How much does camping cost at Kit Carson Campground?

Camping fees at Kit Carson Campground range from $29.64/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kit Carson Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kit Carson 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 Kit Carson Campground before I book?

Yes! Kit Carson Campground has 9 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 Kit Carson Campground?

Kit Carson Campground is open April 23 to September 27. 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 Kit Carson Campground?

Kit Carson Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Kit Carson Campground have?

Kit Carson Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kit Carson Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kit Carson 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 Kit Carson Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Kit Carson Campground?

Popular activities at Kit Carson Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kit Carson Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kit Carson Campground?

Fire policies at Kit Carson Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.22

94 reviews

P.O. Box 104, Markleeville, CA, 96120, USA

Top 11% in CAFall

Featured in:Tent Camping California#3 Camping Near Lake Tahoe

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,926 ft

Price

$29.64/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Westrek Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,926 ft

Price

$29.64/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Westrek Services Official Website

Get Directions

Kit Carson Campground

$29.64 - $29.64 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-334681: $29.64; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.64; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $29.64. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-694-1002online@westrekservices.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Kit Carson Campground

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 104, Markleeville, CA, 96120, USA

Kit Carson Campground

P.O. Box 104, Markleeville, CA, 96120, USA

Nearby places

Markleeville (approx. 5 miles), Lake Tahoe (approx. 20 miles), Grover Hot Springs State Park (approx. 5 miles), Minden and Carson City, Nevada (approx. 19 miles).

Weather at Kit Carson Campground

Current alerts(4)

A per day, per site, daily fee will be collected for extra vehicles on-site.
Caution: this bear country. Be prepared to keep your camp clean and food stored in appropriate storage containers.
Opening and closing dates are subject to change due to existing weather conditions.
This campground has small parking spurs. Please verify your vehicle size before making your reservation.

Best Time to Camp at Kit Carson Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the campground is fully open, access roads are clear, and long daylight hours make hiking, fishing, and river activities most enjoyable. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to mid-40s°F — perfect for cozy campfire evenings. Summer is when fishing on the West Fork Carson is most reliable, trails and viewpoints are snow-free, and the river provides scenic boating/float opportunities, though be Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall called 'exceptionally beautiful' for colorful aspens and foliage.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 23 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 16 and closes September 28 (reservable from June 25 to September 1).

About Kit Carson Campground

Kit Carson Campground sits along Highway 88 near Markleeville in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, operated by Westrek Services. This mid-elevation forest campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Reviewers praise clean facilities and helpful hosts, though highway noise carries through some sites and steep terrain limits tent placement in spots.

Kit Carson Campground offers facilities for tent camping, smaller RVs, and primitive camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the campground is fully open, access roads are clear, and long daylight hours make hiking, fishing, and river activities most enjoyable. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to mid-40s°F — perfect for cozy campfire evenings. Summer is when fishing on the West Fork Carson is most reliable, trails and viewpoints are snow-free, and the river provides scenic boating/float opportunities, though be Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6926 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe West Fork Carson River cuts through canyon walls that rise steeply on both sides, rust-colored rock faces telling millions of years of geological history. Jeffrey pines and quaking aspens provide shade across the campground at 6,926 feet elevation. The aspens catch light through their leaves and turn gold in autumn against the darker pines. The river itself runs clear and steady, carving its patient path through the rugged terrain. Rock formations frame the water views, and the canyon creates a distinct mountain enclosure around the sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available; however, nearby Sorensen’s Resort offers limited groceries and a restaurant.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact capacity varies, but reviews indicate suitability for smaller groups (2-4 people per site).

Groups

No group camping facilities were mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible pit toilets and bear boxes are provided. However, some campsites are steep and may not be suitable for tents, as noted in user reviews.

Site SizeMost campsites are suitable for small tents or smaller RVs. Some sites are steep and may not accommodate larger tents or vehicles.

PrivacyThe privacy of sites varies, with some described as secluded or private. "Most of the sites including #6 where we stayed are shady and have some privacy.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers should avoid Site 9 due to steep terrain. Sites 5 and 8 are favored for privacy and scenic views.

Best CampsitesSite 5 gets recommended for river proximity and privacy. Site 8 has boulders that campers use for setting up reading nooks or extra seating areas. Site 6 offers good shade and some screening from neighbors. Reserve sites farther from Highway 88 if road noise bothers you.

Need help booking Kit Carson Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Kit Carson Campground offers a range of amenities for tent and smaller RV camping. Each campsite is equipped with a bear box, fire pit, and picnic table. Drinking water is available during peak season, but there are no shower facilities. Vault toilets are provided, and there is a camp host on site to assist visitors. Firewood is available for purchase. Garbage containers are also available, although some user reviews mention issues with odor and proximity to campsites.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Kit Carson Campground offers a variety of activities, including fishing, hiking, and scenic photography. The campground's proximity to the Carson River allows for fishing and boating. Nearby attractions include hiking trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail and Mokelumne Wilderness. The area is also suitable for rock climbing and exploring the canyon.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides vault toilets, which are generally described as clean and well-maintained. "The cleanest vault toilets ever!"

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes provided at all campsites.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage containers are available; however, some reviews mentioned issues with odor and stray animals around dumpsters. Recycling facilities were not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is unavailable according to user reviews. "Nice campsite, right on the river no cell phone service unfortunately which made the wife uneasy."

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

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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

94 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews for Kit Carson Campground highlight its natural beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to the Carson River. Positive aspects include the helpfulness of camp hosts, clean vault toilets, and well-maintained sites. Negative aspects include traffic noise from Highway 88, issues with steep campsites, and garbage odor near dumpsters.

Review Summaries

Based on 94 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 94 reviews.

Site 5Loved
Site 5 is praised for its proximity to the river but noted as unsuitable for large tents.
Site 8Loved
Site 8 is described as private and peaceful.
Site 9Issues noted
Site 9 is noted as too steep for tents.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and beautiful natural surroundings. "Wonderful small campground in a great location. Good base for...

Based on 94 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include traffic noise from the nearby highway, steep campsites unsuitable for larger tents, and garbage odor near dumpsters. "Dumpster was smelly and was 15 feet away directly from the...

Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include reserving sites away from the highway to minimize noise and being prepared for bear encounters. "Always lock your doors!!"

Based on 94 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is described as exceptionally beautiful due to the colorful foliage. Winter camping is not available as the campground is closed for reservations during colder months.

Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice small campground, but no place to pitch tent (most sites)." "The camp host's, Cheryl & Bill go above & beyond to help their campers'." "It's close enough to walk to the river, nice locations to...

Based on 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some campsites are steep and may not be accessible for larger tents. Accessible pit toilets are available.

Based on 94 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but pet-specific features were not detailed in reviews.

Based on 94 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a maintained base camp for fishing the West Fork Carson and exploring the forest with helpful hosts nearby.

Skip if

You need quiet isolation from road noise or level tent sites without steep terrain.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.8

(35)

Crystal Springs

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

Crystal Springs sits along the West Fork of the Carson River at 6,010 feet near Woodfords, California. The campground handles tents and RVs under 24 feet, with bear lockers, vault toilets, and potable water. Fishing and fall colors draw most visitors.