New to the West- Need help

[ceebee]

My family and I (two daughters 12 and 11 and wife) will be starting in San Francisco in a rented RV and headed to Yosemite for three nights and then either north to Lake Tahoe or south to Sequoia. We are looking for suggestions on where to camp near Tahoe. We are thinking that we will not like the noise and activity of a private campground and are thinking of trying our hand at dispersed camping but do not know where. We like the idea of the peaceful north side of Tahoe but we are open to any suggestions based on experiences. We are flying blind here...but we are adventurous

 

[buckland]

If you have not made reservations at this point finding a place to camp might be a challenge in major camping areas. That said being adventurous is the way of the west.
This last year many are also seeking remote camping and a rental might be a hard vehicle to access these. Best to be sensible and have a plan B (and C). This is a very unique time for camping as everyone is doing the same and it is busy out there. Sorry no specific info just a cautious warning on planning.

 

[ceebee]

If you have not made reservations at this point finding a place to camp might be a challenge in major camping areas. That said being adventurous is the way of the west.
This last year many are also seeking remote camping and a rental might be a hard vehicle to access these. Best to be sensible and have a plan B (and C). This is a very unique time for camping as everyone is doing the same and it is busy out there. Sorry no specific info just a cautious warning on planning.

Thanks. We did snag a reservation at a private campground 30 minutes from Yosemite. I am fearful that campgrounds are just a loud party scene with no enforcement so we are leaning toward some remote dispersed options.

 

[ski3pin]

When are you planning to make this trip?

 

[ceebee]

When are you planning to make this trip?

Mid August.

 

[searching for nowhere]

Here are some websites you can check for camping spots.

iOverlander | Find your next destination
RV Parks, Caravan Parks and unique RV Camping locations - Campendium
Welcome - Freecampsites.net

 

[ski3pin]

When are you planning to make this trip?

Mid August.

This is why I asked -

Massive Delays and Massive Traffic

Midweek and no holidays are best.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

There's a nice NF campground about 30 miles from Tahoe.
Off hwy 88 at Blue Lakes RD.
Hope Valley on the Blue lakes road.
Nice camp takes reservations plus FCFS sites.
There are some openings for Aug that might work for you.
It's a great quiet place with access to Blue lake area further
along the road.

Tahoe is to the NE on hwy 89.
Frank

 

[ceebee]

There's a nice NF campground about 30 miles from Tahoe.
Off hwy 88 at Blue Lakes RD.
Hope Valley on the Blue lakes road.
Nice camp takes reservations plus FCFS sites.
There are some openings for Aug that might work for you.
It's a great quiet place with access to Blue lake area further
along the road.

Tahoe is to the NE on hwy 89.
Frank

Thanks Frank. That is the info I can use. That article ski3pin linked is enough to turn me off to even trying to get to Tahoe. It is my first time in the Sierras and I was hoping I could see the area but in reality we just want quiet, safe and hopefully a place to swim and cool off after a day on the road...

 

[ski3pin]

Frank mentioned Blue Lakes Road south from highway 88 in Hope Valley. That road ends at Lower and Upper Blue Lakes, two PG&E project impoundments. Check it out. There are several campgrounds, I believe PG&E does reservations. Water is low, as it is everywhere. Both reservoirs get lots of use by kayakers. The Pacific Crest Trail is close by along with a nice trail out to Granite Lake. We drove out there Thursday for a picnic lunch away from home. It's a bit off the tourist beaten path and a nice area.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

We hiked to Granite Lk several years ago,BC (before camper).
Nice walk I think it was around August time ,during the week and very few people.
But that was many years ago I think around 1998.
Frank