Tahoe State Recreation Area

This is a clean little CA State Park campground in the middle of a popular mountain town. With only 23 sites, there is a mix of RV and tent only sites and they are indicated on the website. No hook-ups or dump station. Showers and restrooms on site, although we did not use them. Campground loop and parking spurs are paved. Most sites are treed and shady, however a few were in full sun. Fire pit, BBQ, and mandatory Bear Box at each site. Please protect our bears and follow the strict bear guidelines.

They do have size limits: max trailer 15 feet, and max motorhome 21 feet. Fudging on your size may disappoint you- there is a reason they have size limits and this campground loop is tight. Yet, being a smaller campground, sites were surprisingly spacious, most with trees in between. Reservations are highly recommended as this is a VERY popular campground.

For those times you want to just camp and enjoy an area, but not have to always cook, this is a treat because you can walk to everything. There's a nice selection of restaurants and several are right on the lake. There is also a Safeway and CVS almost next door. In summer, there is a Thursday morning Farmers' Market at Commons Beach just a short stroll away. There is a paved multi-use trail that skirts the campground and goes for miles along the lake, as well as along the Truckee River and all the way to Squaw Valley Village, all at a very easy grade. The only trade-off for all of this convenience is the road noise which does calm in the evening. Knowing that ahead of time should curb any disappointment.

Check-in was a breeze, especially with a reservation. Hosts Captain Kirby and Denise were very nice and have been hosting here for years so they can tell you what you need to know. The campground crowd was nice and there is a ranger on-site.

No WiFi but your cell service should be full bars here.