First off, let me say that there are a few spots in this campground that are so freaking gorgeous, I would be willing to deal with any amount of hassle to camp there. You cannot beat the location of this campground, and those sites that take advantage of the views are worth every penny you will pay. Then there are the other 95 campsites. This campground is just poorly designed. Most of the sites are very small and set on a slope, making it impossible to find a level spot to set up your tent, or anything else for that matter. The cramped conditions mean that many sites have firepits dangerously close to the picnic tables or tent pads. Lots of manzanita bushes around the campsites mean that at least you get some privacy, but not much space. There are a few larger, more level sites in the middle of the lower loop, but they are all very close to the bathroom and showers, and they get a lot of traffic. The management here is just bad. The bathrooms, which should be luxurious with hot running water, showers, and electricity, are not cleaned often enough and become so disgusting they might as well be pit toilets. The only time we saw a ranger was when s/he was ticketing someone or when they came around to tell us that the water had been contaminated and that we couldn’t drink it. The only time we saw the campground host was when he was trying to sell firewood. All of this for the very high price of $ 35 a night. And if that wasn’t costly enough, they will charge you another $ 8PERDAY for any additional vehicles at your campsite… you only get one vehicle for free. So, avoid this campground unless you know you are getting one of the prime spots. If you still decide to camp here, AVOID at all costs sites 35 – 47; they are the worst in the campground on a very steep grade with no space at all. Also, despite being in Tahoe and containing many trees, this campground gets HOT, and many campsites have very little shade. The sun can be brutal here… plan accordingly.
