Go Explore: South Lake Tahoe
Where to Go
If you live in Northern California like we do, you’ve likely noticed spring-like temperatures warmly greeting you each day and which have us daydreaming about summer trips to lake. This month’s Go Explore features one of our favorite summer destinations—Camp Richardson Historic Resort and Marina in South Lake Tahoe.
What to Explore
Located just a short walk from the south shore of Lake Tahoe and right off Highway 89, Camp Richardson offers something for everyone—hiking, biking, beach-going, water play, boat rentals, fishing and more—basically, anything someone could ask for in a summer destination. The year-round resort also features a full-service marina, along with a lakeside restaurant, general store, mountain sports center, and ice-cream parlor. The sports centers, in particular, has one of the lake’s largest selection of bikes to rent, and up-to-date information on where to ride or hike, including maps, guidebooks and bike accessories.
And if that wasn’t enough, Camp Richardson’s location also makes it easy to venture out and explore South Lake Tahoe. You’re only a few minutes out from the city, so if you don’t live in California and this is a once-a-year type of trip, you can still experience the rest that this popular area has to offer.
Where to Set Up Kamp
Camp Richardson has two campgrounds, Badger’s Den Campground and Eagles’s Nest, with over 200 tent sites to set up camp. Campsites can accommodate up to 12 people and two cars, depending on the site, and each features a fire ring, picnic table and bear-proof locker. There are also bathrooms with showers at each campground. You also don’t have to worry about forgetting anything, as you’ll be just a short walk from the resort’s general store.
Kampsite Essentials
Between the beautiful location, perfect summer weather and various amenities available, this trip has “relax” written all over it. We like to bring a Kwik Set Hammock or Kamp-Rite Lounge Chair down to the beach and take in the sunshine in total comfort. Our campsite usually looks like this:
- Compact Tent Cot: A campsite staple. The Compact Tent Cot sleeps two comfortably off the rocky ground and away from any summertime bugs.
- Lounge Chair: Makes sunbathing and relaxing by the shore all the more enjoyable without getting toasted from the hot sand.
- Kwik Set Hammock: The no-trees-necessary, head-turning hammock is a favorite of ours that we like to bring out whenever we can. It’s perfect for taking an afternoon nap after a long hike or swim.
- EZ Prep Table with Insulated Bag: Great for meal preparation and also helps keep your food or drinks cool in the summer heat.
- Classic 2 Sleeping Bag: Summertime temperatures in Lake Tahoe average around 40 degrees in the nighttime, so the Classic 2 and its 40-degree rating will keep you comfortably warm.