Kit Carson Campground

Star4.41
94 reviews
P.O. Box 104, Markleeville, CA, 96120, USA

Quick Facts

6,926 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Westrek Services 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
Kit Carson Campground
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are available for $26 per night during both Peak and First-Come-First-Served seasons. Fees do...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
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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Provider
530-694-1002online@westrekservices.com
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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 94 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationhikingfriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom South Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 89 over Luther Pass to the 88/89 interchange. Turn left on 88; go approximately 1 mile to campground entrance on your left. From Gardnerville, Carson City or Minden, Nevada, take Hwy 395 to Hwy 88. Head south on Hwy 88 for approximately 19 miles to the campground entrance in Woodfords Canyon on north side.
Located along Highway 88, Kit Carson Campground offers direct access from a paved highway. Small parking spurs are provided, and visitors are advised to verify vehicle size before reserving. Seasonal closures may occur depending on weather conditions.
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).
Nearby supplies
Sorensen’s Resort within 5 miles offers limited groceries and a restaurant. For more extensive supplies, visitors can go to Minden or Carson City, Nevada (approx. 19 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Kit Carson Campground

Experience the crisp mountain air of summer nights that dip to a refreshing 28°F, perfect for cozy campfire gatherings, while daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 44°F ideal for exploring. Clear skies and dry conditions create picture-perfect camping weather throughout the season. Winter transforms this alpine paradise into a snow-dusted wonderland, though the cold temperatures and moderate snowfall make it a destination best enjoyed by the heartiest adventurers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: open (May–Sep), crisp nights, full access to trails, fishing, and river views.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall described as exceptionally beautiful with colorful foliage; season runs into Sept.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 16 (late spring); pleasant temps but shorter season and limited early-spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed for reservations in winter (season ends Sept 28).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 1 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens May 16 and closes September 28 (reservable from June 25 to September 1).
  • Current Alerts: Weather-dependent seasonal closures and construction near Highway 88 may affect visitors.

About Kit Carson Campground

Tucked away in the breathtaking Woodfords Canyon, Kit Carson Campground offers an intimate riverside retreat where the gentle murmur of the West Fork Carson River provides nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers and smaller RVs to experience authentic mountain camping, complete with prime fishing spots just steps from your campsite. Here, the canyon walls cradle you in natural serenity while the river beckons anglers and nature lovers alike.
Kit Carson Campground offers facilities for tent camping, smaller RVs, and primitive camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe campground is surrounded by trailheads within a short drive, including Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail. "It's a short drive to Carson Pass, where there are wonderful hiking trails."
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 are available at the Carson River and nearby lakes. "There's a small stream with trout nearby."
BikingThe area offers biking trails, including a mountain bike trail up the old Luther Pass road to the summit. "Up the road, just past the Luther Pass road junction, is a fishing platform site. From there, a mountain bike trail can be ridden up the old Luther Pass road to the summit."
BoatingBoating opportunities are available at nearby lakes.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include bear sightings. Visitors are advised to store food securely. "Caution to the wind!, when they say it's bear country they Mean It's Bear country!!"
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country precautions are necessary. Reviews also mention stray cats, steep terrain at some sites, and goat head plants.
Active AlertsWeather-dependent seasonal closures and construction near Highway 88 may affect visitors.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes provided at all campsites.

Weather at Kit Carson Campground

Reviews

4.4
94 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Kit Carson Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 94 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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