Camping opportunities in a variety of settings are abundant on the Forest. You can choose to camp in one of the 76 designated campgrounds on the Tahoe National Forest with assorted facilities or select more primitive camping with no constructed facilities.
Reservations: Most family and group campgrounds can be reserved by calling 877-444-6777 or going on line at www.recreation.gov. A portion of each family campground is open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each campsite has a table, a fireplace, fire ring or cooking stove/grill. No showers or electrical hookups are available at these campgrounds. Group camps are available for use by advance reservation. All picnic areas are available only on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Length of Stay: Camping is limited to fourteen days per year within each family campground. Exception: In the Truckee River Corridor, State Route 89 south, there is a limit of 14 days per year for the entire corridor between I-380 and Tahoe City.
Camping outside of developed campgrounds or dispersed camping is limited to fourteen days per Ranger District. Dispersed camping is not available on all forest land. Check the local Ranger District to inquire about available locations and current fire restrictions.
Season: The main camping season in the Tahoe National Forest is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Although some campgrounds remain open for public use after the regular season, water systems are shut down to prevent freeze damage, and garbage collection is discontinued. Snow pack may inhibit vehicle access to open campgrounds during the winter, and care must be taken to park off roadways where snow removal equipment may operate.
Garbage and Sanitation: Most developed sites have garbage containers and we ask you to please use them. When garbage service is not available, please take all your refuse with you. Leave a clean camp!
Pets: Pets are allowed in developed sites, but must be on a 6' leash. Please be considerate for your pet's safety as well as the enjoyment and safety of other forest visitors.
Campfire Permits: Campfire permits are not required in designated recreation sites. A permit is required for all camping and cooking fires on undeveloped National Forest land. In periods of high fire danger, fire restrictions may be in effect. Check on current fire conditions with a Ranger Station before your outing. For a safer and more enjoyable outing, carefully follow the regulations and safety guidelines outlined in your campfire permit or posted in your campground.
Site Capacity: In order to preserve soils and vegetation, the number of campers is limited to six people per individual site, except for group campgrounds or to a single family comprised of parents and dependent children.
Firearms and Fireworks: You may bring firearms into developed camps and picnic grounds; however, you may not discharge them near any developed sites or areas of public recreation use within 150 yards. It is illegal to discharge or ignite any type of firecracker, rocket or other firework or explosive on all National Forest lands.
The recreation information is primarily organized by travel corridor. The main travel corridors are: Interstate 80, Highway 49, Highway 20, Highway 89 (North and South), Foresthill Divide Road, Mosquito Ridge Road, Bowman Road, Marysville Road, and Gold Lakes Road.
o Big Bend Group Campground
o Emigrant Group Campground
o Tunnel Mills Group Campground
o Hornswoggle Group Campground
o Coyote Group Campground
o Gates Group Campground