If you’re craving a peaceful, forested escape near the iconic blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Campground offers the seclusion, space, and scenery RVers and tent campers dream about. Nestled among towering pines just outside South Lake Tahoe, this U.S. Forest Service campground manages to feel remote while being close to top-notch recreation. In this post, we’ll walk you through the campground, our summer Workamping experience, and why this spot should be on your camping radar.
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Location & Setting
Fallen Leaf Campground is tucked away just 3 miles off Highway 89, on the north shore of quiet, crystalline Fallen Leaf Lake—a hidden gem just south of the much more popular Lake Tahoe. The campground sits about half a mile down Fallen Leaf Road and is surrounded by pine, cedar, fir, and aspen trees. While campsites don’t offer direct lake views, many back to meadows or forest, and it’s just a short walk to the lake itself.
- Address: Fallen Leaf Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- GPS Coordinates: 38.92560735 -120.0509111
- Nearby Attractions: Lake Tahoe (1 mile), Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Mt. Tallac Trailhead, Glen Alpine Trailhead
Campsites & Amenities
There are 206 sites, including tent-only sites, RV sites (no hookups), and 6 yurts. Sites are generally spacious and more spread out than your average campground, especially along the outer loops.
- RV & Tent Sites: Paved parking aprons, picnic tables, pedestal grills, fire rings, bear-proof food lockers
- Yurts: Basic furnishings, bear lockers
- Hookups: None, except for camp host and CLM employee sites
- Bathhouses: Coin-operated showers, flush toilets (two new restrooms added in 2020)
- Water: Scattered spigots throughout the campground
- Camp Store: Closed during 2020; check current status before visiting
- Firewood & Supplies: Available from camp hosts
Important: This is bear country—use the provided lockers and follow food storage regulations.

Prices & Reservations (As of 2025)
- Standard Site: $40/night (was $36 in 2020)
- Yurt Site: $95/night (was $87 in 2020)
- Reservations: Recreation.gov (limit 14 nights per year)
Pro Tip: Sites fill quickly during peak season (mid-May to mid-October), especially on weekends. Book as early as possible.

Our Workamping Experience
After our 2020 Alaska trip was canceled due to COVID-19, Lisa and I decided to take a summer Workamping job with California Land Management (CLM), which operates Fallen Leaf and other nearby campgrounds. We were stationed at Pope and Baldwin Beaches, where we sold day passes from kiosks.
Our compensation? Free full-hookup site (#69—our biggest to date), hourly pay, and the chance to spend 99 nights in one of the most beautiful corners of California.

The campground was peaceful, quiet, and felt wonderfully removed from the buzz of South Lake Tahoe. Wildlife was plentiful—we saw coyotes, countless chipmunks, and even had a few bears wander through our site.



Hiking, Recreation & Things to Do
You’re surrounded by adventure here:
- Fallen Leaf Lake: Swimming, kayaking, SUP, fishing (though I got skunked fly fishing!)
- Lake Tahoe Beaches: Pope and Baldwin offer great sandy spots
- Hiking:
- Moraine Trail (1-mile loop): Starts in campground
- Mt. Tallac Trailhead: For serious elevation gain and epic views
- Glen Alpine Trailhead: Access to Desolation Wilderness
- Biking: The Pope-Baldwin bike path runs along Hwy 89
- Taylor Creek Visitor Center: Great interpretive trails (check for seasonal closures)

Photography Tip: Fallen Leaf Lake at sunrise is a stunner—glass-like water, colorful sky, and alpine reflections.


Dog-Friendly?
Yes! Dogs are welcome on leash and allowed in the water. There’s no official dog park, but plenty of space to roam. Sierra and Ruby loved it.





Internet, Mail & Connectivity
- Cell Signal (T-Mobile): Spotty, occasional 1 bar
- Verizon MiFi: 1–2 bars; basic browsing early morning/late night only
- Streaming: Not reliable
- Mail: General delivery available at South Lake Tahoe Post Office
- Packages: The Mail Bag and More in town was a lifesaver
If you rely heavily on connectivity, plan accordingly. We made it work with a bit of patience and timing.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Spacious, shady sites with a remote feel | No hookups for regular campers |
Walking distance to beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake | Poor cell/internet service |
Wildlife everywhere (bears, coyotes, chipmunks) | High demand during peak season |
Clean facilities and friendly staff |
Things to See and Do
Final Thoughts
If you want to enjoy the South Lake Tahoe area without feeling like you’re in a tourist circus, Fallen Leaf Campground delivers. Whether you’re boondocking in a tent or backing in your big rig, you’ll find the space, serenity, and scenery to disconnect and breathe.
Would we go back? In a heartbeat. Especially with a Workamping gig like this one.
Have you stayed at Fallen Leaf Campground? Leave us a comment—we’d love to hear your experience!
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