Can you reserve a site at Kit Carson Campground?

Yes, Kit Carson Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Kit Carson Campground?

45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Kit Carson Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kit Carson Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Kit Carson Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Kit Carson Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Kit Carson Campground, California — 12 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Nestled in a forest of Jeffrey pines and aspens, Kit Carson campground is perfect for tent camping and smaller RVs. The west fork of the Carson River is located next to the campground, with several sites right next to the water. Great fishing and views! Kit Carson is exceptionally beautiful in the fall.

Recreation

Visitors can explore scenic driving and photography along the Carson Pass Scenic Byway. Enjoy the splendor of fall with colorful foliage displays or fishing and boating in one of the several nearby lakes. Hikers are surrounded by trailheads within a short drive – Mokelumne Wilderness, and the Pacific Crest Trail, among many others. Whether it is rock climbing or exploring the canyon, outdoor enthusiasts will relish the options in this area.

Facilities

This campground has drinking water, garbage containers, and vault toilets. Each campsite has a bear box, fire pit and picnic table. There is a camp host on site and firewood is available for sale.

Natural Features

Kit Carson is situated on the west fork of the Carson River in Woodfords Canyon along Highway 88. In addition to the beauty of the river, the campsites are surrounded by quaking aspens and rugged canyon walls.

Nearby Attractions

There are a number of nearby attractions that have something for everyone. Sorensen’s Resort has limited groceries and a restaurant. Lake Tahoe is within 20 miles; a trailhead for the Tahoe Rim Trail is within 5 miles; Grover Hot Springs State Park in Markleeville offers public soaking in natural spring-fed pools; numerous local restaurants and, for those who like night life, nearby casinos and theaters in Minden and Carson City, Nevada.

The facts

Season: May – September — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
12 bookable sites
1 site for day use only
Vehicles up to 45 ft
Up to 6 people per site
Loops: Lower Loop, Upper Loop

Site types

9 Standard Nonelectric
3 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

12 campsites at Kit Carson Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Water	Max rig	People
01	Lower Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	28 ft	6	🐾
02	Lower Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	40 ft	6	🐾
03	Lower Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	28 ft	6	🐾
04	Lower Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	36 ft	6	🐾
05	Lower Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	28 ft	6	🐾
06	Upper Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	28 ft	6	🐾
07	Upper Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	45 ft	6	🐾
08	Upper Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	28 ft	6	🐾
09	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	18 ft	6	🐾
10	Upper Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	28 ft	6	🐾
11	Upper Loop	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	40 ft	6	🐾
12	Upper Loop	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	Riverfront	28 ft	6	🐾

Getting there

From South Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 89 over Luther Pass to the 88/89 interchange. Turn left on 88; go approximately 1 mile to campground entrance on your left. From Gardnerville, Carson City or Minden, Nevada, take Hwy 395 to Hwy 88. Head south on Hwy 88 for approximately 19 miles to the campground entrance in Woodfords Canyon on north side.

38.77678, -119.89461 · 38°46'36.4"N 119°53'40.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	7.9	7.0	5.9	3.2	2.0	0.5	0.7	0.3	0.9	2.5	4.3	7.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Kit Carson Campground

Can you reserve a site at Kit Carson Campground?: Yes, Kit Carson Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Kit Carson Campground have?: 12 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Kit Carson Campground?: 45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Kit Carson Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Kit Carson Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Kit Carson Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Kit Carson Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Kit Carson Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Kit Carson Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Per Day: $26 Single/$6 Extra Vehicle.

Restrictions:

California camp fire permit required ( https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/htnf/passes-permits/?cid=fseprd673196 ).
Dog must be on a leash at campground.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Kit Carson Campground

Crystal Springs 2.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Indian Creek Campground (Ca) 6.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Silver Lake East- Eldorado 7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Markleeville 8.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Hope Valley 8.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Hope Valley Campground 3.7 mi · Campground
Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe 7.8 mi · Facility
Woods Lake Campground 8.8 mi · Campground
Echo Chalet 8.8 mi · Campground
Caples Lake Campground 9.9 mi · Campground
Sierra At Tahoe 10.2 mi · Facility
Sawmill Pond 12N30 10.4 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Kit Carson Campground