping in the backcountry or wilderness always minimize your impacts on the land and practice Leave No Trace principles.