
79
Total Campsites
Campground
79
Reservable Sites
Check by phone
4
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND
Overview William Kent Campground is conveniently located on Lake Tahoe's west shore, a few miles south of Tahoe City. It straddles the highway and features not only a large area in which to camp, but also a day-use area that is popular among visitors. Recreation Just minutes away from the campground, 22-mile-long Lake Tahoe provides sunbathing, swimming, boating and water skiing. Anglers can look forward to healthy fish populations of kokanee salmon and mackinaw, rainbow and brown trout. The campground is also ideal for people planning a full day of bike riding around Lake Tahoe. Bike trails that traverse the western shores of Lake Tahoe begin near the campground. Facilities Just minutes away from the campground, 22-mile-long Lake Tahoe provides sunbathing, swimming, boating and water skiing. Anglers can look forward to healthy fish populations of kokanee salmon and mackinaw, rainbow and brown trout. The campground is also ideal for people planning a full day of bike riding around Lake Tahoe. Bike trails that traverse the western shores of Lake Tahoe begin near the campground. Natural Features William Kent Campground is situated in a residential area, alongside a busy highway. The campground has more than 80 sites, each surrounded by tall pine, cedar and fir trees. Many of the sites are secluded with evergreen shrubs and the terrain, with its shallow gullies and low ridges, helps to keep each site separate from neighboring sites. Nearby Attractions A day-use area is located across the street from the campground for lake access and other water activities. Tahoe City is less than 5 miles away. contact_info This location has limited staffing. Please call (530) 541-1537 for general information. 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
- 79 total campsites listed.
- 4 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (76).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND special
William Kent Campground occupies one of the most coveted stretches of Lake Tahoe's western shore, nestled among towering Jeffrey pine and white fir just a few miles south of Tahoe City. The lake's legendary blue water is close enough that many campers walk to the shoreline within minutes, making this an ideal basecamp for swimmers, paddleboarders, and anyone who simply wants to sit and absorb one of the most beautiful alpine lakes on the continent. The campground sits within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and offers dozens of well-maintained sites suitable for tents and moderately sized RVs. A paved bike path runs nearby, connecting campers to Tahoe City's restaurants, shops, and the Truckee River outlet -- a lazy float that has become a summer tradition for visitors of all ages. Hiking options abound, with trails leading into the Granite Chief Wilderness and up to panoramic ridgeline viewpoints. Summer is prime time, and reservations fill months in advance, so booking early is essential. The campground generally operates from late May through mid-October. Shoulder-season visits in June or September offer cooler weather, thinner crowds, and equally stunning scenery. Nights can be chilly even in July at this elevation, so pack layers. Bear-proof food storage is required and strictly enforced -- this is active black bear country, and keeping a clean camp is both a rule and a courtesy.
Campsite Inventory
79 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
76
Reservable
1
Accessible
CABIN NONELECTRIC
3
Reservable
3
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
0:00 AM, 12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
20, 21, 22, 23
Driveway surface
Paved
Fire Pit
Yes
Food Locker
Yes
GRILLS
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
6
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
530-583-3642
vista@vista-rec.com
Getting There
William Kent Campground is 2 miles south of Tahoe City on California Highway 89.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND?
WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (76), CABIN NONELECTRIC (3).
Where is WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND located?
WILLIAM KENT CAMPGROUND is in California near SOUTH LAKE TAHOE. Coordinates: 39.1396, -120.1554.
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