Campgrounds Near Northstar at Tahoe

North America's largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe sits at an elevation of 6,229 feet and is probably best known for the ski slopes that wind through the surrounding mountains. Northstar California is one of many ski resorts that dot the landscape around Lake Tahoe, but the lake has plenty more to offer besides skiing. Excellent bass fishing, miles of open water for boating and hundreds of miles of rugged hiking trails make Lake Tahoe a prime destination for outdoor recreation of all kinds, and numerous campgrounds around the 122,200-acre lake provide overnight accommodations.

  1. Lake Forest Campground

    • Lake Forest Campground sits on the shore of Lake Tahoe, about 25 minutes from Northstar California. You can choose among 20 campsites for tents and RVs up to 20 feet in length. Hookups are not available, but this quiet campground includes drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire grills. The Lake Forest Public Boat Ramp is right next door, providing an ideally located spot to get out on the water, and the adjacent Pomin Park includes picnic areas, athletic fields and a children's playground. Lake Forest Campground is operated and maintained by the Tahoe City Public Utility District, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. The maximum stay is 10 days.

    Granite Flat Campground

    • Situated in the densely-wooded mountains about 20 minutes from Northstar, Granite Flats Campground is one of many camping areas that are part of the 871,000-acre Tahoe National Forest. With about 74 secluded non-electric campsites, Granite Flat Campground is open to tents and RVs, and some campsites can accommodate motor homes longer than 50 feet. A few walk-in tent sites are also available. The campsites are shaded by pine trees and include campfire rings and picnic tables. Amenities in the campground are limited to drinking water and vault toilets. The nearby Truckee River is a prime trout fishing spot -- a current California fishing license is required -- and trailheads for several hiking trails are nearby.

    William Kent Campground

    • The William Kent Campground is managed by the USDA Forest Service as part of Tahoe National Forest. It includes modern restrooms and is within walking distance of Lake Tahoe. William Kent Campground is a 30-minute drive from Northstar California. Of the campground's 85 campsites, about 20 are reserved for tents only, while the rest are open to both tents and RVs. Despite being close to a major residential area, the campsites are private and secluded, with mature pine, fir and cedar trees providing shade and privacy. A bike trail that winds around the lake's western shore is accessible just outside the campground, and the lake's bountiful swimming, boating and fishing opportunities are just footsteps away.

    Tahoe State Recreation Area

    • Tahoe State Recreation Area includes about 25 campsites, all of which are within walking distance of the shore. These shady non-electric sites are mostly open to both tents and RVs, and each include a campfire ring and picnic table. Bear-resistant food lockers are provided at each site, and campers are required to store all food, beverages and toiletries inside. Modern restrooms and hot showers are available. The Placer County bike path runs through the park, and campers have access to boat ramps, shore fishing, picnic areas and an unsupervised swimming beach.