Tahoe Valley Campground's large dog park creates an inviting experience for campers traveling with pets. The campground provides dedicated pet areas with numerous trash cans for waste disposal and accessible water spouts. Pets must remain on leashes throughout the campground, except within designated off-leash areas. Both Tahoe Valley and Silver City RV Resort accept pets with clean, fenced dog parks where animals can exercise freely. Nevada Beach Campground features a special section of shoreline designated as Dog Beach, where pets can play unleashed along Lake Tahoe. Campgrounds near Gardnerville typically limit pets to two per site, though some like Topaz Lake RV Park allow more with prior approval. Pet fees vary by location, with most charging $1-10 per pet per stay. The sites are generally dirt or gravel, making cleanup manageable but potentially muddy during wet conditions.
Zephyr Cove Resort maintains pet-friendly sites near the lake with convenient access to walking paths and beach areas. Bear safety precautions apply to all campgrounds in the region, requiring proper food storage to prevent wildlife encounters that could endanger pets. Multiple hiking trails throughout the Carson Valley welcome leashed dogs, with the Rubicon Trail offering scenic lake views, though pets are prohibited on Emerald Bay State Park beaches. Campground hosts at Kit Carson Campground provide guidance on local pet-friendly hiking routes along the Carson River. Many campgrounds feature full hookup RV sites with artificial turf areas that accommodate pets, though some campers note concerns about proximity to sewer connections. Summer temperatures can exceed 90°F, requiring ample shade and water for pets. Veterinary services are available in Carson City and South Lake Tahoe, approximately 30 minutes from most campgrounds in the region.
"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."
$29 - $407 / night
"We've always like zephyr cove as it's a bit away from the south shore hectic crowds. Zephyr cove rv park has a ton of rvs, but rent camping as well."
"No one was there in January so we were able to take the dogs for a decent hike into the back sites. If you are planning to walk in to a site with a tent the actual site location matters."
$41 - $45 / night
"Campground is right on the main drag through town and just across the street and a short walk to the lake, although the lake does not permit dogs in this area."
"This large campground (which is run by the city) is right in the middle of South Lake Tahoe and across the highway from The Lake."
$47 - $49 / night
"Campground right on Nevada Beach shore of Lake Tahoe. Very quiet where we were with little to no traffic noise. We were right near Dog Beach where your pooch can play on the beach unleashed."
"It's right on the California-nevada state line near Lake Tahoe. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in the US. A lot of the campsites have a view of the lake."
$35 / night
"Camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips and directions to a general store about 40min drive away."
"We had both our dogs and never had to keep them on leash as the site site is pretty back from the road. We will come again but possibly stay in yurt."
"Great location if you want to be near Costco and the capital city. Great views of the Sierras and the Carson valley. "
"This RV resort is situated in the middle of everything! Close to Lake Tahoe, Reno, Virginia City and more!"
$25 - $45 / night
"4d-120.0849062) while exploring the Emerald Bay section of Lake Tahoe."
"Our site was #56 which had a partial view of the lake through the trees in the distance. It was also located directly across from the bathrooms and campground host who’s name was David."
$35 - $165 / night
"Upper Pines Campground#74 Pros:
-Ice sold at campsite for $4 per pack- proceeds go to state park
-Clean bathrooms close-by
-Partial shade
-Close~ 1mi. walk to Lester beach, calawee cove"
"The campground location is perfect, with access to beautiful beaches and hiking trails. From the campground you can walk to the start of the Rubicon trail."
"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."
RangerThis campground is in town but still is a great place to stop. Has nice dog park, great hookups. Close to the Sparks marina if you want to walk, but we were here for the Nugget rib cook-off. Just not sure on the all the rules as it seems some are followed some you can ignore.
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.
ScoutWe broke a jack and the maintenance workers were incredibly helpful in getting a tool we needed to fix it. The park is clean and has multiple very clean dog parks. We will stop again.
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!
Gardnerville sits in Nevada's Carson Valley at 4,750 feet elevation, between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Pine Nut Range. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional snow. Nights can be chilly even in summer months, so campers need appropriate gear for temperature shifts of 30+ degrees between day and night.
Hiking near Mount Tallac: From Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe, campers can access Mount Tallac, which offers challenging terrain. "My favorite hike in near Lake Tahoe is defiantly Mount Tallac. If you decide do to this hike, be prepared. Its about 10ish miles, pretty strenuous, and some of the trail can be covered with snow depending on the time of year," notes Sam M.
Hot springs relaxation: The Markleeville area offers mineral spring soaking options. "May through early October have been my favorite times of year to go. However, I have camped there and used the hot springs in February," says Milton R. about Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Washoe Lake State Park provides opportunities to see wild horses and other animals. "I had several deer wander through the scrub behind my campsite and we were visited by one of the local bands of mustangs," reports Heather T. The park offers bird watching areas where visitors can spot osprey and eagles.
Fishing access: Launch your boat at many campgrounds or fish from shore. "Has a fishing pond," notes Steve A. about Silver City RV Resort, while other campers mention nearby creek fishing for crawdads and lake fishing for trout.
Lake beaches: Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion provides direct lake access. "This is a great place to swim, set up a beach net, and get a tan. Overall the campgrounds are clean," reports Bren M. The campground includes a designated dog beach where "your pooch can play on the beach unleashed."
Spacious sites: Many Carson Valley campgrounds offer ample room between campsites. At Washoe Lake State Park Campground, "Each campsite has a lot of room and I was able to rent a paddle board right across the street," according to Jonnie B. Another camper notes, "Each site has a Cabana and fire ring."
Clean facilities: The campgrounds maintain good sanitation standards. "The bathrooms are clean and the showers too. Funny detail the shower head is positioned for ADA handicap specs so you got to kneel down or seat to shower," explains Bernardo B. about Tahoe Valley Campground.
Year-round options: Some campgrounds remain open through winter. "We ended up camping in a truck camper at Tahoe Valley Campground after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice," shares Basia M.
Bear activity: Bear safety is critical throughout the region. "They have signs everywhere about the mass amount of bear activity and how there is a mother and her 2 cubs which have been terrorizing the campground for some time this season (2018)," warns Elliott B. about Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park. Always use provided bear boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gardnerville, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gardnerville, NV is Tahoe Valley Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Gardnerville, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 192 dog-friendly camping locations near Gardnerville, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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