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Day trips from South Lake Tahoe

18 nearby parks, towns and places to explore, ordered by straight-line distance.

Lake Tahoe State ParkState park

Lake Tahoe State Park

17 miles north · straight-line distance

State park on the east shore of Lake Tahoe in Washoe County and Carson City in Nevada, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

GranlibakkenSki area

Granlibakken

18 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (30 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Resort in California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Washoe Lake State ParkState park

Washoe Lake State Park

23 miles northeast · straight-line distance

State park in Nevada, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Ski area

Palisades Tahoe

23 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 4 hr 15 min by car (43 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski resort in Placer County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Donner Memorial State ParkState park

Donner Memorial State Park

30 miles northwest · straight-line distance

State park and memorial in California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Donner LakeLake

Donner Lake

31 miles northwest · straight-line distance

Freshwater lake in California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Nevada Museum of ArtThings to do

Nevada Museum of Art

41 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (60 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Art museum in Reno, Nevada.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

RenoTown

Reno

41 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (62 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in and county seat of Washoe County, Nevada, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Sparks

43 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (62 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Washoe County, Nevada, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

YeringtonTown

Yerington

44 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (74 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in and the county seat Lyon County, Nevada, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

PlacervilleTown

Placerville

47 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (59 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in and the county seat of El Dorado County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

California CavernsOutdoors

California Caverns

58 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 15 min by car (101 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Cave in United States of America.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

AuburnTown

Auburn

59 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 45 min by car (86 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City and the county seat of Placer County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Lake

Pyramid Lake

79 miles north · straight-line distance

Lake in Nevada, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Crocker Art MuseumThings to do

Crocker Art Museum

86 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr by car (104 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Art museum in Sacramento, California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

Sacramento Zoo

87 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr by car (103 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Zoo in the United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Devils Postpile National MonumentNational park site

Devils Postpile National Monument

103 miles southeast · straight-line distance

National monument in California, USA.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

John Muir National Historic SiteNational park site

John Muir National Historic Site

134 miles southwest · straight-line distance

Former home of John Muir in Martinez, California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Driving times are typical estimates from the city center without live traffic, Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Distances are straight-line measurements from the city, not driving distance. Saved road estimates have no consistently recorded source date and are not current traffic; estimates to park centers, water locations or inconsistent routes are omitted. Named-destination route links are not verified entrances. Place descriptions come from Wikidata; photo credits below include recorded capture dates when available. A photograph does not show current conditions.

Outdoor places near South Lake Tahoe

40 recreation areas and campgrounds within 70 miles, from Recreation.gov. Filter by what you want to do.

Recreation area

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

1 miles south · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

Follow the slideshow links for information on camping reservations, beaches and picnic areas, Desolation Wilderness permits, Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Tallac Historic Site, summer recreation and much more!

BikingBoatingCampingFire Lookouts/Cabins OvernightFishingHikingHorse CampingHorseback riding

Campground

Badgers Den at Camp Richardson Resort

3 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 10 min by car (5 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Badger’s Den Campground provides a Lake Tahoe and Camp Richardson Resort experience unlike any other.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Fs Owned

Campground

Eagles Nest at Camp Richardson Resort

3 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 10 min by car (5 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Eagles Nest Campground provides a Lake Tahoe and Camp Richardson Resort experience unlike any other.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Fs Owned

Campground

Nevada Beach Campground

3 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 10 min by car (5 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Nevada Beach Campground sits in the Lake Tahoe Basin of Nevada. Minutes from the bright blue water of Tahoe's eastern shores, campsites are nestled in a sparse forest of pine trees and evergreen shrubs.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingRanger programsWater sports

Campground

RV Village Campground at Camp Richardson Resort

3 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 10 min by car (5 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

The RV Village provides a Lake Tahoe and Camp Richardson Resort experience unlike any other.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Fs Owned

Campground

Fallen Leaf Campground

4 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 10 min by car (6 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

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.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryRanger programsSwimming

Campground

Hope Valley

4 miles southeast · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

Hope Valley Campground is located in its beautiful namesake valley at an elevation of 7,300 feet, just 40 minutes south of Lake Tahoe. Visitors enjoy fishing the West Fork Carson River and exploring local trails.

