Lodging

A cozy campsite at Fallen Leaf Lake Campground.

Those who know me or who read my posts might surmise that I’m not much of a campfire girl. The last time I slept in a tent was at Burning Man 1997. I did go back to Burning Man in subsequent years — in an air conditioned RV.

That’s not to say I’m against it. But it would take something special to persuade this lover of 300-count Frette linens and room service to pack my sparse playa-dusty gear and get jazzed to toast marshmallows and sleep on the ground.

I stayed in my friend’s cabin on my most recent trip to South Lake Tahoe, but considered camping at Fallen Leaf Lake Campground based on the recommendation of relatives who are area locals.

Just over 200 campsites are located beneath towering pines, one-quarter mile from Fallen Leaf Lake and three miles from the “Y” where Hwy 50 and Hwy 89 intersect.

This is car camping not backpacking and there are decent amenities including clean bathrooms with flush toilets, showers (3 minutes for $1), standing barbecues, picnic tables, and fire rings but no hook-ups. There is a boat ramp at the south end of the lake and swimming is allowed. Also, pets are allowed.

Fees are $28 per night plus and additional $5 for each extra vehicle. It’s a National Forest campground that is operated by California Land Management, a private concessionaire. For reservations, call (877) 444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov.

There are lots of activities in the area including swimming and water recreation at Pope and Baldwin Beach, biking on the paved, family-friendly bike path along Hwy. 89 (I did it, it was great), horseback riding and watercraft rentals at Camp Richardson, hiking in Desolation Wilderness, and touring the estates at Tallac Historic Sites.

Whatever you decide to do, playing keep away from bears is of utmost importance. One more reason I sleep indoors.

Photo credits: sagehopper