How much does camping cost at Ridge Campground?

Camping fees at Ridge Campground range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ridge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ridge Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ridge Campground before I book?

Yes! Ridge Campground has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ridge Campground?

Ridge Campground is open Late May through September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ridge Campground?

Yes, Ridge Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Ridge Campground have?

Ridge Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ridge Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ridge Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ridge Campground?

Ridge Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ridge Campground?

Popular activities at Ridge Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ridge Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ridge Campground?

Fire policies at Ridge Campground: Campfires allowed within designated fire rings. Seasonal fire bans possible during extreme conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.17

46 reviews

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Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,827 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

D.L. Bliss is closed...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,827 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

D.L. Bliss is closed...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Ridge Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$35 per night for standard tent sites. Additional $8.25 reservation fee applies.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

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Provider

530-525-7277null

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Ridge Campground

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Campground Map

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Ridge Campground

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Nearby places

Tahoe City (17 miles, approximately 30 minutes), South Lake Tahoe (8 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Emerald Bay (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Tahoe City (17 miles) or South Lake Tahoe (8 miles).

Weather at Ridge Campground

Current alert: Park currently closed for water system refurbishment; expected reopening in summer 2025.

Best Time to Camp at Ridge Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-60s to low 80s°F and nights cooling to the 40s–50s°F. Water temperatures warm enough for swimming, and roads and trailheads stay clear. Mid-July through August sees the highest crowds, especially on holiday weekends. Seasonal closures affect availability during winter months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Peak season May–Sept; reliable access, warm enough for swimming and full services available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: D.L. Bliss is closed for camping and vehicular traffic for the winter. The park will reopen for camping and day use on May 21, 2026.

About Ridge Campground

Ridge Campground sits at 6,827 feet in D.L. Bliss State Park, offering 20 sites for tents, RVs, and groups. Sites run $35 per night and include bear lockers, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground provides access to Lester Beach and the Rubicon Trail, though sites are small and privacy is limited.

Ridge Campground provides accommodations for tent and group camping, with some sites accessible to RVs. Primitive hike-and-bike camping is also available.

Historical Significance

The park takes its name from Duane Leroy Bliss, a lumberman whose family donated 744 acres in 1929. Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style estate from the 1920s, sits a short drive away at Emerald Bay.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-60s to low 80s°F and nights cooling to the 40s–50s°F. Water temperatures warm enough for swimming, and roads and trailheads stay clear. Mid-July through August sees the highest crowds, especially on holiday weekends. Seasonal closures affect availability during winter months.

ElevationAt 6,827 feet above sea level, Ridge Campground places you among the clouds in true high-country splendor. This elevated paradise offers cooler temperatures and cleaner air, though visitors should take time to acclimate to the altitude, staying hydrated and taking it easy on their first day to fully enjoy all the adventures that await.

Natural Features and SceneryJeffrey pines and sugar pines shade the campground, with granite outcroppings scattered throughout the forest. A short walk leads to Lester Beach and Calawee Cove on Lake Tahoe's shore. The setting is clean and well-maintained, but expect yellow jackets during warmer months. Reviews mention the scenery consistently, though the small site footprint and loop layout mean you're camping close to neighbors.

Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of the High Sierra Nevada, where ancient glaciers carved a dramatic landscape of soaring granite peaks and deep mountain valleys. This geological wonderland showcases massive granitic formations polished smooth by ice age glaciers, surrounded by glacial moraines that tell the story of Earth's climatic past. Dense coniferous forests blanket the mountainsides, creating a living tapestry that changes with the seasons and provides habitat for diverse wildlife.

Scenic ViewsPanoramic views of Lake Tahoe from elevated areas and trails.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within Ridge Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles, according to official sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites organize in loops with limited spacing between them. One review notes, "Sites are kinda small, so if you like privacy you won't get that here.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via www.parks.ca.gov or by calling 800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may offer walk-up availability; early arrival recommended to secure spots during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation policies apply; specific details not provided.

AccessibilityAccessible parking and restrooms are generally available in Ridge Campground. However, routes throughout the campsite may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.

