Overnight Trips

A guide to lake shore lodging and campgrounds along 7 mapped routes

One of the more exciting adventures is spending a few days and nights on an extended paddle trip either camping under the stars or staying at a lakeshore lodge along the Water Trail.

Where to Stay

The Overnight Trip Map below works with our 7 Day Trip Maps so you can plan out-and-back paddle adventures from designated lakefront campgrounds and lodging properties. Reservations are required for all campgrounds. Campfires are only allowed within metal fire rings in the campground. Campfires and portable charcoal grills are not allowed on the beach. Follow the links to make a reservation before you arrive, particularly for the June – August period. Consider scheduling your trip during September or early October; the weather is still warm and the lake and overnight accommodations are less crowded. Always plan your overnight stay at a campground based on weather forecasts, and always file a Float Plan with friends and/or family, and be safe.

Before you launch at Tahoe, all watercraft and gear must be Cleaned, Drained and Dry to prevent Aquatic Invasive Species. Self inspecting and decontaminating your gear is easy and free. Learn how by becoming a Tahoe Keeper.

Camping

Camping is only allowed at a designated campground. Reservations are required. For California State Parks campgrounds visit https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/. For other CA campgrounds and Nevada campgrounds visit https://www.recreation.gov/. Campfires are only allowed within metal fire rings in the campground. You can find 13 campgrounds on our Map page or check the status at the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit website.

Lakeshore Hotel Accommodations

Several of the lodging properties featured on the map cater to kayakers and paddle boarders who want to plan out-and-back paddle adventures on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail right out their front door. The map includes properties so you can plan a personal paddle trip experience with just the right amount of adventure, relaxation, and pampering you desire.

A Word about Circumnavigation

Only a few expert kayakers complete the 72 miles due to challenging conditions. Read how these highly skilled paddlers circumnavigated the lake like this group who provided details from their circumnavigation trip in 2008. You can also learn from these two kayakers who completed the circumnavigation in September 2016 who provide their details kayaking counter-clockwise.

Disclaimer:

Sierra Business Council and its contributors will be in no way responsible for personal injury or damage to personal property arising in conjunction with the use of this website and Water Trail printed or Google maps. Good judgment and planning are critical to any successful outing.

Before heading out on the water, it is recommended that you check with other sources of information such as local paddling shops, outdoor stores, marinas, U.S. Coast Guard, and land managers for the latest conditions.