Eagle Point Campground
4.6437 reviewsEagle Point Campground, Emerald Bay State Park, Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Eagle Point Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsites cost $35 per night. Additional charges include $10 per bundle of firewood and $5 for ice, cash only.
About this campground
Perched above the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe's crown jewel, Eagle Point Campground invites you to wake up to breathtaking vistas of Emerald Bay stretching below. From your campsite, winding trails beckon through fragrant pine forests, leading down to a secluded beach where crystalline waters lap against granite shores.
Eagle Point Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including tent and RV camping, while emphasizing preservation of the natural environment.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape so extraordinary it earned National Natural Landmark status in 1969. Just a short journey from camp, the enchanting Vikingsholm mansion rises from the shoreline like something from a Nordic fairy tale, its Scandinavian architecture telling stories of Lake Tahoe's golden age. For those drawn to hidden histories, the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail preserves sunken vessels beneath Emerald Bay's surface, offering a unique glimpse into the lake's nautical past.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings perfect camping weather with warm, sun-drenched days reaching 75°F, while crisp mountain nights dip to a refreshing 40°F—ideal for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, though temperatures can plunge to 20°F and below. During these months, nature's white blanket may temporarily close trails and access roads, creating a more intimate, peaceful atmosphere for hardy winter adventurers.
ElevationAt 6,200 feet above sea level, Eagle Point places you firmly in the high country, where the air is crisp and pine-scented. This mountain elevation means your body will need time to adjust—take it easy your first day, stay hydrated, and let the thin mountain air remind you that you've truly escaped to another world above the everyday.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic pines tower overhead like nature's cathedral, their branches framing postcard-perfect views of Emerald Bay's jewel-toned waters. These ancient granite cliffs, sculpted by glaciers over millennia, plunge dramatically into the bay below, creating a natural amphitheater of stone and water that changes color with each passing hour—from morning's deep emerald to sunset's molten gold.
Geological RegionYour basecamp sits within the mighty Sierra Nevada, where ancient glaciers carved their masterpiece into solid granite, creating the spectacular basin of Emerald Bay. The campground itself is cradled in a living forest museum, where stately ponderosa pines mingle with aromatic Jeffrey pines, their vanilla-scented bark a signature of this high-altitude ecosystem. Here, the raw power of geological forces meets the gentle persistence of forest growth, creating a landscape that tells the story of millions of years in every view.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySix campsites (#54, #62, #79, #92, #94, and #96) are officially accessible for visitors with disabilities. Accessible restrooms/showers are located within close proximity to these sites. The Overlook Trail (0.18 miles long) is wheelchair accessible and provides views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay.
Sites SizeCampsites vary significantly in size, offering spaces for small tents to extra-large tents. Several sites (e.g., site 9) are noted as very spacious, while others are compact and suited for small tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies across the campground. While some sites are exposed (e.g., site 9), others such as site 7 are tucked away behind bushes and mature trees, offering more seclusion.
Total Campsites97 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 22 is recommended for its size, privacy, and direct beach access.
Best CampsitesSite 1 is highlighted as the nicest with sandy beach access and tree shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites accommodate 4-8 guests depending on site specifics.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are organized into loops with varying levels of privacy and size.
Open and Closed SeasonEagle Point Campground is closed for the 2024 summer season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through the official California State Parks website or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome reviews mention success with walk-up reservations, but availability is dependent on site-specific conditions.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy detailed in provided information.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground and surrounding Emerald Bay State Park provide numerous recreational opportunities ranging from hiking and wildlife viewing to swimming and diving.