Site SizeMost campsites can accommodate standard tents, with pad lengths ranging from 12 to 18 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited at Ridge Campground, as sites are described as 'small' and not secluded. "Sites are kinda small, so if you like privacy you won't get that here," one user said.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended to choose sites with proximity to Lester Beach for ease of access.

Best CampsitesSites 149, 151, 153, 156, and 158 receive high ratings from users. Pad lengths range from 12 to 18 feet, accommodating standard tents and smaller RVs.

Need help booking Ridge Campground?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ridge Campground in D.L. Bliss State Park offers a range of amenities for campers, including picnic tables, fire pits with grills, food lockers, and flush toilets. "Some of the sites are oddly shaped, but we made it work!" says one user, while another user highlighted the "clean & well kept" facilities. However, there are mixed reviews about the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. Showers require tokens, $1 per token for 3 minutes, and some users noted lukewarm water availability.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ridge Campground offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and access to Lester Beach. "The Rubicon Trail is a wonderful day hike with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe," says one user. Swimming is popular at Lester Beach, though dogs are not allowed in the water.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are active; strict food storage guidelines enforced. Yellow jackets reported in user reviews as being a nuisance during cooking.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site; compliance mandatory.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated fire rings. Seasonal fire bans possible during extreme conditions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced; noise complaints may result in removal from the campground.

Emergency ServicesSierra District Ranger Station; contact during winter conditions: 530-525-7277.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, and bear-proof dumpsters are provided to reduce negative encounters with local wildlife.

Water FeaturesNear Lester Beach and Calawee Cove; access to Lake Tahoe for swimming and kayaking.

Cell CoverageCellular service is described as 'spotty,' and Wi-Fi is not available at the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

46 reviews

Satisfactory

Ridge Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Ridge Campground receives mixed reviews from users. Positive highlights include the spectacular scenery, well-maintained sites, and access to Lester Beach. Complaints focus on overcrowding, yellow jackets, and strict policies enforced by rangers. "Absolutely beautiful with majestic beaches," says one user, while another mentions, "Bathrooms were somewhat clean."

Review Summaries

Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Users consistently praise the gorgeous scenery, proximity to Lester Beach, and excellent hiking opportunities. "The Rubicon Trail offers breathtaking views," and "Clean campground amidst pine...

Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include overcrowding, strict enforcement by park rangers, yellow jacket infestations, and limited privacy at campsites. "Cooking is nearly impossible with yellow jackets," and "Sites are...

Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 157 and 159 are considered prime real estate, located close to Lester Beach. However, privacy is limited, and sites are small. Best campsites include 149, 151, 153, 156, and 158.

Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for parking, as spots fill up quickly by mid-morning. Bring sufficient food and water, and prepare for encounters with wildlife. Be mindful of strict food storage rules to avoid bear...

Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to warmer temperatures and access to Lester Beach. Winter camping is limited due to heavy snowfall and low temperatures.

Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Dreamy campground with steps to a wonderful beach with incredible views" - Matt Rogers; "Absolutely beautiful with majestic beaches" - Tanvir Ahmad; "Cooking is nearly impossible with yellow...

Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking and restrooms are generally available, though routes may pose challenges for mobility-impaired users.

Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and supervised at all times. Dogs are not permitted on trails or in swimming areas, which some users find restrictive.

Based on 46 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers, swimmers, and Rubicon Trail hikers who book sites 157 or 159 early and don't mind close neighbors will get the most out of the Lester Beach access and Lake Tahoe views at $35 a night.

Skip if

Campers who want elbow room or a reliably welcoming atmosphere should know sites are tight with no real buffer between neighbors, and a subset of past visitors who weren't part of the local cultural mainstream reported interactions that made them feel unwelcome.

Nearby Campgrounds

Beach Campground at D.L. Bliss State Park sits along Lake Tahoe's west shore at 6,200 feet elevation. The campground has 250 sites (tent, RV, and group), all with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. Sites run $35/night and fill quickly in summer. Expect close quarters: sites are small with little privacy between neighbors.