
FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND
196
Total Campsites
Campground
193
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
6
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND
Overview Fallen Leaf Campground is situated on the north shore of Fallen Leaf Lake and adjacent to Taylor Creek. The south shore of Lake Tahoe is less than a mile away. The campground features 206 sites that include six yurts and standard tent and RV sites. The campground is typically open from mid-May through mid-October. Fallen Leaf Lake is less crowded and not as well-known as Lake Tahoe, making this a great base camp for exploring the many sights and recreational activities in the area. It's a popular campground and tends to fill quickly. Recreation Both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe offer opportunities for non-motorized and motorized boating, tubing, waterskiing and windsurfing. Fishing is available at both lakes, but anglers generally have better luck at Lake Tahoe. Guests can swim in Fallen Leaf Lake, even though there are no designated swimming areas. The south shore of Lake Tahoe offers the Pope and Baldwin swim beaches. Hikers can access the 1-mile Moraine Trail from the campground. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is directly across Highway 89 and has interpretive programs, guided walks on the Rainbow Trail and to the Stream Profile Chamber. The Glen Alpine and Mt. Tallac trailheads are nearby for excellent day hiking and backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness. The Pope-Baldwin bike path parallels Highway 89. Facilities Both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe offer opportunities for non-motorized and motorized boating, tubing, waterskiing and windsurfing. Fishing is available at both lakes, but anglers generally have better luck at Lake Tahoe. Guests can swim in Fallen Leaf Lake, even though there are no designated swimming areas. The south shore of Lake Tahoe offers the Pope and Baldwin swim beaches. Hikers can access the 1-mile Moraine Trail from the campground. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is directly across Highway 89 and has interpretive programs, guided walks on the Rainbow Trail and to the Stream Profile Chamber. The Glen Alpine and Mt. Tallac trailheads are nearby for excellent day hiking and backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness. The Pope-Baldwin bike path parallels Highway 89. Natural Features The campsites do not offer views of either the lake or Taylor Creek, but they are nestled among towering native pine, cedar, fir and aspen. Some are adjacent to wildflower meadows. Guests only need to walk a short distance to Fallen Leaf Lake, where the forested shoreline and surrounding mountains are reflected in its crystal-clear waters. Prominent peaks include Cathedral Peak (8,200 feet) and Mount Tallac (9,735 feet). The surrounding woods provide habitat for squirrels, racoons, chipmunks and a variety of birds. The campground has some resident black bears that are often seen by guests; please be safe around bears. contact_info This location has limited staffing. Please call (530) 541-1537 for general information. Nearby Attractions A century ago, what is now the Tallac Historic Site held the ''Grandest Resort in the World'' and the summer retreats for three of San Francisco Bay Area's socially elite families. Today, the remains of the resort and the restored estates attract thousands of visitors annually to recapture this bygone and significant era in Tahoe's history. Charges & Cancellations Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July
- 196 total campsites listed.
- 193 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 6 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (187).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND special
Fallen Leaf Campground is one of the Lake Tahoe region's most coveted camping destinations, and for good reason. Tucked along the northern shore of pristine Fallen Leaf Lake and adjacent to Taylor Creek, this 196-site campground places you in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty — crystal-clear alpine water framed by granite peaks and dense forests of Jeffrey pine and white fir. The south shore of Lake Tahoe itself lies less than a mile away, yet Fallen Leaf feels like its own secluded world. The lake is spectacular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, with water clarity that rivals Tahoe's own legendary transparency. Anglers will find excellent trout fishing, while hikers can pick up trails leading to Angora Lakes, Glen Alpine Falls, and eventually into the Desolation Wilderness, one of the most popular backcountry areas in the Sierra. Taylor Creek is also home to a fall kokanee salmon run that draws wildlife watchers each October. With 196 sites spread through a mature forest, the campground offers solid privacy and generous shade. The season typically runs from late June through October, and summer weekends book up months in advance. Your best strategy is to reserve the moment sites become available on Recreation.gov. Shoulder-season visits in September and early October reward with golden aspens, thinner crowds, and cool mountain mornings.
Campsite Inventory
196 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
187
Reservable
0
Accessible
CABIN ELECTRIC
6
Reservable
6
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
BBQ
Yes
Bed Type
Single
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Quad, Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Severe, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
100, 103, 105, 107
Driveway surface
Paved
Electric Heating
Yes
Electricity Hookup
N/A
Fire Pit
Yes
Food Locker
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
530-544-0426
vista@vista-rec.com
Getting There
From South Lake Tahoe, take Highway 89 North from the junction of State Highway 50 and 89. In 3 miles, turn left on Fallen Leaf Road. The campground is about half a mile on the right.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND?
FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (187), CABIN ELECTRIC (6), MANAGEMENT (3).
Where is FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND located?
FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND is in California near South Lake Tahoe. Coordinates: 38.9264, -120.0470.
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