Open Year-round
No
Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Providing unfettered access to the picturesque, glacially carved core of Lakes Basin, Lakes Basin Campground and its surrounding environs are a gem tucked into the northern edge of the Sierra Nevada range. Twenty-three Forest Service campsites are open from June through October, weather permitting.

Hiking abounds directly from the campground, with trails leading to many of the Lakes Basin highlights. The trail to Long Lake can be combined with the scenic Bear Lakes Loop for a longer day. The Lakes Basin Trailhead offers numerous other hiking options that begin a half mile down at the end of Elwell Lodge Road. The area is also well known for its productive lake fishing.

The campground is ideal for dog owners who will enjoy exploring the countless miles of Lakes Basin Trails open to dogs.

Potable water and vault toilets are available at the campground.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Hiking access to Lakes Basin. Bear Lakes and Round Lake.

Cons

Closed in winter.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Forest Service

Reservation phone number

1 (877) 444-6777

Features

ADA accessible
Vault toilet
Potable water

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California
Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California
Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California

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