Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground features large, spacious sites with good coverage that welcome pets. Situated in Markleeville, the campground provides a variety of pet-friendly accommodations including tent and RV sites, with bear boxes available at each location. Pets must be kept on leash throughout the campground, and owners are expected to clean up after their animals. The campground maintains clean facilities with flush toilets and paid showers ($0.50 for 5 minutes). Crystal Springs Campground and Kit Carson Campground also accommodate pets in both tent and RV sites. Fallen Leaf Campground near South Lake Tahoe accepts pets and offers cabin and glamping options in addition to traditional sites. Most campers note the grounds are generally quiet except for occasional barking dogs and screaming children. Several sites near Markleeville, California are featured on The Dyrt.
Hiking trails accessible directly from the campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for exercising dogs, including a popular trail to a waterfall that varies in size depending on the season. A beautiful creek runs through Grover Hot Springs Park where families can take small children to catch crawdads, and dogs can cool off during summer months. Bear activity is common in the area, so rangers are vigilant about food storage rules—all food items must be secured in bear boxes, not left in vehicles. The small town of Markleeville lies approximately 4 miles from Grover Hot Springs and offers limited services including a few restaurants, a deli, and a general store where basic pet supplies might be found. Cell service is not available within the park or Markleeville, though wifi can be accessed in town.
$35 / night
"This is an awesome State Park located in Markleeville, CA. It's in close proximity to Lake Tahoe, CA, and offers many great day hikes for all ability levels in the area."
"The sites are large and spacious w/ good coverage, great camp hosts, incredible walks and trails and just the most gorgeous views."
"The area is nice, it is not near the lake but the lake is only a small drive away. The place is crowded and they pack you in here, but our site (113) was a nice place in the corner."
"We came into south lake to visit family. This campground is right in town but there’s enough space and trees to give it a natural setting."
$47 - $128 / night
"The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."
"From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."
$36 - $72 / night
"But beautiful setting all around. Can walk 5 minutes to Silver Lake, and to the private lodge /restaurant adjacent if you don’t feel like cooking."
"Stayed here a couple of times, and recommend staying away from the road as it is very busy and you can hear traffic noise at night."
"Besides the beautiful scenic lake spot that offers fun on the lake during the day and star gazing at night it’s a well ran campground with amentities."
"Excellent location, stunning scenery, limited cell service, sounds perfect because it is. Fishing, exploring and just relaxing."
$50 / night
"Good distance between campsites. The lake is a short walk away from parking."
"This campground has a tent only loop (walk up to sites) and double spots for trailers. The double spot was nice as we had 3 cars and a trailer. We had plenty of room for our group."
$30 / night
"Close to Markleeville and more fishing holes, with a pool and hot springs pool at the state campground in Markleeville. Quick drive to Gardnerville and Minden NV."
"Kit Carson is located about 20-miles from South Lake Tahoe. There 20 or so camping spots that are spread out among the trees."
"The campground was clean, nice friendly staff and a beautiful river close by. Only down fall was it was close the a main road so you could hear cars driving by."
"Positives: First come first serve spots available on the water and you can also reserve a spot ahead of time. About 17 campsites. Very RV friendly, there were more RV’s there than tents when we went."
"We arrived on a Friday afternoon with fingers crossed to get a walk-in campsite. We lucked out and got the last one! The camp host was wonderful!"
"Several others around, but it was quiet & safe. Pit toilets, and river water nearby."
"Be mindful that this some spots are right next to a busy Highway. Overall, would return again and arrive at an earlier time."
ScoutAll other CG were closed coming from Markleeville and I wanted to stop. A couple mile drive up a narrow gravel washboard road ticked in amongst aa mix of Aspen and Ponderosa (?) Pines. It was vacant but showed signs of heavy use.
TravelerThe area is nice, it is not near the lake but the lake is only a small drive away. The place is crowded and they pack you in here, but our site (113) was a nice place in the corner. There are much better sites with more room near the dog park if you are looking for more space.
TravelerGorgeous spot. Park undergoing renovations and roads a little tight but all in all a beautiful park. Great dog park
GuideWe came into south lake to visit family. This campground is right in town but there’s enough space and trees to give it a natural setting. Bathrooms are great and it’s pretty quiet considering it’s popular. Looks great for families and there’s a dog park, pool and trails.
TravelerThis was where we went for our first outing with the travel trailer. The staff was very helpful. The dog park is AMAZING HUGE AND FENCED.
ScoutI really liked this place. I stayed a month and wouldn't have minded staying longer.
The General Store had lots of supplies, and they gave RV customers a discount on "souvenirs".
I didn't use the showers or restrooms (although I did pay the $10, refundable, deposit for a key).
The staff was extremely nice.
There are plenty of trash cans around the park. They are emptied almost daily.
Pets are welcome. Dogs must be on leashes and picked up after. (There were lots of people there with dogs and/or cats.)
The spaces are roomy and each space has a picnic table. However, there was no grass, except near the hotel and near the horseshoe pits. (So, no grass at the sites.) Also, there wasn't much shade. ☹️ Sites are quite level, and are graveled. Hookups were very accessible.
The view of the lake was beautiful. However, I had to drive about 5 miles (to the County Park) in order to actually get to the water. ☹️. This would have been very inconvenient, if I hadn't had a toad.
All in all, I really enjoyed my stay at this park.
