Ridge Campground

Star4.23
44 reviews
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Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,827 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open during summer a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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
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

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Reserve California
Provider
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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 44 reviews

508 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsscenerycleanhiking

"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.""

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Campground Map

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Ridge Campground

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Driving directionsLocated 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89 and approximately 2 miles north of Emerald Bay.
Accessible from Highway 89. Seasonal closures may limit access during winter due to heavy snowfall.
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).

Best Time to Camp at Ridge Campground

Experience the best of mountain weather at Ridge Campground, where summer days warm to a pleasant 80°F, perfect for hiking and swimming, before cooling to crisp 40°F nights ideal for campfire stories and stargazing. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with daytime temperatures hovering around 40°F and nighttime lows that can dip below 0°F, creating a true alpine adventure for hardy cold-weather campers.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in CA

Peak season May–Sept; warm ~80°F days, beach and trail access make summer ideal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into fall shoulder season; cooler temps and lingering trail access make it pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open beginning in May; spring is a variable shoulder season around opening times.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter due to heavy snowfall; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open during summer and closed in winter due to heavy snowfall (May through September).
  • Current Alerts: Park currently closed for water system refurbishment; expected reopening in summer 2025.

About Ridge Campground

Perched high above the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe, Ridge Campground at D.L. Bliss State Park offers an unforgettable Sierra Nevada camping experience. Each well-appointed campsite comes equipped with bear-proof food lockers, sturdy picnic tables, and fire pits perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Wake up to breathtaking panoramic views of America's most beautiful alpine lake, where the morning light dances across crystal-clear waters. Please note that seasonal closures may affect availability during winter months.
Ridge Campground provides accommodations for tent and group camping, with some sites accessible to RVs. Primitive hike-and-bike camping is also available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

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.
HikingThe Rubicon Trail, accessible from Ridge Campground, provides scenic views of Lake Tahoe. "Wonderful place for quick day hikes," notes one user, while others highlight the old lighthouse as a unique feature.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing opportunities include rainbow, brown, and Mackinaw trout, as well as Kokanee salmon. A valid California fishing license is required for anglers aged 16 and over.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Lester Beach, which connects to Ridge Campground. "The beach is gorgeous, and the water is crystal clear," says one reviewer. However, dogs are not permitted in swimming areas.
BoatingBoating is available, and Lester Beach is a popular site for launching kayaks and paddleboards. Trailers are not allowed in day-use parking lots.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common, including sightings of chipmunks, Steller’s jays, and occasionally bald eagles or osprey.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are active; strict food storage guidelines enforced. Yellow jackets reported in user reviews as being a nuisance during cooking.
Active AlertsPark currently closed for water system refurbishment; expected reopening in summer 2025.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site; compliance mandatory.

Weather at Ridge Campground

Reviews

4.2
44 reviews
Satisfactory
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 44 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...
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Based on 44 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...
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Based on 44 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...
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Based on 44 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 44 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...
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Based on 44 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 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking and restrooms are generally available, though routes may pose challenges for mobility-impaired users.
Based on 44 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 44 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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