Cruises & boats
Emerald Bay State Park
California · West Shore & Emerald Bay (CA)
Emerald Bay State Park is near Lake Tahoe, run by California State Parks. It has tent and RV sites, with an official RV limit of 18 ft.
10.1 mi from the middle of Lake Tahoe0.6 mi to Emerald Baystraight-line
Quick facts
| Agency / operator | California State Parks |
|---|---|
| Booking | ReserveCalifornia — Up to 6 months to the day before arrival; new dates open daily at 8 a.m. PT [California State Parks] |
| Max RV / trailer length | 18 ft camper/motorhome; 15 ft trailer (official) [California State Parks] |
| Bear storage | Metal bear-resistant food locker at each campsite (inside 36" D × 43" W × 22" H); food, drinks, toiletries, scented trash and ice chests go in it day and night [California State Parks] |
| Season | Eagle Point Campground and the Boat In Campground have closed for the 2026 season (page updated Aug 24, 2026) [California State Parks] |
| Hookups | Not listed |
| Dogs | Dogs are only allowed in the campground area — not on beaches, trails, service roads into the bay, the Boat Camp or Vikingsholm [California State Parks] |
Sources: California State Parks — ReserveCalifornia FAQ (rolling window examples) (checked 2026-10-18); California State Parks — Emerald Bay SP (page updated Aug 24, 2026) (checked 2026-10-18). "Not listed" means no source we use states it.
This weekend (Fri, Oct 23 – Sun, Oct 25): Closed for season. Eagle Point Campground and the Boat In Campground have closed for the 2026 season (California State Parks, updated Aug 24, 2026); California State Parks hasn't posted 2027 camping dates on the park page yet. Source: California State Parks — Emerald Bay SP (page updated Aug 24, 2026)
Key facts
- Max rig length
- Official limit 18 ft max camper/motorhome; 15 ft max trailer (California State Parks) Official
- Hookups & power
- Hookup type not listed for RV sites Listing
- Pets
- Dogs are not allowed on any trails or roads into Emerald Bay, on the beach or at the Boat Camp Official
- Booking
- Reservations on ReserveCalifornia (1-800-444-7275) up to 6 months before arrival; the Lake Tahoe area is popular and California State Parks recommends reserving Official
- Getting there
- On Highway 89 on the west shore; maximum vehicle length in the Emerald Bay area is 18 ft (no motorhomes over 18 ft, no trailers), and overnight parking isn't allowed Official
- Campfire Allowed
- Fire Ring
- Food Locker
- Grill
- Pets Allowed
- Picnic Table
Why stay here?
- 0.6 mi from Emerald Bay (straight-line).
- Official RV length limit: 18 ft.
- Public-land campground run by a federal or state agency.
Choose a site
Your dates & setup
Checking 2 nights (your saved dates or this weekend). Tell us what you're staying in to see matching sites and prices.
Site & accommodation options
No recent availability data on reservecalifornia.com: availability may have changed, so check availability with the provider. Rates are listed rates, not an offer.
Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100)
8 sites like this
Check availabilityEnter your dates on reservecalifornia.com, then choose “Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100)”.
$25/night
Continue to reservecalifornia.com ↗
Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100)
RVs up to 18 ft (official limit)Hookups not listed
Check availabilityEnter your dates on reservecalifornia.com, then choose “Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100)”.
$25/night
Continue to reservecalifornia.com ↗
Upper Eagle Point (Sites 1-33)
RVs up to 18 ft (official limit)Hookups not listed
Check availabilityEnter your dates on reservecalifornia.com, then choose “Upper Eagle Point (Sites 1-33)”.
$25/night
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Upper Eagle Point (Sites 1-33)
4 sites like this
Check availabilityEnter your dates on reservecalifornia.com, then choose “Upper Eagle Point (Sites 1-33)”.
$25/night
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Boat-In Camp Area
18 sites like this
Check availabilityEnter your dates on reservecalifornia.com, then choose “Boat-In Camp Area”.
$35/night
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Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100)
19 sites like this
Check availabilityEnter your dates on reservecalifornia.com, then choose “Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100)”.
$35/night
Continue to reservecalifornia.com ↗
Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100)
8 sites like thisRVs up to 18 ft (official limit)Hookups not listed
Check availabilityEnter your dates on reservecalifornia.com, then choose “Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100)”.
$35/night
Continue to reservecalifornia.com ↗
Upper Eagle Point (Sites 1-33)
15 sites like thisRVs up to 18 ft (official limit)Hookups not listed
Check availabilityEnter your dates on reservecalifornia.com, then choose “Upper Eagle Point (Sites 1-33)”.
