What are the hours and season for Emerald Bay State Park?

Emerald Bay State Park is open Late May – late September. Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 12:00 PM.

Does Emerald Bay State Park have cell service?

Weak signal at Emerald Bay State Park. Available: T-Mobile 5G. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Source: FCC Broadband Data.

What are the fire rules at Emerald Bay State Park?

Fire rules at Emerald Bay State Park: Campfires in fire rings only. No outside firewood from outside the Tahoe basin — pest inspection zones apply. Firewood available at the camp store in South Lake Tahoe. Fire restrictions common in August and September.

What is the best time to visit Emerald Bay State Park?

Jun: Before peak crowds. Snowmelt keeps lake levels high. Cool mornings. Sep: Crowds drop after Labor Day. Water still warm enough to swim. Best light.

What are the best things to do near Emerald Bay State Park?

Near Emerald Bay State Park: Emerald Bay sunrise overlook (5 min walk from camp). Vikingsholm Castle tour (mid-June through Labor Day). Rubicon Trail to D.L. Bliss State Park (4 mi). Boat-in sites by kayak.

Is there wildlife at Emerald Bay State Park?

Wildlife alert for Emerald Bay State Park: Black bears active in the Lake Tahoe basin. Food storage required at all times. Bears in this region have learned to open unlocked vehicles. Lock everything. Marmots near rocky outcrops — they are persistent about raiding food.

What are the common problems at Emerald Bay State Park?

At Emerald Bay State Park: 21 ft hard RV limit at Eagle Point — steep, winding access road. Solution: Eagle Point is genuinely not navigable with large rigs. Tent campers and small van/truck campers only. KOA South Lake Tahoe (7 mi) serves larger rigs.

What makes Emerald Bay State Park unique?

The 1-mile hike down to Vikingsholm Castle and Emerald Bay beach is steep but worth it — especially at 7am before tour boats arrive. The Norse-style 38-room mansion on the lakeshore was built in 1929 by heiress Lora Josephine Knight and has been virtually unchanged. ⇒ Water: Eagle Falls drops in two tiers directly into the northwest corner of Emerald Bay — 1.5-mile trail from the campground. The lower falls drop into a deep pool that locals swim in July–August. Almost nobody does the lower trail extension past the main viewpoint.

Emerald Bay State Park

✓ Sites Available

California’s most-photographed lake cove — camp above the iconic bay

South Lake Tahoe, CA4.9 (5820)6,300 ft

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Why campers choose Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay is the most photographed spot in California for good reason — the emerald-green bay with Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island in the middle is genuinely breathtaking. Eagle Point campground puts you on the ridge above it all. You wake up, walk five minutes to the overlook, and you're looking at one of the most beautiful views in North America. The Rubicon Trail to D.L. Bliss is world-class hiking from your campsite.

Camp Richardson Resort (6 mi) rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards — rent early and paddle to the bay before 9am

Eagle Point sites 1-12 have the best bay views — mention this when reserving on ReserveCalifornia

Eagle Point: hard 21 ft RV limit (steep, winding access road). Boat-in sites require a boat or kayak. One of the hardest reservations in the CA state park system. Parking fills by 9 a.m. summer weekends even with a camping reservation.

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

Late May – late September

Stay limit

14 days

Max RV

21 ft

Hookups

None

Cell signal:

Emerald Bay State Park surrounds the emerald-green cove that is the single most-photographed spot in California, on the southwestern shore of Lake Tahoe. Two campgrounds serve the park: Eagle Point (100 drive-in sites on the ridge above the bay with panoramic views) and 22 Boat-In tent-only sites accessible by water or a steep 1-mile trail. Eagle Point offers car camping with bay views from every site. Vikingsholm Castle, a Scandinavian-style mansion at water’s edge, is open for tours mid-June through Labor Day. Books through ReserveCalifornia — one of the most competitive reservations in the state system.

Things to do nearby

Vikingsholm CastleD.L. Bliss State ParkSouth Lake TahoeEmerald Bay sunrise overlook

Best For

KayakersPhotographersCouplesFamilies with boatsRubicon Trail hikers

Site Types

TentRV (max 21 ft Eagle Point)Boat-in tent only

Amenities

Flush Toilets

Drinking Water

Showers (Eagle Point)

Picnic Tables

Fire Rings

Boat-In Sites

Vikingsholm Castle Tours

Lake Tahoe Beach Access

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

Late May – late September

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Cancellation Policy

ReserveCalifornia: $7.99 non-refundable reservation fee. Cancel 3+ days before: full refund minus fee. Cancel 2 days or less: first night forfeited plus fee.

Why campers love Emerald Bay State Park

What's new in 2026

2026: ReserveCalifornia reservation system. 5-month rolling window. Eagle Point opens late May. Vikingsholm tours resume mid-June.

What campers say about Emerald Bay State Park

"Woke up and walked to the Emerald Bay overlook at 6am. The morning light was something I'll never forget."

— Google Reviews

"Kayaked from camp, paddled into the bay, swam near Vikingsholm. The water is impossibly clear."

— The Dyrt

"Get there a day early and kayak before the boats arrive. The bay at 7am is glassy and magical."

— Campendium

Not the right fit if…

✕You have an RV or trailer over 21 ft
✕You need hookups
✕You can't book 5 months in advance on the exact release date

Frequently asked questions

How much does Emerald Bay State Park cost per night?+

Emerald Bay State Park costs $35–$50 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None. No hookups at either campground.

What season is Emerald Bay State Park open?+

Emerald Bay State Park is open Late May – late September. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.

Does Emerald Bay State Park have hookups?+

None. No hookups at either campground.

What is the maximum RV length at Emerald Bay State Park?+

Emerald Bay State Park can accommodate RVs up to 21 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Emerald Bay State Park?+

Book Emerald Bay State Park directly at camperwatch.org/book/emerald-bay-state-park-campground. No booking fees. Select your dates and site type and pay online.

Does Emerald Bay State Park have beach access?+

Emerald Bay State Park has beach access. Check the campground details for distance and access points.

What is the cell service like at Emerald Bay State Park?+

According to FCC coverage maps, cell signal at Emerald Bay State Park is rated weak. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Coverage available: T-Mobile 5G. Note: FCC maps show theoretical coverage — actual signal in remote, mountainous, or heavily forested areas may be weaker. Check camper reports on the page for real-world experience.

How far is Emerald Bay State Park from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: South Lake Tahoe — 7 miles. Full services.