BikingCampingFishingHikingWildlife viewing

Campground

Zephyr Cove RV & Campground

5 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 10 min by car (7 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning destinations on the planet, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy RV cruising and camping.

BirdingBoatingCampingGolfHikingHorseback ridingJet SkiingKayaking

Campground

Meeks Bay Resort

10 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (19 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

NO PETS ARE ALLOWED ANYWHERE AT THE RESORT! Meeks Bay Resort has a long tradition as a family vacation and holiday retreat.

BackpackingBikingBirdingCampingCanoeingCultural ActivitiesFishingHiking

Campground

Kit Carson Campground

12 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (20 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

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.

BikingCampingFishingHiking

Campground

Lovers Leap Campground

13 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (20 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest. Lovers Leap Campground Fees

CampingClimbingHiking

Campground

Kaspian Campground

15 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (26 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Kaspian Campground is located in a mature forest of pine trees overlooking the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Campers will be nestled in a sparse forest of pine trees and evergreen shrubs, just minutes from the bright blue water of Tahoe.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingRanger programsSwimmingWater sports

Campground

Wrights Lake

15 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (33 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Wrights Lake Campground is situated in the timber belt, close to the lake shore, looking up at the majestic rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevadas and Desolation Wilderness. The area is well-known for its hiking, wildflowers and birding.

BirdingCampingFishingHikingNon-Motorized BoatingSwimming

Campground

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

15 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (32 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is available to visitors travelling with equestrian or packstock animals.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingWildlife viewing

Campground

Caples Lake Campground

17 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (31 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.

CampingFishingHiking

Campground

Indian Creek Campground (Ca)

17 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (32 road miles, checked October 2026)Bureau of Land Management

Due to the extensive damage sustained in the 2021 Tamarack Fire, Indian Creek Campground is CLOSED at this time and will remain closed until the area can be made safe for public access and facilities can be rebuilt. Updated Press Release .

AmphitheaterBikingBirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingFishingHiking

Recreation area

Indian Creek Recreation Area

17 miles southeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Situated in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Indian Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities highlighted by Indian Creek Reservoir, Indian Creek Campground and the East Fork of the Carson River.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHuntingPicnickingRanger programs

Campground

Kirkwood Campground

17 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (34 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.

CampingFishingPicnickingSwimming

Recreation area

Jumbo Grade Trailhead

27 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Jumbo Grade Trailhead is a day-use staging area for visitors setting out on the Jumbo Grade Trail. The wide, rugged 8-mile trail takes riders from the Washoe Lake area to the historic town of Virginia City, Nevada.

HikingHistoryHorseback ridingMountain BikingOff-highway vehicles

Recreation area

Martis Creek Lake

28 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Located close to Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Reno, Martis has a beautiful, peaceful campground off the beaten path. The Martis Creek area features hiking, biking, canoeing/kayaking and trout fishing.

HikingNature educationPicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Boca Reservoir

32 miles north · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Boca Dam and Reservoir are features of the Truckee Storage Project . The reservoir is on the Little Truckee River, 27 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada. Open year-round (frozen during winter).

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingPicnickingRecreational Vehicles

Recreation area

Sly Park Reservoir

36 miles southwest · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Recreation at Sly Park Reservoir is managed by the El Dorado Irrigation District under an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation's Central CA Area Office. The reservoir was created by Sly Park Dam across Sly Park Creek.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sports

Recreation area

Stampede Reservoir

37 miles north · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Completed in 1970, Stampede Dam and Reservoir are located on the Little Truckee River immediately below the mouth of Davies Creek and approximately 8 miles above the confluence of the Little Truckee and Truckee Rivers.

BoatingCampingFish HatcheryFishingHikingHuntingPicnickingWater sports

Recreation area

Faye-Luther Trail System

39 miles southeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

This trail system contains approximately 9 miles of loop and connector trails, with two trailheads at Fay-Luther and Jobs Peak.

BikingHiking

Recreation area

Wilson Canyon

41 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Point of Interest: “Wilson Canyon” is a popular outdoor attraction near the town of Yerington, Nevada. The wider area includes a variety of recreation sites along the canyon and the West Walker River.