Hiking
Hiking trails are abundant, with popular routes like the Rubicon Trail providing scenic views of Emerald Bay. The south side of Vikingsholm Trail is accessible for 0.03 mile, while the Overlook Trail starts near site #28 and offers views of Tahoe and the Desolation Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is permitted within Lake Tahoe with a valid California fishing license. Species available include rainbow trout, lake trout, and kokanee salmon.Swimming
Swimming areas are accessible within Emerald Bay, with some campsites providing direct access to the lake. Water temperatures are noted as cold, especially during the summer.Boating
Emerald Bay features a Boat-In Campground where campers can dock their boats. Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are popular for exploring the bay, but visitors must clean, drain, and dry equipment to avoid spreading invasive species.Wildlife viewing
The park is known for sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and American black bears. Visitors are advised not to disturb wildlife and follow park rules for food storage to minimize animal encounters.Beach activities
Beach access varies by campsite, with some offering direct access to the shoreline and others requiring short hikes. Beaches are described as beautiful but may be rocky depending on water levels.Cultural and Educational Programs
Park programs include guided tours of Vikingsholm, interpretive exhibits, and educational sessions about Lake Tahoe's history and geology.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and sledding are noted as popular winter activities in nearby parks such as Sugar Pine Point State Park.Water Sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular activities within Emerald Bay, with visitors advised on safety measures like avoiding windy afternoons for watercraft use.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No open fires allowed except in designated grills and stoves.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsActive black bear presence. Proper food storage is essential. Terrain features steep trails that may pose risks for individuals with mobility issues.
Active alertsBurn piles by Sierra Fire Management are planned for December 2024. The campground remains closed for the 2024 summer season.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 0.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital is Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe, approximately 12 miles away. Emergency services are accessible via Highway 89.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months from late May through September.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are provided, and food must be stored in bear-proof lockers day and night as per park rules. Recycling facilities were not mentioned explicitly and some reviewers state they are unable to locate them.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Emerald Bay and nearby hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and beaches.
Common complaintsSome users report predatory behavior by rangers enforcing strict food storage rules. Concerns raised about noise levels during non-quiet hours.
HostHosts are available during summer months from June to September.
Campground Map
Eagle Point Campground, Emerald Bay State Park, Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Driving directionsTake Highway 89 south from Tahoe City for approximately 22 miles, or north from South Lake Tahoe for about 12 miles. Look for signs for Emerald Bay State Park and Eagle Point Campground. Parking for Eagle Point Campground is available nearby, but the campground itself is accessible only by walking trails.
Access to Eagle Point Campground is via walking trails. Highway 89 is the nearest major road, providing paved access to parking areas. Seasonal closures and road conditions may limit accessibility during heavy snow periods.Nearby places
South Lake Tahoe (12 miles, 20 minutes), Tahoe City (22 miles, 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in South Lake Tahoe, which includes grocery stores, camping supply stores, and fuel. It's about a 20-minute drive from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
37 reviews
Eagle Point Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Eagle Point Campground for its stunning natural beauty, clean facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities. Negative comments often focus on strict park rules and enforcement, limited privacy, and occasional service issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted by users include clean bathrooms and showers, proximity to hiking trails and beaches, beautiful lake views, and well-maintained campsites with bear-proof lockers.
Based on 37 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints involve strict enforcement of food storage regulations, abrasive behavior by park rangers, limited cell phone reception, and cold showers.
Based on 37 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest bringing bug spray due to aggressive wasps, checking park rules upon arrival to avoid penalties, and choosing shaded campsites for comfort during summer. Early reservations are...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
During summer, campers enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, but beaches and trails can become crowded. Winter camping is unavailable due to seasonal closures.
Based on 37 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Such a beautiful place to camp." (Andylv Levan) "Bathrooms are cleaned every morning and for the most part clean and free of garbage." (W F) "Camp sites were fantastic, no issues with flies or...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 is described as the nicest with access to a sandy beach. Site 5 offers nice views but limited space for tents. Site 22 is noted as the second nicest site with good tree cover and beach access....
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible campsites (#54, #62, #79, #92, #94, and #96) and the Overlook Trail are praised for wheelchair-friendly features. Some trails and facilities may not be accessible due to steep terrain.
Based on 37 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed within the campground but must be leashed and attended at all times. Some users appreciate the pet-friendly policies, while others note the strict enforcement of rules in surrounding...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025