A summer spent near the shores of beautiful, blue Lake Tahoe is a bucket list trip for many. But that vacation will take some planning; the RV parks in the area are often booked up, almost a year in advance. So here are some tips for a stress free and enjoyable time in Tahoe.
Timing is everything! Unless you like insane crowds, plan to visit in the late spring or early fall. May through mid-June, or month of September are the least crowded times, with good weather. The Lake Tahoe area is also a popular ski area, and it definitely can snow in early May or late September, but any snow should be light, and melt off quickly.
If you plan to stay in an RV park or even a state park or forest service campground, plan on making reservations months in advance, especially if you want to stay for more than a few days. Some RV parks accept reservations up to a year in advance, and it would be wise to make your reservations 6 months in advance, especially any place with a lake view.
There are opportunities for boondocking Lake Tahoe, especially up along Highway 89; these areas are free, but they are also rather far from the lake, up into the mountains and forests, and most of these areas will not have cell service. There are dry camping forest service campgrounds, which are less expensive than an RV park, but once again, it would be wise to book a campsite 6 months in advance.
Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place to spend a summer, but it is a popular destination, especially around the 4th of July, and during the height of the summer heat. With a little planning, and the right timing, Lake Tahoe is a great place to beat the heat.