Facility Details - FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND, CA

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 6 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.

Natural Features:

The camp sites 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.

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:

Each yurt provides a cabin-like space for a family of five or six people. The yurts sit on a wooden platform and have electricity. Interior furnishings include a futon and bunk beds with mattresses, an electric light and a space heater. Cooking supplies and bedding are not provided.

The tent and RV sites have paved parking aprons. Each yurt and standard site has a bear-proof food storage locker, campfire ring, pedestal grill and picnic table.

Coin-operated shower facilities, water spigots and accessible restrooms with flush toilets are scattered throughout the campground. A camp host is on-site, and firewood and supplies can be purchased from the camp store. A public phone is also available.

Nearby Attractions:

A century ago, what is now the Tallac Historic Site held the "Grandest Resort in the World" and the summer retreats for 3 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.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Accessible Flush Toilets Biking Birding Bunkbed(s) Campfire Rings Coin Showers Drinking Water Educational Programs Firewood Vendor Flush Toilets Food Storage Locker Futon(s) General Store Grills Heater Hiking	Historic Sites Host Lights Mattress(es) Parking Area Paved Parking Spurs Pay Phone Pets Allowed Picnic Area Ranger Station Showers Trash Collection Visitor Center Water Wildlife Viewing
Less Than 1 Mile
Boating Fishing Lake Access Non-Motorized Boating	Swimming Tubing Water Skiing
Greater Than 1 Mile
Beach Boat Ramp	Boat Rentals

Know Before You Go

All campers must register at the campground entrance kiosk
No cooking is permitted inside yurts
Pets are allowed at all tent and RV sites (a maximum of two pets per site); pets not permitted at yurts
Smoking in yurts is prohibited
The campground is available by reservation only; first-come, first-served sites are not available
Pets are not allowed on the beaches
Click here or here for more information about Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Transport or introduction of aquatic invasive species is illegal. Please keep boats clean, drained and dry, and dispose of any debris away from all water sources. Click here for more information.

This facility is operated by Tahoe Recreation, a division of California Land Management, and your comments are appreciated; comment forms are available from campground hosts or on CLM's

website.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
38.92639, -120.05
38°55'35"N, 120°3'0"W

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 left.