Kit Carson Campground
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates May through September, weather permitting. Sites are first-come-first-served with some dates available for reservation via Recreation.gov. A California campfire permit is required for campfires, barbecues, and portable stoves.
Fire Weather Watch issued October 8 at 11:40AM PDT until October 10 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 274 Southern Mono County, 420 Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties, 421 Southern Sierra Front including Alpine, Northern Mono, Southern Lyon, and Western Mineral Counties, 423 West Humboldt Basin in Pershing County, and 429 Lahontan Basin including Churchill and Eastern Mineral Counties. * TIMING...From Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * WINDS...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum Humidity between 14 to 22 percent. * DURATION...3 to 6 hours. * IMPACTS...The combination of gusty winds and prolonged dry conditions, even in areas where humidity may not be as low, can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Lake Wind Advisory issued October 8 at 11:45AM PDT until October 10 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Waves 2 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area, and Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake. * WHEN...From 5 AM to 11 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft.
About
Kit Carson Campground occupies a scenic location on the West Fork of the Carson River in Woodfords Canyon along Highway 88 in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The 12 campsites are spread among Jeffrey pines and quaking aspens, with several sites positioned right along the riverbank. The rugged canyon walls provide a dramatic backdrop, and the area is particularly striking in autumn when the aspens turn golden. The campground offers basic amenities including potable water from a hand pump, vault toilets, and bear boxes at each site. Every campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. A camp host is on-site during the season, and firewood is available for purchase. The campground accommodates tent camping and smaller RVs, though parking spurs are compact. Recreational opportunities abound in the area. The Carson Pass Scenic Byway provides excellent scenic driving and photography. Anglers can fish the Carson River or nearby lakes, while hikers have access to trailheads for the Mokelumne Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and Tahoe Rim Trail within a short drive. Grover Hot Springs State Park in Markleeville offers natural spring-fed soaking pools, and Lake Tahoe is approximately 20 miles away.
Directions
From South Lake Tahoe, take Highway 89 over Luther Pass to the 88/89 interchange. Turn left on Highway 88 and continue approximately 1 mile to the campground entrance on the left. From Carson City, Minden, or Gardnerville, Nevada, take Highway 395 to Highway 88, then head south on Highway 88 for approximately 19 miles to the campground entrance in Woodfords Canyon on the north side of the highway.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $29.64 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (775) 882-2766 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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