$35/night
Continue to reservecalifornia.com ↗Compare booking options
You book with the provider. Each row shows that provider's lowest open option for your dates, and which provider our main button uses.
reservecalifornia.com (via UseDirect feed)Main booking button
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Other nearby options
Closest stays by type. Distances are straight-line from Emerald Bay State Park, not driving.
- Closest public campgroundRV Village at Camp Richardson Resort3.5 mi away (straight-line) · PublicAvailable for your datesRV Electric: $50/nightCheck availability on Recreation.gov ↗
- Closest private full-hookupLake Tahoe KOA Journey8.7 mi away (straight-line) · PrivateCheck availabilityCheck availability on KOA ↗
- Closest public / first-comeBadger's Den at Camp Richardson Resort3.5 mi away (straight-line) · PublicCheck availabilityCheck availability on Recreation.gov ↗
- Next closestEagle's Nest at Camp Richardson Resort3.5 mi away (straight-line) · PublicAvailable for your datesStandard Nonelectric: $50/nightCheck availability on Recreation.gov ↗
View calendar · night-by-night from UseDirect
No recent availability data on UseDirect: this grid may be out of date, so check availability with the provider. Showing 40 of 98 sites.
| Site | Fr 23 | Sa 24 | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| 37 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| 38 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| 40 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| 42 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| 43 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| 80 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| 89 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| 2 upper eagle point (sites 1-33) | – | – | $25 |
| 5 upper eagle point (sites 1-33) | – | – | $25 |
| 25 upper eagle point (sites 1-33) | – | – | $25 |
| 31 upper eagle point (sites 1-33) | – | – | $25 |
| 32 upper eagle point (sites 1-33) | – | – | $25 |
| 34 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $25 |
| B001 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B002 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B003 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B004 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B006 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B007 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B008 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B009 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B010 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B011 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B012 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B014 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B015 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B017 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B019 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B021 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B022 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| B018 boat-in camp area | – | – | $35 |
| 90 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $35 |
| 73 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $35 |
| 81 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $35 |
| 84 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $35 |
| 85 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $35 |
| 95 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $35 |
| 97 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $35 |
| 35 lower eagle point (sites 34-100) | – | – | $35 |
✓ available · R reserved · X not available · C closed · W first come, first served · N not yet released
Before you go
CA California rules for campers
- Booking
- California State Parks book on ReserveCalifornia up to 6 months before arrival. Forest Service campgrounds book on Recreation.gov (individual sites up to 6 months ahead, group sites 12). California State Parks Recreation.gov
- Bears
- State park campgrounds: food, drinks, toiletries and scented trash go in the site's metal locker; ice chests may not be left in vehicles; bear-proof coolers must be locked (up to $1,000 fine). National Forest land: Forest Order 19-24-03. California State Parks USDA Forest Service
- Chains
- Caltrans chain controls R-1, R-2 and R-3 apply on CA-89, US-50 and I-80; check Caltrans QuickMap for live status. Caltrans Caltrans QuickMap
Official limit 18 ft max camper/motorhome; 15 ft max trailer (California State Parks). Official road and access notes apply. Unsure if your rig fits? Check it in the Lake Tahoe Rig Fit tool
Emerald Bay State Park: questions answered
- What is the maximum RV length at Emerald Bay State Park?
- Official limit 18 ft max camper/motorhome; 15 ft max trailer (California State Parks) Official
- Does Emerald Bay State Park have RV hookups?
- Hookup type not listed for RV sites (per the listing)
- When is Emerald Bay State Park open?
- Eagle Point Campground and the Boat In Campground have closed for the 2026 season (page updated Aug 24, 2026) Official
- How do I reserve a site at Emerald Bay State Park?
- Reservations on ReserveCalifornia (1-800-444-7275) up to 6 months before arrival; the Lake Tahoe area is popular and California State Parks recommends reserving. Official
- What are the food storage rules at Emerald Bay State Park?
- Food, beverages, toiletries and scented trash must go in the campsite's metal food locker except while eating or cooking; ice chests may not be stored in vehicles. Bear-proof coolers must be locked (up to a $1,000 fine) Official
- Are pets allowed at Emerald Bay State Park?
- Dogs are not allowed on any trails or roads into Emerald Bay, on the beach or at the Boat Camp. Official
Location
10.1 mi from the middle of Lake Tahoe (straight-line)
0.6 mi to Emerald Bay (straight-line)
Open in Google Maps ↗
Policies
- Max stay
- 7 nights
About
Emerald Bay State Park is adjacent to D.L. Bliss State Park. With its rugged shoreline and blue-green water, Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world. Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle (800 A.D.), is part of the park. The building is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian
Amenities
Campfire AllowedFire RingFood LockerGrillPets AllowedPicnic TableElectric Hookup
Nearby activities
BirdwatchingBoatingBody SurfingCampingFishingHikingMuseumPicnic AreaScuba DivingSurfingSwimmingVisitor Center
At a glance: all 17 facts with sources
At a glance
Managed by California State Parks (Emerald Bay State Park). Official facts link to their source; “Listing” facts come from the reservecalifornia.com listing. Anything we can't source says so.
