Emerald Bay State Park
138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, United States
Overview
Emerald Bay State Park is located northeast of Eldorado National Forest along the western shore of Lake Tahoe. It features two campgrounds: Emerald Bay Boat Camp and Eagle Point. The former has 22 sites that are only accessible by boat or on foot, while the latter has 100 sites that can accommodate tents, RVs/trailers, or both depending on the site. Eagle Point is divided into upper and lower sections.
The boat-in sites are primitive and only offer water and a camp host. Eagle Point has showers, flush toilets, tap water in the restrooms, and camp hosts. Neither campground has a group site. The campgrounds are open from mid-May through the beginning of September.
Dogs are allowed within the campgrounds as long as they’re properly leashed. They may also go to the overlook by the Vikingsholm Trail parking lot.
Best Campsites at Emerald Bay State Park
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Emerald Bay State Park.
Best ADA-Accessible Sites in Eagle Point: #92, #94, #96
- More privacy and separation distance from neighboring sites
- Next to accessible restrooms and showers
- Far from any traffic noise to the south
Closest to Amenities in Eagle Point: Sites #58, #63, #64
- Next to showers, restrooms, and camp host
- Quick access to the fire road leading to the beach
- Located in a slightly less congested area
Most Private Boat-In Site: #B018
- Located farther east than other sites
- Next to chemical toilets
- Downside: farther from drinking water
Closest to Amenities in Boat-In Camp: Sites #B009, #B010
- Next to chemical toilets and drinking water
- Located just off the main campground road
- Short distance from the boat pier
Unique Experiences
- Visit the nearby Vikingsholm Castle to see a piece of history and learn all about this 1920s former summer home that serves as a classic example of Scandinavian design.
- Grab your snorkeling or scuba equipment to swim along the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail, visit the Historic Barge Dive Site, and see the various watercraft hidden beneath the surface of Lake Tahoe.
- Take a swim in the refreshing alpine waters of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the natural beauty and majesty of the mountains.
Emerald Bay State Park Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
15 feet for trailers/18 feet for RVsMax People per Site
6–8Max Vehicles per Site
1–2Fires Allowed
YesEmerald Bay State Park Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
Main campground: yes Boat-in camp: seasonallyReservations are available online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. All reservations will be charged a nonrefundable $7.99 booking fee. Sites can accommodate up to 8 guests and 2 vehicles, but the exact capacity varies by site selection.
For reservation purposes, Eagle Point Campground is divided into Upper Eagle Point and Lower Eagle Point, but the two loops are next to each other and located in the same overall area.
Group Camping Reservations
There are no group sites at Emerald Bay State Park. Guests may reserve multiple sites to function as a shared space as long as they meet all requirements for individual reservations.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations can be requested through the online portal at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. A $7.99 fee will apply. Any cancellation submitted after 6 p.m. the day before arrival will also be charged the cost of a single night’s stay.
Emerald Bay State Park Campground Cost
Small tent site
$25Regular site
$35Premium small tent site
$35Premium site
$45Boat-in camp
$35Activities
Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming
Photography
Canoeing / Kayaking
Picnicking
Stargazing
Historic Sites
Nature Trails
Wildlife Viewing
Boating
Hiking
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Amphitheater
Grills
Campfire Rings
Campground Host
Picnic Tables
Cell Service
Wood for Sale
Potable Water
Restrooms
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park is an excellent value at only $35 for its cheapest sites. It also offers a level of variety that’s uncommon at many other parks since it has boat-in, tent-only, and standard sites. Amenities in the main campground at Eagle Point aren’t luxurious but satisfy the basics of showers, water, and restrooms.
However, Eagle Point does not have hookups or a dump station, so guests who prefer those amenities for longer stays should search elsewhere. This is also not the best location for groups since there’s no formal group site at either campground.
Fallen Leaf Campground
Fallen Leaf Campground is located on the northern side of Fallen Leaf Lake about a mile south of Lake Tahoe. With 206 sites for tents and RVs, this campground has almost twice the capacity of Eagle Point but lacks boat-in options. Fallen Leaf has six ADA-accessible yurts with electricity that can fix up to 6 people.
The amenities are similar to those at Eagle Point, but Fallen Leaf also has a camp store that sells firewood and other basics. Yurts are $110 per night ($112 on holidays), while regular sites are $41 per night ($43 on holidays).
West Ridge Campground
West Ridge Campground and several other small campgrounds are located together in D.L. Bliss State Park on the western bank of Lake Tahoe. This campground is much smaller than Eagle Point Campground and only has 18 sites for tents or RVs. Amenities include showers and restrooms. A camp host, firewood sales, and a dump station are nearby in the Lower Pine area by the main entrance to the shared campground area. A group camp isn’t far from the East Ridge loop.
Nevada Beach Campground
Nevada Beach Campground is located on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe near Zephyr Cove, NV. Unlike Eagle Point, Nevada Beach is situated on the shore itself, so there’s no need to walk to reach the water. It’s also close to casinos, restaurants, and other amenities out in town. Nevada Beach is slightly more expensive at $41 per night or $43 on holidays, but it does not have showers, boat-in sites, or ADA-accessible sites.
Sugar Pine State Park Campground
Sugar Pine State Park Campground, also known as General Creek Campground, is located along the western bank of Lake Tahoe. It features 10 group sites, 165 sites for RVs or tents, and 10 tent-only sites. This campground is a better option for off-season camping than Emerald Bay since one loop of General Creek Campground remains open all year. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, and a dump station.