ScoutIt’s a nice park with a store and lots of things to do (pool, tennis court, etc) but we preferred a campground down the road for cheaper for the views of the lake. It’s dirt here so be prepared for everything to get dirty or muddy! We paid for the 5.2gb wifi since ours is having trouble connecting. I’d stay here again but wasn’t my favorite, I liked the general store a lot, cute gifts and things! They do have a really big dog park which we loved too, the dogs also seemed to love it!
GuideGreat location if you want to be near Costco and the capital city. Great views of the Sierras and the Carson valley. Sites are narrow, about twice the width of your RV, and separated by chain link fencing. But all sites are perfectly flat, paved pull-throughs; easy in, easy out parking. Also electric, water, sewer hookup, cable and strong wifi and cell service. Sites are gravel, but the campground has nice grassy dog parks, clean bathrooms and laundry, and well-stocked store with propane refill. Pool and fishing pond were closed but looked great. We were there in early April 2021; with our binoculars we could see skiers at the top of Heavenly Mountain ski area!
GuideWe had a great time at this winter paradise!! South Lake Tahoe had gotten 20 inches of snow in the 14 days prior to our arrival, then got four more inches while we were there. Practice your backing up, the plowed snow made some of the pull through sites back in only!! The huge, beautiful trees made for some additional obstacles. The best part of our stay was the assistance we received from TERRY in changing sites and getting set up. The campground is close enough to all the activities in South Lake Tahoe. The plowed snow and ice made walking through the campground very difficult, but there wasn’t anyplace else you could put it. The dog park was great!! When you’re traveling with a Great Dane and Australian Shepard, that’s a big deal!! We’ll stay here again...maybe in the summer!!
Camping near Markleeville, California offers mountain wilderness experiences at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 feet. The eastern Sierra region experiences significant temperature variations between day and night, often dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset even in summer months. Winter conditions can arrive unexpectedly, with occasional snowfall possible even in late spring and early fall.
Fishing accessible waters: At Kit Carson Campground, visitors can fish directly from the campground. "Right across the freeway from Hope Valley Cafe which is part of Wylder. Backs onto the East Carson and there are some very good small fishing holes nearby," notes Therese L.
Day hikes to mountain lakes: Several short trails lead to smaller alpine lakes with fewer crowds than Tahoe. "If you walk 1/2 mile east on 88 you'll reach a trailhead with a short scenic hike (0.5 mi round trip) and access to other longer trails," writes S K. about the hiking options near Kit Carson.
Swimming in crystal-clear water: Lower Blue Lake Campground offers pristine water for swimming. "The water was cold, but refreshing and very clear. There are granite islands to explore on the northern end that have great spots for jumping," shares Alice W.
Proximity to hot springs: Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground provides natural hot spring pools near the campsites. "It's a quick drive or a short walk to the hot spring. Bear lockers at each site, ranger told us there was a bear that frequents the camp grounds," explains Cassidy Y.
Well-spaced, private sites: Many campgrounds offer good site separation. "Sites have lots of space, table, fire ring and generally level drive pads. Water spigots are not too far," notes Marcus K. about Fallen Leaf Campground.
Natural water features: Streams and lakes enhance many camping locations. "A beautiful creek runs through Grover Hot Springs Park where families can take small children to catch crawdads," mentions the existing description, while at Silver Lake East, one reviewer adds: "across the highway at the Silver Lake East campground is an awesome hidden secret called 'Potholes.'"
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity is common throughout the region. "Bear activity is common in the area, so rangers are vigilant about food storage rules," mentions the existing description. Campgrounds provide bear-resistant storage: "The bear box was quite large. It had a shelf, so some taller coolers might not fit well," notes Alice W. about Lower Blue Lake.
Weather extremes: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. "Even in the summer it can snow...BE WEATHER AWARE," cautions Ryan W. about Fallen Leaf Campground.
Limited services: Crystal Springs Campground and surrounding areas have minimal amenities. "Vehicular noise from the highway very loud in the daytime. Sites are tight, small rigs recommended," warns Derek G.
Shallow water exploration: Creeks provide safe water play for children. "There is a cool lake right there on site just a short walk to it. They have bathrooms and showers. No cell service, but close to a main road where service can be found," describes Jesse H. about Fallen Leaf Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy observing the local wildlife safely. "Our spot was wooded and cute little ground squirrels darting about," shares Angela A. about Lower Blue Lake.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Markleeville: Most sites welcome pets with standard leash rules. Luther Pass Campground offers free camping with pet-friendly policies. "About 12 sites near the Big meadow trailhead. they fill fast! no water, but pit toilet, garbage, fire rings and tables," explains Jim N.
Size limitations: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Markleeville have tight access roads. "Holy Christ for the love of god take away the rv tag. There isn't a single spot for an rv, I tried it with my 19' single axle unit and nearly ripped the spare tire off the back the road was so steep," warns Matt about Luther Pass.
Generator restrictions: Noise regulations limit generator use. "Only complaint would be generators running most of the day from all the RV's. Other then that it's a great family friendly site," notes Timothy A. about Fallen Leaf Campground.
Hook-up availability: Few campgrounds offer full services. "For the amount of amenities, I would've thought they'd have night employees," mentions Cassidy R. about Tahoe Valley Campground, which offers more amenities than most Markleeville-area sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Markleeville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Markleeville, CA is Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Markleeville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 175 dog-friendly camping locations near Markleeville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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