Meeks Bay Resort sits on Lake Tahoe's western shore, combining sandy beach access with full camping infrastructure. The 77 campsites range from tent spots to full-hookup RV sites, all within walking distance of rentable kayaks and the Meeks Bay trailhead into Desolation Wilderness. No pets allowed anywhere on the property.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $10
- 📍GPS
- 39.03819, -120.12339
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-525-6946
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground spreads across both sides of Meeks Creek at 6,225 feet elevation. Fifty-four tent and small trailer sites occupy the area — 14 north of the creek, 40 to the south. Twenty-three RV sites with full hookups cluster on the creek's north side, several offering pull-through access for rigs up to 60 feet.
The resort operates as a full-service facility with the Wa She Shu Grill serving breakfast and lunch, plus a main lodge stocked with clothing, snacks, and sundries. Hot showers require token purchase. Multiple restrooms with flush toilets serve the campground.
What to Know
This is now an integrated part of Meeks Bay Resort, not a standalone Forest Service campground. Reservations require a 50% down payment that's non-refundable, with the balance due 30 days before arrival. Within 14 days of check-in, cancellations forfeit both the down payment and one night's rental fee, plus a $10 cancellation charge.
The Washoe Tribe maintains strong cultural ties to this area — their name for the bay is mayála wáťa — and tribe members work at the resort. Staff can provide insight into the area's indigenous heritage and ongoing conservation efforts, including work to restore Lahontan Cutthroat Trout populations.
Nearby
The sandy beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and scuba diving, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available on-site. Motorized boats aren't permitted in the bay itself, though the broader lake accommodates them.
The Meeks Bay Trail starts from the resort and climbs into Desolation Wilderness toward Phipps Pass. Tahoe Rim Trail access provides basin-wide hiking, while shoreline paths run north and south along the lake. Fishing targets kokanee salmon, mackinaw, rainbow, brown, and Lahontan cutthroat trout throughout the area.
Emerald Bay State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, and Tahoe City sit within easy driving distance.