- Max rig length
- Official limit 18 ft max camper/motorhome; 15 ft max trailer (California State Parks) Source: California State Parks
- Hookups & power
- Listing Hookup type not listed for RV sites
- Road & site access
- Listing 76 paved, 3 gravel site driveways
- Pets
- Dogs are not allowed on any trails or roads into Emerald Bay, on the beach or at the Boat Camp Source: California State ParksListing Pets allowed
- Shade
- Listing 0 of 89 sites that report shade are listed as shaded
- Booking
- Reservations on ReserveCalifornia (1-800-444-7275) up to 6 months before arrival; the Lake Tahoe area is popular and California State Parks recommends reserving Source: California State Parks
- Price
- Listing Lowest listed rate $25/night (live price once you pick dates)
- Stay limits
- Listing 7 nights max
- Getting there
- On Highway 89 on the west shore; maximum vehicle length in the Emerald Bay area is 18 ft (no motorhomes over 18 ft, no trailers), and overnight parking isn't allowed Source: California State ParksListing 10.1 mi from the middle of Lake Tahoe · 0.6 mi to Emerald Bay (straight-line, not driving)
- Bear & food storage
- Food, beverages, toiletries and scented trash must go in the campsite's metal food locker except while eating or cooking; ice chests may not be stored in vehicles. Bear-proof coolers must be locked (up to a $1,000 fine) Source: California State Parks
- Season
- Eagle Point Campground and the Boat In Campground have closed for the 2026 season (page updated Aug 24, 2026) Source: California State Parks
- Pull-through / back-in · Generators · Quiet hours · Cell signal · Starlink / satellite · Water
- Not listed — check with campground
Nearby parks (straight-line): Emerald Bay 0.6 mi · Sand Harbor 18.7 mi
Closed for the season
Build around it
Things to do near Emerald Bay
No rig? Fly & Drive
RV rentals for this stay
Picks are 18 ft or shorter — the official RV length limit here. Fly into Reno (~33 mi, ~55 min to Lake Tahoe, approx.) or rent locally.
Pick up near RNO2018 Mazda w/Rooftop Tent
Reno, NV · 1 mi from RNO airport (straight-line)
Drivable — no tow vehicle
to see if it's open
from $99/nightvia Outdoorsy
Pick up near RNO2022 Ram Promaster 2500 - Perfect for National Parks & More
Reno, NV · 10 mi from RNO airport (straight-line)
Drivable — no tow vehicleDelivery up to 120 mi
to see if it's open
from $199/nightvia Outdoorsy
Delivers to Lake Tahoe2020 Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Standard Model
Gardnerville, NV
Delivery up to 200 mi
to see if it's open
from $85/nightvia Outdoorsy
Compare Emerald Bay State Park with alternatives
State park campground
vs D.L. Bliss State Park
Listed from $25 vs $35/night
Read comparison →State park campground
vs Sugar Pine Point State Park
RVs to 18 ft vs 32 ft · listed from $25 vs $35/night
Read comparison →State park campground
vs Tahoe State Recreation Area
Listed from $25 vs $35/night
Read comparison →Where Emerald Bay State Park fits
- Booking & agency
- Booking California State Parks at Lake Tahoe
- By rig & style
- Tent camping at Lake Tahoe · Van & truck camper camping at Lake Tahoe · Dog-friendly campgrounds at Lake Tahoe
- Near landmarks
- Campgrounds near Emerald Bay · Campgrounds near D.L. Bliss State Park · Campgrounds near Camp Richardson · Campgrounds near Meeks Bay
- Nearest alternatives
- D.L. Bliss State Park (2.7 mi) · RV Village at Camp Richardson Resort (3.5 mi) · Badger's Den at Camp Richardson Resort (3.5 mi)
Other stays nearby
RV Village at Camp Richardson Resort
Full-hookup RV sites
Available for your dates · 81 sitesSites $50/night
≈ $100 est. for 2 nights · before taxes & fees
Rates & availability from Recreation.gov · Continue to Recreation.gov ↗
Eagle's Nest at Camp Richardson Resort
Tent sites · RV sites
Available for your dates · 22 sitesSites $50/night
≈ $100 est. for 2 nights · before taxes & fees
Rates & availability from Recreation.gov · Continue to Recreation.gov ↗
Badger's Den at Camp Richardson Resort
Tent sites · RV sites
Check availability
Rates & availability from Recreation.gov · Continue to Recreation.gov ↗