Tahoe State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
California
Located on the east side of Tahoe City, California, the Tahoe State Recreation Area provides a bike path into the city with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe. This area, located 14 miles southeast of Donner Pass, California, is a great place to relax and enjoy watching the sunset over the lake. Bring along the kids because they will love participating in the junior ranger programs. You can also use the trail system to access Lake Tahoe, which is the second deepest lake in the United States.
Spring 27-53 F
Summer 45-75 F
Fall 38-66 F
Winter 21-41 F
Donner Pass, CA
RV Resorts & Campsites in Tahoe State Recreation Area
RVing is a great way to explore this recreational area located on the north shores of Lake Tahoe. If you do not have an RV, then rent one via RVshare to camp in style.
Tahoe State Recreation Area Campground
This small campground that is open seasonally has 21 campsites, but they can only accommodate trailers up to 15 feet long and motorhomes up to 21 feet long. This quiet campground with rates starting at $35 per night offers food lockers and nearby flush toilets with showers.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Fire rings, food lockers
Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park Campground
This year-round campground has 120 family sites and 20 group camping sites. With rates starting at $35 per night, this state park offers many hiking trails, interpretive displays and numerous park activities.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Fire rings, food lockers
D.L. Bliss State Park Campground
Over 150 year-round campsites are available at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground with rates starting at $35 per night. This campground is popular with anglers, hikers and mountain bikers.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Fire rings, food lockers
Lake Forest Campground
Very near a major highway, this campground offers 20 sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rates at this campground located close to North Lake Tahoe attractions start at $20 per night.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Fire rings, food lockers
William Kent Campground
William Kent is located on the west side of Lake Tahoe, and spots at this campground start at $31 a night. In addition to camping spaces for RVs and tent camping spaces, this campground has a few cabins and yurts.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Fire rings, food lockers
What to Do at
Tahoe State Recreation Area
Inside Tahoe State Recreation Area
This recreational area that sits on the east side of Tahoe City is a great place to unwind. Some biking and hiking paths connect to other paths in the area. Wake up in the morning and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake from this small recreational area nestled between a shopping center and an apartment complex.
Outside Tahoe State Recreation Area
Shopping is within walking distance when you stay at Tahoe State Recreation Area, or you can grab your bike and go for a ride on the extensive bike system. Lake Tahoe offers many opportunities to fish, canoe, swim or lie on sandy beaches.
Restaurants
Fire Sign Café
Start your day off with a glass of freshly squeezed juice and a hearty breakfast at this American café that has been delighting customers since 1978.
Type: American
Location: 785 W Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Christy Hill Restaurant
This upscale American restaurant serves outstanding food, and the view from the windows is extraordinary at this place that sits just 100 feet from the lake’s shores.
Type: American
Location: 115 Grove Street, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Tahoe House Bakery and Gourmet
Since 1977, people have been coming to this family-owned bakery and sandwich shop. You will not want to miss a chance to try one of the fabulous cakes.
Type: Bakery
Location: 625 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
River Grill
Sitting on the banks of the Truckee River, this American restaurant offers outstanding fish, steaks and hamburgers prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Type: American
Location: 55 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Sunnyside Lodge
Choose between the Mountain Grille or the sunny dining room at Sunnyside Lodge. Expert staff will bring you fish or your favorite beef meal.
Type: Surf and Turf
Location: 1850 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Shopping
Trunk Show
Find a collection of artwork, including jewelry and bags, created by local artists at this shop where something new is always being added.
Location: 475 North Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Cabin Fever
Since 1992, shoppers have been finding lodge-inspired home décor at this small shop.
Location: 551 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Alpenglow Sports
If you are looking for backcountry sporting goods, check this store out where the staff actively participates in rock climbing, backcountry camping and other outdoor pursuits throughout the year.
Location: 415 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Bluestone Jewelry
Find photos, jewelry and unique glassworks at this store that also repairs jewelry.
Location: 495 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Pineapple
Find unique gifts and stationery supplies at this shop.
Location: 475 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Sightseeing
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
Located within the 1,975-acre Sugar Pine Point State Park, this mansion was constructed in 1903. Take a tour and learn about the early lifestyle of those who could afford Lake Tahoe summer homes at the turn of the century.
Location: 7360 West, Tahoma, CA 96142
Truckee River Bike Trail
This bike trail runs from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley along the shores of Lake Tahoe. Walkers can also use its asphalt track.
Gatekeeper’s Museum
See culturally relevant exhibits about the 1960 Winter Olympics, black bears, the history of the railroad and other items at this small museum that is operated by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society.
Location: 130 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96142
Watson's Cabin Living History Museum
This museum was built in 1908, and it was the largest two-story log structure in the area for many years.
Location: 560 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Granlibakken Ski and Sled Area
This 74-acre snow park offers skiing and sledding along with linking to the area’s backcountry.
Location: 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
How to Get to
Tahoe State Recreation Area
This park is located on Highway 28 about one-quarter mile east of Tahoe City. If you are in Tahoe City, take Lake Boulevard North, and you will see the park on your left.
Entering Tahoe State Recreation Area
The park is open during daylight hours throughout the year.
Per Vehicle : $10
This is a fascinating place to use as a home base for your RV travels when exploring the North Lake Tahoe area. You can wake up in the morning to beautiful views of the lake, and you are right on the bike and hiking path through the area. You are also close to outstanding shopping and fun dining experiences. If you have been to this state recreation area, then RVshare would love to see your photos and have you share your memories. Send them to memories@RVshare.com, and RVshare may even post them on its blog.