Fallen Leaf Campground is a US Forest Service campground located about two miles south of South Lake Tahoe, set among towering native pines near the shore of Fallen Leaf Lake. Dogs are allowed at no additional fee, provided they stay on leash at all times. The campground sits at about 6,300 feet in elevation, and the combination of tall trees, cool mountain air, and proximity to the lake makes it one of the more pleasant camping spots in the Tahoe Basin for dog owners who want to get away from the bustle of town.
The campground has over 200 sites, a mix of tent and RV-friendly spots, with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets and potable water. Sites vary in size and privacy, so if traveling with a dog, aim for one of the more secluded spots along the outer loops where your pup has room to settle in without being right on top of the next campsite. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov, and the campground is typically open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October, though exact dates shift depending on weather and snowpack.
Dogs are not permitted on the public beach at Fallen Leaf Lake, but they can wade and swim in the lake itself from other access points along the shore. The water is cold and clear, fed by snowmelt from the Desolation Wilderness above, and most dogs enjoy at least a quick dip after a warm day on the trail. The surrounding forest trails are open to leashed dogs, and these paths wind through dense pine groves, across small creeks, and along ridgelines with views of both Fallen Leaf Lake and, through gaps in the trees, the larger expanse of Lake Tahoe to the north.
The Glen Alpine trailhead, accessible from the south end of Fallen Leaf Lake Road, is one of the gateways to the Desolation Wilderness. Dogs on leash are allowed in the wilderness, and the trail passes historic Glen Alpine Springs, crosses through wildflower meadows in summer, and eventually reaches a series of alpine lakes. The full hike to the lakes is a longer outing, but even the first mile or two along the creek makes for a satisfying walk with a dog.
Pack more water than you think you need — the altitude and dry air dehydrate dogs faster than at sea level, and not every creek crossing has reliable flow later in the season. Waste bags are essential, as are bear canisters if you are storing dog food overnight at your campsite. Black bears are active in this area and will investigate unattended food, including kibble left out in bowls. Keep your campsite clean, store food and dog supplies in your vehicle or a bear box, and your stay at Fallen Leaf Campground should be comfortable and uneventful for both you and your dog.
