The Best Winter Camping in Lake Tahoe

Winter camping offers a serene way to experience nature. It's an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and appreciate natural beauty. Lake Tahoe provides access to towns and accommodations for less experienced campers, while still offering seclusion in a winter wonderland. Undoubtedly, Sugar Pine Point State Park is the winter camping destination.

During the winter season, the campground is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fees are $35 per night, which includes one vehicle (extra vehicles are $10 per night each). Fees are due by self-payment at the entrance station immediately after selecting a vacant site. The campground has a centrally located restroom with potable water. The campground roads and parking areas will be plowed (unless the amount of snow is too overwhelming, so check CalTrans for road closures). Campers are responsible for shoveling the fire rings, food lockers, and picnic benches out. The closest firewood sales are available at the local stores between Tahoe City and Tahoma.

Spend your day cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the Olympic Heritage Trail on the campground side, or exploring the leisure paths and exterior of the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion estate with the iconic lake in the immediate backdrop on the Day Use side (open sunrise to sunset). The Day Use side is free if you are camping; otherwise, it is $5 during the wintertime.

Remember, confidence comes from being prepared. See this suggested winter camping packing list to be the most prepared camper and practice leave no trace to be good stewards to the land!