Boat-In Campground

Star4.76
420 reviews
North Shore, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Boat-In Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites are $35 per night. Buoys are available for securing boats for campers. Firewood costs $10 per bundle, and ice is $5 per small bag, all...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve California
Provider
530-541-3030interp@parks.ca.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.76

Top-Rated

Based on 420 reviews

2280 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewswater

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the scenic beauty and unique boating access of this campground. Guests appreciate the helpfulness of camp hosts and the clean facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

North Shore, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA

Boat-In Campground

North Shore, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA

Driving directionsEmerald Bay Boat-In Campground is accessible only by boat or by hiking through rugged terrain. From Highway 89, park at the Vikingsholm parking lot and hike down a steep one-mile trail to the lake. Alternatively, visitors can access the campground directly via private boat or kayak.
The campground is accessible only by boat or foot, requiring visitors to traverse steep trails or navigate via watercraft. Vehicle access is not permitted to the lakefront.
Nearby places
South Lake Tahoe (10 miles, ~25 minutes drive), Tahoe City (22 miles, ~45 minutes drive), Tahoma (15 miles, ~30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in South Lake Tahoe (10 miles). Firewood and ice are available for purchase onsite at the campground from the camp hosts ($10 for firewood, $5 for ice, cash only).

Best Time to Camp at Boat-In Campground

Summer days at Emerald Bay unfold in perfect 75°F comfort, ideal for swimming and exploring, though mountain nights demand cozy sleeping bags as temperatures dip to a crisp 40°F. The high-altitude environment keeps you on your toes with its mercurial moods—sunshine can transform to thunderstorms in minutes, adding drama to your wilderness experience. Winter transforms this paradise into a formidable landscape where temperatures plunge to bone-chilling 20°F lows.

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

Summer is ideal: warm ~75°F days, open and peak season for swimming/boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into mid‑October with crisp nights and good scenery; weather can shorten season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May depending on snow; early season can be cold and conditions variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closes for winter; not available for winter camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak camping season typically aligns with warm summer months, late June through early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground operates seasonally and is typically open from late May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is closed during harsh winter weather and typically reopens late May.

About Boat-In Campground

Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters against your tent's edge at Emerald Bay Boat-In Campground, where adventure begins the moment you leave the dock. This exclusive 20-site sanctuary, reachable only by boat or trail, rewards intrepid campers with front-row seats to Lake Tahoe's most spectacular panoramas. Each lakefront site serves as your personal gateway to the fascinating Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail, where sunken vessels tell stories beneath the pristine waters.
The Boat-In Campground offers primitive camping with tent sites accessible by watercraft. RVs, group camping, and glamping are not supported.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Boat-In Campground allows visitors to enjoy water-focused activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and diving. The nearby Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail offers scuba diving opportunities to explore historical underwater artifacts.
HikingSeveral trails are accessible from the campground, including scenic paths around Emerald Bay. A notable hike connects the west side of Emerald Bay to its south shore.
FishingFishing is permitted. Trout and salmon species are commonly caught in Lake Tahoe.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Emerald Bay's clear waters, although users report cold temperatures.
BoatingCamping is accessible only by boat, and boating activities are central. Buoys are provided for registered campers. Anchoring near historic underwater artifacts is prohibited.
Wildlife viewingEmerald Bay area is known for wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, and bears.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include active black bears, steep trails, and sudden weather changes.
Active AlertsThe campground is closed during harsh winter weather and typically reopens late May.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided in each campsite and are mandatory for storing food, beverages, and toiletries.

Weather at Boat-In Campground

Reviews

4.8
420 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Boat-In Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the scenic beauty and unique boating access of this campground. Guests appreciate the helpfulness of camp hosts and the clean facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 420 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the breathtaking views, helpful camp hosts, and the overall serenity of the area. The vault toilets and potable water are also positively noted.
Based on 420 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground can become congested during the day due to boat traffic, and music from party boats has been reported as disturbing.
Based on 420 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure good spots; sites #1, #21, and #22 are recommended for views and access. Consider morning or late afternoon for water activities due to calmer conditions.
Based on 420 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the ideal season, with warm days and cool nights. Winter camping is unavailable as the campground closes for the season.
Based on 420 reviews

Camper Quotes

"What a joy. Great boat camping experience." "Very peaceful camp if you aren't afraid of an occasional bear wandering through." "Beautiful primitive campground." "Donna and Victor are the best. They...
Show more
Based on 420 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Highly recommended sites include #1, #21, and #22 for views and access.
Based on 420 reviews

Accessibility Features

No information specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 420 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed at campsites but prohibited on the beach and trails. Regulations are enforced year-round.
Based on 420 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Boat-In Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Emerald Bay SP
Boat-In Campground