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Kirkwood Campground
Public Campground

Kirkwood Campground

South Lake Tahoe, California
4.7 (64 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Kirkwood Campground

Campground in California.

Kirkwood Campground offers a serene mountain escape in California's high country, providing the perfect base for those seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty. Situated in the Sierra Nevada region, this public campground welcomes RV travelers and tent campers alike to experience the rugged charm of California's wilderness while enjoying convenient amenities and accessible facilities.

The surrounding landscape is nothing short of spectacular. Towering pine forests provide a canopy of shade, while the crisp mountain air and peaceful sounds of nature create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from city life. The elevation and location make this an ideal destination during summer months when lower elevations become unbearably hot. Early mornings here come alive with wildlife activity, and the nights offer stunning star-filled skies that remind visitors why people fall in love with mountain camping.

This region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The proximity to excellent hiking trails means you can explore alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and scenic ridgelines right from your campsite. Fishing opportunities abound for those interested in casting a line in mountain streams and lakes. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland, making it attractive for those with winter RV capabilities. The campground serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the greater Sierra Nevada ecosystem, with numerous day trip possibilities within reasonable driving distance.

The campground itself maintains a balance between providing necessary infrastructure and preserving the natural environment. This public facility caters to RV travelers looking for a more authentic camping experience without excessive commercialization. The community atmosphere here is welcoming, with fellow travelers sharing recommendations and stories around the campfire. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or an extended mountain retreat, Kirkwood Campground delivers the kind of peaceful, rejuvenating experience that makes RV camping so rewarding.

Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate nature and outdoor recreation, this campground represents an exceptional value for California mountain camping.
4.7

Rating

64

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

South Lake Tahoe is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

California weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for South Lake Tahoe.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near South Lake Tahoe. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Kirkwood Campground Reviews

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Vanessa Rayne

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Vanessa Rayne

Beautiful lake with nice beaches, clean bathrooms, lots of parking, and many trails to explore.

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Paul-Elie Nauleau

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Paul-Elie Nauleau

Awesome little campground with 25 spots. We showed up on a Saturday evening and there were like 2 spots, and I don’t believe you can reserve in advance (just first come first serve)

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petronilo merjil

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by petronilo merjil

Camp host was awesome! Recommend going, clean and the hike is amazing

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Ashes

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Ashes

Serious roughing it if you like that kind of camping. The day use and trails are great.

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Andrea Gautschi

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Andrea Gautschi

Beautiful campground near Carson Pass and Caples Lake. This campground sits right near Woods Lake and has easy access to trails that lead up to Round and Winnemucca Lakes. Some of the campsites are separated by woods whereas others are right next to each other. The campsites have a nice picnic table and bear box. There are pit toilets along the road through the campground. However the parking are... Beautiful campground near Carson Pass and Caples Lake. This campground sits right near Woods Lake and has easy access to trails that lead up to Round and Winnemucca Lakes. Some of the campsites are separated by woods whereas others are right next to each other. The campsites have a nice picnic table and bear box. There are pit toilets along the road through the campground. However the parking area for many of the sites is very small! You cannot bring most RVs here. We managed with a 23 foot RV but that was about the largest vehicle that you could bring into the this campground. The road in and campground are both paved so will be accessible to almost any vehicle that isn’t too long. (There are some tight spots on the road in). There was also no water at the campground despite the spigots set up at regular intervals throughout. Apparently, the management has not repaired the water system or perhaps it is not maintained. That is the reason for less than 5 stars because you pay the same $25 per night fee yet you have to bring in your own water as their water system does not work. The campground is dog-friendly in the sense that people brought their dogs. I didn’t observe any real “play area” for dogs to romp. I’d recommend this campground for it’s proximity to the trails and fishing at Woods Lake (the lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout).

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