Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
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Nestled in the middle of the Toiyabe National Forest, Kit Carson Campground is one of the most beautiful and secluded campgrounds in the Tahoe Area. The grounds are within striking distance of climbable peaks such as Red Lake Peak and Carson Peak, as well as the Tahoe Rim Trail and Carson Pass, which holds many beautiful and challenging hikes of varying distances. 

The campground is surrounded by Jeffrey pines and aspens. Each site has a huge amount of space and is circled by heavy tree cover. You will feel quite secluded in almost every location. There are only three tent sites, but the RV sites have ample room. The nicest sites are next to the cliffs. They are farthest from the road and have the largest spaces. There are also two campsites that border the Carson River. A walk of only 100 feet will bring you to accessible fishing.

There are only 12 sites in total, so reserve early to guarantee a spot at Kit Carson Campground. Also, be sure to store all food in the provided bear-proof containers.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Huge sites. Great seclusion. Inexpensive. Close to the river.

Cons

Small campground. Closed in fall and winter.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Westrek Services

Reservation phone number

1 (530) 694-1002

Features

ADA accessible
Flushing toilets
Vault toilet
Potable water
Picnic tables

Recommended Campsites Without Photos

5, 12

Location

Nearby Adventures

Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California
Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California
Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California
Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California

Comments

Reservations are now handled by Recreation.gov for this campground at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234739
08/12/2017
I'd add another con to the list above: It's very close to the highway. We heard traffic noise all day and into the late evening. Only in the middle of the night was it quiet enough to hear the river.

Also, and maybe this was just during our visit, but the smell from the pit toilets was obvious in our campsite (#9). Like it needed to be pumped. The toilet rooms themselves were very clean.
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