Campground: Camp Richardson

Reviewed by: Robin

Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Campfire Critiques has no affiliation with this campground

Amenities

Camp Richardson strikes a fine balance between a rustic camping experience and modern comforts. The campground features well-maintained campsites, each equipped with water, electricity, and a picnic table. These are the essentials for a cozy and enjoyable stay. The restroom and shower facilities are clean and conveniently located in the middle of the grounds. There is a dumping station on site.

For those seeking additional amenities, Camp Richardson offers a variety of options. The on-site general store is stocked with camping essentials, groceries, and firewood, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips. The resort also boasts a marina, where you can rent boats, kayaks, jetskis, and paddleboards to explore the glistening waters of Lake Tahoe. The sandy beach invites you to lounge under the sun or take a refreshing dip in the lake. Additionally, there are bike rentals available, allowing you to explore the surrounding trails and scenic pathways at your own pace.

Access

Camp Richardson is easy to get to and conveniently located just outside of the city of  South Lake Tahoe. The campgrounds are separated by the highway so don’t miss the turnout to check in to the campground. The RV park shares the ice cream shop and bike rental office while the other side of the highway has a hotel, cabins, general store, and tent camping. The RV park is on the opposite side of the road from the lake. The roads are flat and well-maintained.

Atmosphere

We stayed at Camp Richardson in mid-June before Father’s Day. The campground was about 90% full and very quiet. The campers were respectful of other people around them. Although all of the sites had trees, they did not create a green screen from your neighbor. We were in site #66 on the back side of the park. It was very slopped but offered space between us and our neighbors. Most sites seemed to offer this space. You are definitely not right on top of your neighbor in this park.

Environment

Camp Richardson’s setting is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Surrounded by towering pine trees and embraced by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, the campground is a haven for nature lovers. The serene ambiance and breathtaking views create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with the great outdoors. Whether you’re exploring the hiking trails, indulging in water activities, or simply basking in the beauty of the surroundings, Camp Richardson offers a slice of paradise.

The sites are dirt and not at all even since it is a mountain campground. All sites had trees on them.

Surrounding Area

Camp Richardson caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and interests. The campground provides easy access to a plethora of activities. Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of trout and salmon in the lake, while hiking trails present an opportunity to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The nearby bike paths offer a chance to pedal through scenic landscapes, while the organized nature walks and birdwatching tours provide educational experiences for nature enthusiasts. If you find yourself enjoying too much nature (is this possible?), you can take a 15 – 20 minute drive over the state line to the Casinos (Harvey’s and Harrah’s).

Furthermore, Camp Richardson hosts a variety of family-friendly events and live entertainment throughout the year, adding an extra touch of excitement to your camping experience.

Favorite Things

I love that you don’t really need a car to get to explore the area. The campground has this very cool historic site on the property directly behind the hotel. It is the original building of Richardson’s home. You can walk through the grounds any day of the week but tours of the property take place on Wednesdays. Follow the trails past the historic site to the visitor center and take a short walk around The Rainbow Trail Loop. This is an easy hike for anyone if you start at the visitor center parking lot and not Camp Richardson’s grounds. There are trails all over the area that interconnect.

You do need a car to hike down to Vkingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay. It is an easy hike down but it is strenuous on the way up. Be aware of this. The castle does tours for a fee. You can purchase tickets near the cattle after you hike down. Behind the ticket cabin is Eagle Falls. Some years it is a trickle but in 2023 it was glorious and rushing. It depends on the time of year and the amount of snowfall.

An alternative way to see the outside of the castle is to take the Rum Runner cruise over to the bay. It sounds like it is a drunk fest, but it was very family-friendly. They do serve alcohol on the ride but it is not a raging party. The captain was great and so was his crew. The yacht leaves from the Camp Richardson Marina.

If I could change one thing…

Honestly, there is not much I would change about this place. I thought the staff was friendly and accommodating. We had to make some last-minute changes to our stay and the marina and both changes were graciously handled. There is no doubt I will be back here and soon.

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