Bayview Trailhead And Day-Use Area

Star3.94
36 reviews
35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$18 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit site

Official Website
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Bayview Trailhead And Day-Use Area
$18.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping costs $18 per day, with an additional $2 per day on national holidays.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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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USFS
Provider
530-543-2600
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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 36 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespaciouslocation

"User reviews for Bayview Campground are mixed. Many appreciate its proximity to hiking trails and Emerald Bay, while others criticize the lack of organization and water availability. The campground's first-come, first-served system and the behavior of staff have been frequent subjects of complaint."

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Campground Map

35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Bayview Trailhead And Day-Use Area

35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Driving directionsIn South Lake Tahoe, CA, where US Rt. 50 and State Rt. 89 split into Rt. 50 east and Rt. 89 north, take Rt. 89 north (to Tahoe City) 7.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
The campground is accessible directly from Highway 89, which is paved. Seasonal closures occur and access depends on weather conditions.
Nearby places
South Lake Tahoe (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
South Lake Tahoe has grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations approximately 8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bayview Trailhead And Day-Use Area

Experience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada weather at Bayview, where each season paints the landscape in dramatically different hues. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and exploration, while late spring and early fall wrap the forest in crisp, invigorating air. Winter transforms this alpine retreat into a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures and pristine snowfall creating a completely different camping experience for the hardy adventurer.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and best for hiking; busiest season with heavy day-use crowding.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Quieter camping and cooler weather make fall appealing but fewer services and colder temps.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring access limited early and conditions can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed outside May 13–Oct 14; winter not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season pricing applies to national holidays.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 13 through October 14, weather-dependent.
  • Current Alerts: Portable propane stoves are allowed with a permit. Campfires are strictly prohibited.

About Bayview Trailhead And Day-Use Area

Nestled in the enchanting south shore of Lake Tahoe, Bayview Trailhead and Day-Use Area offers an intimate escape into nature with just 12 first-come, first-served campsites. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the legendary Desolation Wilderness, where adventures await along the scenic Granite Lakes Trail and the cascading beauty of Cascade Falls Trail. Perfect for those seeking a quieter alternative to larger campgrounds, Bayview combines accessibility with the authentic wilderness experience that makes Lake Tahoe unforgettable.
Bayview Campground is a small, rustic campground primarily catering to tent campers. It features basic amenities and offers direct access to the Desolation Wilderness trailhead.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bayview Campground offers activities primarily centered on hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The campground provides direct access to the Desolation Wilderness trailhead, and nearby hiking trails like the Cascade Falls Trail and Granite Lakes Trail are popular. Fishing opportunities are available at Lake Tahoe, approximately 8 miles away.
HikingThe campground provides direct access to Desolation Wilderness and nearby trails. The Cascade Falls Trail is a short 0.75-mile hike suitable for most skill levels, and the Granite Lakes Trail spans 1 mile and allows both foot and horse travel. These trails are heavily trafficked, especially on weekends.
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 is available in nearby Lake Tahoe, 8 miles from the campground. However, specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe area is part of Lake Tahoe's natural habitat, which includes diverse wildlife. Specific species are not detailed in the materials.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is common. "Lake Tahoe is Bear Country." Campers must practice safe food storage techniques and use bear-proof containers provided at campsites.
Active AlertsPortable propane stoves are allowed with a permit. Campfires are strictly prohibited.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food containers are available at each campsite.

Weather at Bayview Trailhead And Day-Use Area

Reviews

3.9
36 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bayview Trailhead And Day-Use Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bayview Campground are mixed. Many appreciate its proximity to hiking trails and Emerald Bay, while others criticize the lack of organization and water availability. The campground's first-come, first-served system and the behavior of staff have been frequent subjects of complaint.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to popular trails like Cascade Falls and Granite Lakes. Beautiful location near Emerald Bay. Spacious, shaded campsites with bear lockers and picnic tables. Some users found the bathrooms...
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Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground's organization is criticized, particularly regarding the first-come, first-served system. Poor communication and behavior from staff or hosts. Lack of running water and prohibition on...
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Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a spot, as spaces fill quickly, especially on weekends. Bring your own water supply and portable propane stove if cooking. Expect noise and activity during the day due to...
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Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest time, with heavy traffic from day hikers. Early morning and late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid crowds. Fall offers quieter camping experiences but comes with cooler...
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Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites have a lot of room between them and are nestled below a grove of beautiful trees, giving you enough shade during the day and a great place to put up your hammock." - Sandra Ko. "Camp...
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Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site reviews often highlight the proximity to trailheads and Emerald Bay as the campground's best features. Some users have reported disorganization in site allocation, leading to conflicts over...
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Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews provided, though vault toilets are described as wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. No specific reviews provided by pet owners.
Based on 36 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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