Anyone know where in-vehicle camping is allowed between Tahoe north shore and Reno? I know some snow parks allow this, but not really any in the area (plus I don't know much about the Nevada side).

I'm very interested in this as well.

This is the kind of post 1000 peaks would respond too. Sorry I have no 20 year old beta to post nor a diatribe aganist MLSC.

FreeCampgrounds.com lists places in and near Reno.

Palisades79 wrote:FreeCampgrounds.com lists places in and near Reno.

No it doesn't.

(a casino parking lot doesn't count)

Might have some info at these sites.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?ss=110519&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSM9_046424&navid=091000000000000&position=SubFeature.Art_ContentLnk&ttype=detail&pname=Lake%20Tahoe%20Basin%20Mgt%20Unit-%20Home

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72DTUE8TAwjQL8h2VAQAMtzFUw!!/?ss=110519&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=STELPRDB5155553&navid=091000000000000&position=Feature*&ttype=detailfull&pname=Lake%20Tahoe%20Basin%20Mgt%20Unit-%20Home

Castle Peak exit, across I80 from Boreal. But, it is right next to the freeway.

McCannster wrote:Castle Peak exit, across I80 from Boreal. But, it is right next to the freeway.

Thanks I have wondered if sleeping was allowed in that snow park, but not really in the area I want to be. May be useful on the first night of some weekends though.

Marmaduke wrote:Might have some info at these sites.

Gigantic links

Prefer dispersed camping, but also looks like there aren't even any developed ones that are in the area that remain open in winter.

A call into the Carson Ranger District indicates that overnight parking is NOT allowed along most of Highway 431, including the snow park near Mount Rose (which he says does not have a lot, rather just room to park on the shoulder of the highway). I asked "well what if you are backpacking in winter" and he said there was an overnight area right at the summit for such trips. His belief though is that it is only for overnight trips, and the police would likely chase you out if you were sleeping in your vehicle but he didn't seem positive on that. So apparently the landowners don't mind but the sheriff still might.

I may get a look at the lot this weekend, but likely will not be depending on staying in it, we'll see.

Frenchman's Lake near Portola is 38 miles NW of Reno. It's not near Tahoe but near Reno and appears camping is open year round, elevation is 5588 feet. http://www.plumascounty.org/places%20to%20camp/SierraValley.htm

It appears there is camping at Spooner Lake and it is open. Intersection of highway 28/50 just south of Incline.
http://www.parks.nv.gov/LTtrailsreport.htm
http://parks.nv.gov/lt.htm

There is no camping that I am aware of at Spooner Lake.

I've camped at Frenchman Lake before, it isn't close enough by far.

Still... I'll go ahead and toss you a thanks.

You may want to call the Forest Service Supervisors office in South Lake Tahoe as they are in touch with what is available in the Basin. Thier number is 530 543 2694. From there they could direct you to the Tahoe Forest office.

i2stillclimb wrote:You may want to call the Forest Service Supervisors office in South Lake Tahoe as they are in touch with what is available in the Basin. Thier number is 530 543 2694. From there they could direct you to the Tahoe Forest office.

Yes- I did. 4 posts above. Thanks.

mrchad9 wrote:

i2stillclimb wrote:You may want to call the Forest Service Supervisors office in South Lake Tahoe as they are in touch with what is available in the Basin. Thier number is 530 543 2694. From there they could direct you to the Tahoe Forest office.

Yes- I did. 4 posts above. Thanks.

Tahoe Basin Managment Unit is not the same as Carson Ranger District. TMU takes care of Tahoe Basin. TMU works under the Eldorado National Forest. They might have some better answers for you.

Ah thanks. Will try them when they open tomorrow then. Perhaps they know more about this trailhead at Mt Rose Summit.

Thanks everyone for the info and please keep it coming. I asked a similar question towards the end of this thread:

tahoe-camping-recommendations-t56369.html?

100OPks regaled me with tales of kidnapping, drugs, and crime, which made me feel right at home.

I called the Sno-Park office a couple of days ago, had to call twice to clear up some misinformation. Apparently in-car camping is allowed allowed at all Sno-parks which allow for overnight parking. No tent-camping. But something tells me that's more up to the local wilderness regulations.

Here's the list:

Balsam Meadows
Blackwood Canyon NO OVERNIGHT
Carson Pass
Coyote
Donner Summit
Eastwood
Echo Lake
Highway 108
Hope Valley
Huntington Lake
Iron Mountain
Lake Alpine
Meiss Meadow
Rock Creek
Spicer
Tamarack
Taylor Creek
Yuba Gap NO OVERNIGHT
Yuba Pass

I think Hope Valley is also NO OVERNIGHT. I'd be happy if anyone could add any personal experience with any of these locations.

It's not Tahoe, but the only Sno-Park I've parked overnight at is Lake Alpine. It's where Hwy 4 is gated, just past the turnoff to Bear Valley. A little noisy with snowmobiles, but a quick easy stroll down to the Lake which is really nice. Rangers said I could camp anywhere I wanted. Some fun little peaks nearby. Pictures here: http://www.qitnl.com/v/032610/

If anyone has any secret spots you're welcome to PM me!

Edit - I got your note, rlshattuck, figured I might as well answer you here. It's one easy mile from the Sno-Park to Lake Alpine, most of it on a groomed road, and for that matter a real gradual downhill.