Emerald Bay Sp Boat-in Camp Area

About

Emerald Bay Boat-In Camp Area sits on the historic site of the old Emerald Bay Resort on the north shore of one of Lake Tahoe's most scenic bays. This primitive campground offers 20 lakefront tent sites accessible only by personal watercraft, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or on foot via the Rubicon Trail from D.L. Bliss State Park. There is no vehicle access or boat launch within Emerald Bay itself. The campground provides 22 numbered mooring buoys arranged in two parallel rows, with odd-numbered buoys closer to shore and even-numbered buoys positioned lakeward. A readily accessible pier serves the camping area. Each campsite includes a metal bear-resistant food locker (36 inches deep, 43 inches wide, 22 inches high) required for storing all food, beverages, and scented items day and night. Restrooms are located approximately 50 yards inland from the pier. Arrival before dark is strongly recommended due to the remote boat-only access. Boats should not drive through the buoy field, as buoys are reserved for registered campers only. Anchoring is permitted in the designated anchor zone. The campground operates seasonally from late spring through early September, with first-come-first-served access initially before transitioning to reservations via ReserveCalifornia.

Directions

Located on the north shore of Emerald Bay, west shore of Lake Tahoe, approximately 22 miles south of Tahoe City. Access is by boat, kayak, paddleboard, or on foot via the Rubicon Trail from D.L. Bliss State Park. There is no designated boat launch in Emerald Bay and no vehicle access to the campground.