Meeks Bay Campground

My wife and myself have stayed at this campground, twice now. The first time was in September of 2016, right before we got married in Tahoma, and the second was this past July 4th weeken. The campsites were spacious for us both times, but some are better than others with tree coverage. Let’s put it this way, our neighbors were able to string up 6 hammocks in their small camping space.

The first time in September was great since it was on the colder side, there wasn’t really anyone around so we had the area around our campsite empty. The bay it’s in helps with some of the wind and your not too close to the lake.

The second time was in a more busy time of year, the 4th if July week. All camp sites were booked in advanced which isn’t surprising since it’s very busy during the summer months. The people next to us were able to come up on the day and get a campsite, people sometimes don’t show. In fact they were able to have one for 3 nights in a row.

Check-in is easy and the nap they give you is very accurate. You can buy wood for a fire from them at the gate or at night someone will come around on an ATV to offer some (only cash $8 a bundle I believe).

We took our dog the second time and it was very easy to set up an area for her with the trees and such. Dogs can’t go on the beach access part but can where the rocks start to the right of the beach.

You can easily set up your tent or small rv in the spaces. The toilets are clean but no showers available. The location is about a 30 min drive from South Lake Tahoe and about 50 mins from North Lake Tahoe. It is only less than 10 mins from Tahoma.

The road was a little noisy at certain times but for the most part it was pretty quiet, especially if you camp closer to the beach access. During the day they do let people who pay come and park at the beach to use it, but they must leave at a certain time. There is a small market close by to buy items you wish, but it advised to buy in South Lake Tahoe.

Cell phone coverage is almost none except close to the beach, where sometimes you can get service. To get the days you want you need to make reservations many months in advance or chance it by showing up and hoping someone canceled their reservation.

Sitting right on the edge of Lake Tahoe, this campsite is a gem. Amenities are really clean, flush toilets but no showers.
Wood delivered for $8 but was a bit damp.
Tented so didn't need much space but there were plenty of RVs in more open sites.
Right on the edge of the road but the road noise quietened down and wasn't a problem.

Meeks Bay is small, private and feels like a perfect slice of Tahoe.

We scored site #30, which we were barely able to fit our 27’ class A rig into, but it worked. These sites in the loop closest to the water are really meant for car camping. There are other loops too but I wouldn’t recommend any larger rigs as the camp roads are very narrow/windy.

Close to the water (5 min walk to private beach) where there are BBQs, picnic tables, clean bathrooms, and many water spigots.

The sites are very close together with bear vaults, fire pits and picnic tables. Not a ton of privacy between sites but the campground itself feels tucked away in the woods. Little highway noise but not really that noticeable compared to the amazing lake.

Super close by to cute town of Tahoma, Sugar Pine State Park and loads of great hiking along the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

When we reached our campground we had to squeeze our van into two other sites that both had two cars, I could actually stick my hand out of my window and touch the car in the campsite next to mine. Both neighbors had dogs and as a dog lover I was trying to be sympathetic but they barked a lot. The staff is very nice and they know that the sites are too close together. You do have access to the beach. If you camp here, study the map and get a site on the end, anything in the middle has the possibility of being very crowded

In general, positive experience and just wanted to add the following. This campground has relatively small sites. Some of the sites share paved pad for parking your car/van/rv. Most of the sites have no privacy (bushes/shrubs). Regular night (starting10pm) visits by a bear, and bear proof boxes are provided. Can be busy at times, but that is to be expected. The best site is #24 )