Kit Carson Campground
KIT CARSON CAMPGROUND
Part of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
Overview
Nestled in a forest of Jeffrey pines and aspens, Kit Carson campground is perfect for tent camping and smaller RVs. The west fork of the Carson River is located next to the campground, with several sites right next to the water. Great fishing and views! Kit Carson is exceptionally beautiful in the fall.Facilities
This campground has drinking water, garbage containers, and vault toilets. Each campsite has a bear box, fire pit and picnic table. There is a camp host on site and firewood is available for sale.Natural Features
Kit Carson is situated on the west fork of the Carson River in Woodfords Canyon along Highway 88. In addition to the beauty of the river, the campsites are surrounded by quaking aspens and rugged canyon walls.Recreation
Visitors can explore scenic driving and photography along the Carson Pass Scenic Byway. Enjoy the splendor of fall with colorful foliage displays or fishing and boating in one of the several nearby lakes. Hikers are surrounded by trailheads within a short drive – Mokelumne Wilderness, and the Pacific Crest Trail, among many others. Whether it is rock climbing or exploring the canyon, outdoor enthusiasts will relish the options in this area.Nearby Attractions
There are a number of nearby attractions that have something for everyone. Sorensen’s Resort has limited groceries and a restaurant. Lake Tahoe is within 20 miles; a trailhead for the Tahoe Rim Trail is within 5 miles; Grover Hot Springs State Park in Markleeville offers public soaking in natural spring-fed pools; numerous local restaurants and, for those who like night life, nearby casinos and theaters in Minden and Carson City, Nevada.Important Notices
- Caution: this bear country. Be prepared to keep your camp clean and food stored in appropriate storage containers.
- This campground has small parking spurs. Please verify your vehicle size before making your reservation.
- A per day, per site, daily fee will be collected for extra vehicles on-site.
- Opening and closing dates are subject to change due to existing weather conditions.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Pass Discounts: If you use a pass discount you must provide your pass and photo identification upon check in or upon Camp Host request. If you received a pass discount for which you weren't eligible you must pay the difference in price upon arrival.
Reserved Sites will be held until checkout (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of the second day to hold a reservation, or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Please call the office at 760-932-7092 if you need to inform the campground of an arrival time greater than 24 hours after your arrival date, or if you will not use your reservation whatsoever.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither Recreation.gov Contact center nor the Camp Host or Campground Manager will be able to modify your reservation. If you no longer want the site you reserved you will need to cancel that reservation and pay for the site you prefer. There is no exchanging of sites.
6-person limit - There is a max of 6 people per Single Campsite. If you exceed this number, please purchase two sites and spread your group and equipment out evenly between campsites. This is to protect the natural resources and minimize noise levels. Double sites have a 12-person max; Triple sites have an 18-person max.
Fire Restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions (or red flag warnings), at which pint campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Please check with the camp host before starting a campfire.
Fire Rings: Do not build additional fire rings. Glass, aluminum and food are prohibited in fire rings. Logs must fit within the fire ring. Chainsaws are not allowed. Fires must be extinguished with water and be cool to the touch before leaving campsite or going to bed.
Generators may be used from 6am- 10pm; Quiet hours in the campground are 10pm- 6am.
Falling objects: Don't linger under dead, cracked, or broken branches. Run if you hear cracks or snapping from tree roots, trunks or branches (know that sometimes there is no sound and very little time to react). Report falling branches and trees to the Ranger.
Pets must be on a leash and under their owners' control while in the campground. Owners are responsible for any damage the pet causes. Aggressive pets may be asked to leave the campground for campers' safety and enjoyment. Please pick up and dispose of pet waste in dumpsters.
The campground has reservation and first come first serve campsites. When a campsite has not been reserved it will be available for first come first serve campers.
Extra vehicle fee: Camping fee includes one RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is NOT included with the camping fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground. The extra vehicle must fit on the parking spur at the site.
Available Activities
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- BIKING - Biking
Directions
From South Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 89 over Luther Pass to the 88/89 interchange. Turn left on 88; go approximately 1 mile to campground entrance on your left. From Gardnerville, Carson City or Minden, Nevada, take Hwy 395 to Hwy 88. Head south on Hwy 88 for approximately 19 miles to the campground entrance in Woodfords Canyon on north side.
Contact Information
Phone: 530-694-1002
P.O. Box 104Markleeville, CA 96120
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 07, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 02, Loop Lower Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 04, Loop Lower Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop Lower Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop Lower Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop Upper Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
