Watson Lake Campground
Currently closed for the season. Scheduled to open in June 2026. First-come, first-served only. Enhanced fire restrictions may prohibit campfires even when open.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 11 at 9:57AM PDT until August 13 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds, which is in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday evening. * Affected Area...Fire Zone 130 Sierra (Tehama-Plumas) Above 3000 ft, Fire Zone 132 Sierra (Yuba-Placer) 3000-5000 ft, Fire Zone 133 Sierra (Sierra-Placer) Above 5000 ft, Fire Zone 135 Sierra 3000-5000 ft, Fire Zone 136 Sierra (El Dorado-Amador) Above 5000 ft, Fire Zone 138 Sierra (Cal-Tuo) 3000-5000 ft and Fire Zone 139 Sierra (Cal-Tuo) Above 5000 ft. * Thunderstorms...Isolated to scattered coverage of a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms expected. Lightning strikes may also occur outside of main precipitation cores. * Outflow Winds...Gusty and erratic outflow winds could occur near any thunderstorm development. * Impacts...Lightning can create new fire starts and may combine with strong outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity.
About
Watson Lake Campground is a remote, free Forest Service campground operated by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Situated at 7,759 feet elevation on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, this small backcountry facility offers just 6 primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis with a 5-day stay limit per season. Amenities are minimal: a vault toilet is available during the operating season, and each site has a permanent iron fire ring. There is no potable water, so campers must pack in all drinking water. Trash service is not provided, requiring visitors to pack out all garbage. The campground provides access to the Tahoe Rim Trail, with trailheads to both the north and south sections nearby. Due to its high elevation, the campground is closed during winter months and typically opens in June when snow clears. Enhanced fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during high fire danger periods.
Directions
Access Watson Lake Campground from Forest Road 16N50, located off Highway 267 approximately 10 miles west of Brockway Summit on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 543-2600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Watson Lake Campground | |
| LTBMU 2026 Opening Dates |
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