Bird WatchingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingOff-highway vehiclesStargazingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

43 miles north · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

.

BikingCampingClimbingFishingHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingHunting

Recreation area

North Fork American River

46 miles west · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY .

BirdingFishingHikingKayakingPhotographyRecreational ShootingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Stanislaus National Forest

46 miles south · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BoatingCampingFishingHikingOff-highway vehiclesPicnickingRanger programsRecreational Vehicles

Recreation area

Sugar Pine Reservoir

46 miles west · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Recreation at Sugar Pine Reservoir is managed by Tahoe National Forest under an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. Sugar Pine Reservoir was created by Sugar Pine Dam across Shirttail Creek.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sports

Recreation area

Tahoe National Forest

47 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BikingBoatingFishingHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingHuntingOff-highway vehicles

Recreation area

Lahontan Reservoir

51 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Lahontan Dam and Reservoir,on the Carson River store the natural flow of the Carson River along with water diverted from the Truckee River. The dam is a feature of the Newlands Project . There is a powerplant immediately below the dam.

BoatingCampingFishingHuntingPicnickingWater sports

Recreation area

American River North Middle South Forks

55 miles west · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The BLM, Mother Lode Field Office administers river recreation on the North and South Forks of the American River. VISIT North Fork American River VISIT South Fork American River Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

FishingHikingPaddlingPhotographyPicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

South Yuba Recreation Area

60 miles northwest · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview The South Yuba Recreation Area and National Trail is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Nevada City, California.

Accessible SwimmingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHorseback ridingMountain BikingPhotography

Recreation area

Moon Rocks OHV Area

64 miles north · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Moon Rocks OHV Area is on the west side of Winnemucca Ranch Road. The recreation area features open OHV riding and multiple camping and staging areas.

CampingHikingOff-highway vehicles

Recreation area

Folsom Dam

65 miles west · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Settlement of the basin began about 1844. In 1848, discovery of gold near the present site of Coloma precipitated a great influx of gold seekers from all parts of the country.

HikingPicnicking

Recreation area

Folsom Lake

66 miles west · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Recreation at Folsom Reservoir is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHorseback ridingNature education

Recreation area

New Melones Lake

69 miles southwest · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

New Melones Dam and Reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - New Melones Unit operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Located 60 miles upstream on the Stanislaus River from the confluence of the San Joaquin River.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHuntingPicnickingRanger programs

Recreation area

Folsom S. Canal Rec. Trail

70 miles west · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

The 69 mile long Folsom South Canal originates at Nimbus Dam on the American River in Sacramento County and extends southward, paralleling and to the east of State Highway 99 through San Joaquin County.

BikingHikingHorseback riding

Recreation area

Nimbus Fish Hatchery

70 miles west · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Nimbus Dam , on the American River 7 miles below Folsom Dam formed Lake Natoma to reregulate the releases for power made through Folsom Powerplant.

CampingRanger programsWildlife viewing

Recreation areas and campgrounds from Recreation.gov's directory, checked October 9, 2026. Listings are not live availability: check Recreation.gov or the managing agency for open dates, fees, reservations and conditions. Directions go to the listed coordinates, which may not be the entrance. Campground driving times: Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Questions

What day-trip ideas are near South Lake Tahoe?

This guide includes Lake Tahoe State Park, Granlibakken, Washoe Lake State Park, Palisades Tahoe, Donner Memorial State Park. Places are ordered by straight-line distance. Confirm visitor access, opening hours and current travel conditions before choosing a trip.

How far is Lake Tahoe State Park from South Lake Tahoe?

Approximately 17 miles north in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Granlibakken from South Lake Tahoe?

Approximately 18 miles northwest in a straight line; driving takes about 40 min over 30 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Washoe Lake State Park from South Lake Tahoe?

Approximately 23 miles northeast in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

Where can I camp near South Lake Tahoe?

Recreation.gov lists 16 campgrounds within 17 miles, including Badgers Den at Camp Richardson Resort (3 miles west), Eagles Nest at Camp Richardson Resort (3 miles west), Nevada Beach Campground (3 miles northeast). Check Recreation.gov for current availability, seasons and reservations.

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