Tahoe's Best Blog

Tips for Camping in Lake Tahoe

Submitted on: 9/1/23 | by Lindsey Carlson
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Should You Still Go Camping in Lake Tahoe?  Absolutely!

The days are still warm enough for summer clothes and even though the nights are getting cooler, they aren't bad enough to keep you off the ground this September! Our recommendation is to definitely take advantage of all the great camping in Lake Tahoe this summer that you can. Save all those fancy vacation rentals for the winter when you need a warm bed to cozy up in every night after a full day of snowy adventures, and get your tents and hiking boots out for a camping trip. Here are all the things you're going to want to do to prepare for your camping trip in Lake Tahoe!

Make Reservations
It's still summer, so believe it or not, you're not the only one whose going to be camping in Lake Tahoe in September! Most of the popular Lake Tahoe campsites can get crowded, so be sure to book your campground in advance to ensure your trip is actually going to be possible! 

What to Bring
 Obviously, if you've been camping before, you know that you're going to need a tent, your sleeping bag, PJs and probably a flashlight. Camping in Lake Tahoe isn't that different from camping anywhere else, but there are a few things you can do on a camping trip in Tahoe that you can't do absolutely everywhere!

  • Fishing Gear: If you're camping by the lake, be sure to bring all of your fishing gear with you! 
  • BBQ'in Skills: Don't just hit up a Burger King on the way out there and then eat granola bars the rest of your camping trip. Use these spots to show off all your grilling specialties! This is a vacation after all, isn't it? Live a little!
  • Hiking Apparel: There are so many great places to go hiking in Lake Tahoe, whether you're waking up early in the morning to do it, or hitting the trails as the sun is setting! Be sure you go on at least one hike before the hills turn into slope! (For more on hiking in Lake Tahoe check out what we know about short hikes here and what we know about long hikes here.)

Campfire Permit
Some campsites require a permit to start a campfire in the summer. Make sure you know all the rules where you're staying before lighting up! 

Get There Early
It's good to get there early and set up your tent so that you're not gazing at the stars when you realize you forgot a flashlight and can't put up your tent. 

Bring a Bucket
Most of the lakes, streams and running waters around here need to remain pure. They don't allow you to wash your clothes, or anything else, in them, so if you can't wait until you get home to get clean, bring a bucket and sponge for your own sake. 

Have a Backup Plan
The weather isn't always predictable. Be sure to check out all the hotels and cabins in the area just in case it rains on your parade while you're trying to enjoy a nice outdoorsy evening this September! 

There's only a month or so left of absolutely great camping weather in Lake Tahoe, so take advantage of it while you can! 

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