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Tahoe Valley Campground in California is the perfect destination for your next camping trip. It’s affordable, has plenty of activities to keep you and the kids entertained, and the scenery is unlike anything else on Earth.
Camping at Tahoe Valley Campground is a fantastic way to escape all modern life’s headaches and stress. However, it would help if you obeyed all rules for your safety and other campers’ safety.
Why is the Tahoe Valley Campground So Popular?
The Tahoe Valley Campground is not just any other camping site. It boasts numerous attractive sceneries that endear it to most locals and tourists. It also has exceptional hiking paths, swimming spots, biking tracks, etc.
In this guide, I’ll discuss how to book a campsite at Tahoe Valley, what amenities are available at the campground, nearby attractions, and the regulations you must adhere to while camping. I hope this guide will help you in planning your next visit!
Road Tripping to Tahoe Valley
Getting to Tahoe Valley Campground is hassle-free. Located just off Highway 89, the campground is easily accessible.
From the Airport: Take Highway 50 East for about 3 hours until you reach South Lake Tahoe; then take Highway 89 South for about 2 hours until you get to Tahoe Valley Campground.
From the Train Station: Take Highway 50 West for about 3 hours until you reach South Lake Tahoe; then take Highway 89 North for another 2 hours and 15 minutes until you reach Tahoe Valley Campground.
From the Bus Station: Take I-80 east until it intersects with US-50; then follow US-50 south for 1 hour 15 minutes before turning onto CA-89 at Meyers Road. This scenic journey will take another 4 hours and 20 minutes before arriving at your destination.
What You Need to Bring to Tahoe Valley Campground
The most important thing to bring is a tent. You’ll also need a sleeping bag, pad, flashlight, mosquito netting, and a backpack to carry everything. A first aid kit is also recommended—you never know what could happen in the wilderness.
Pack toilet paper, matches, and food for dinner (or lunch). Water bottles are essential for staying hydrated when you’re out on long hikes through the hillsides of Tahoe Valley Campground. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Where to Set Up Your Tent at Tahoe Valley
If camping in the Pacific Northwest doesn’t sound appealing, there’s another option: Tahoe Valley Campground. This 600-acre campground is located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, and its location means that it can be used by campers who want to enjoy all that Tahoe Valley has to offer.
There are many areas within the campground where you can set up your tent or RV—each with its distinct atmosphere. These include:
- A pine forest (for those looking for a more secluded experience).
- A river (for those who want to get some fishing in).
- A beach (for those who need some time away from their laptop).
If none of these appeals to you, there are also meadows and fields ideal for setting up your camping tent.
Regulations to Follow While Camping at Tahoe Valley
Remember that there are regulations in place for all campers at Tahoe Valley. The rules are not punitive but ensure that you enjoy your camping adventure at minimal or no risk from wild animals.
Below are some of the rules:
1. You Must Clean Up Litter, Garbage, Food, and Human Waste
Leaving a mess behind is pretty typical for campers—we’ve all been there at some point or another—but cleaning up after yourself is the right thing to do, and it makes your experience on the campsite much more enjoyable.
Cleaning litter, garbage, food, and human waste is necessary when camping at Tahoe Valley Campground. Remember that plastic bags are helpful tools if you need help cleaning up after yourself while on a hike or camping trip.
They can be used as trash containers if appropriately sealed. If you don’t have any plastic bags but still want to clean up after yourself without leaving any evidence of your presence on this earth, try using an old newspaper instead!
It works just as well for collecting garbage on hikes or around the campsite before putting it into one of those handy-dandy brown bags provided by the management. This method also helps keep unwanted critters from making homes in your trash bag before throwing it out later down the road somewhere safe.
2. Come with an Approved Container to Store all Garbage and Food
The campground has a limited amount of garbage cans. They can only be used for food waste, paper, and cardboard products. All other garbage must be stored in an approved container you bring to the park.
Humans are not allowed to feed wildlife any food or garbage as it causes them harm, leading to their death.
3. Don’t Store Items on the Ground
Campers may not store any items on the ground. This is especially important if you bring something large such as a generator, hammock, or tent. The campground has a limited number of picnic tables and grills, so don’t use them for storage.
4. Store Your food Correctly
Food left out or stored improperly can attract dangerous wildlife.
- Do not leave food in your camper, vehicle, or tent.
- Bring all food, trash, and other scented items (toothpaste, sunscreen, etc.) into your camper or RV, where you can keep them secure when not in use.
If you’ve just finished cooking a meal and want to re-enter your campsite to remove the leftovers, close the cooler lid tightly before returning it to your vehicle or tent. This will prevent bears from smelling the contents of your cooler and breaking into it in search of easy pickings.
5. Camping Equipment Must be Free of Dirt, Insects, and Other Pests Before You Leave
Before leaving, ensure camping equipment is free of dirt, insects, and other pests. A thorough cleaning should include:
- Washing the tent, stakes, and poles with a mild soap solution to remove any dirt or residue
- Scrubbing your tent’s bottom and inner seams with soap and water to ensure no dirt remains inside it. This will also eliminate pesky critters that may have set up shop there during your stay.
- Wiping down your sleeping bag with a sponge or rag soaked in detergent diluted in cool water. Please don’t use hot water as it can damage your sleeping bag’s fabric.
6. Report Illegal Activities to Rangers
Ensure you report all illegal and suspicious activities to the rangers.
- Campers must immediately report any illegal activity to rangers, including drug use, prostitution, or vandalism.
How to Keep Bears Away from Your Campsite
It’s vital to remember that bears are wild animals and, as such, should be treated with respect. To avoid attracting bears to your campsite:
- Use bear-proof food containers. If you don’t have these, ensure all food is stored in a container or vehicle at night. Ensure you don’t leave trash outside your tent or car that could attract other wildlife.
- Make noise as you approach your campsite—this will scare away any nearby animals looking for an easy meal. If a bear comes near your camp, make lots of loud noises and try not to panic.
Activities Near Your Campsite
You can enjoy the following activities at Tahoe Valley Campground:
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Rock Climbing
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
Nearby Places to Visit
There are tons of attractions and restaurants nearby the campground. You could easily spend an entire day at the beach, hiking trails, and even shopping for souvenirs in Tahoe City. If you want to brave some whitewater rafting or kayaking, you can do that too!
Camping at Tahoe Valley is an Incredible Experience
If you’re new to camping, this guide will help you prepare for a great trip. If you’ve been camping before, it’ll take some guesswork out of planning. Either way, it’s good to have all your supplies ready before setting out so that when your tent is up and everything is packed into the car, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy yourself.
Hopefully, now you are equipped with the correct information you need to plan your next trip. We know that Tahoe Valley Campground is an excellent place for families or groups who want to get away from it all but still be close enough to enjoy everything the area offers. We hope this guide helps you find what’s suitable for your vacation needs.
