Northern Californians are naturally outdoor lovers, so it can be hard to find a spot that is nice, quiet, and uncrowded. However, it is possible….you just might have to put a little extra effort into finding these places. The campsite featured here is a boat-in campground, meaning you can only access it by boat! And you know what that means? Sweet, sweet solitude. There’s nothing like boat camping in Northern California. If you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet camping experience, you’ll definitely want to take a look at Emerald Bay boat camp in Northern California.

Are you in the mood for a secluded camping trip where you can relax in peace and quiet? Emerald Bay might be the last place you look. However, the bay is home to a boat-in campground that's actually one of the most remote spots on all of Lake Tahoe.
R.K./Google
The boat camp is one of Emerald Bay's best-kept secrets. The campground can be found on the north side of the bay. It opens on a first-come-first-served basis on Memorial Day weekend. Here's the Google Map.
GoogleMaps
The campground takes some extra effort to get to, but it's totally worth it. Both D.L. Bliss State Park and Baldwin Beach are considered popular launching-off spots for getting to the campground.
Sally Bouley/GoogleMaps
Getting to the campsite is an adventure in itself. There's truly nothing like experiencing the beauty of Emerald Bay via boat. Depending on where you launch from, it will take about an hour or two to arrive at the campsite. You'll see that the campground is marked with white buoys.
James Montenegro/GoogleMaps
The boat camp features 20 campsites nestled in between trees and in close proximity to the bay. There are three sites in particular that are highly coveted among campers who are aware of this hidden gem. Campsites #1, #21, and #22 all come with their very own beach. Doesn't that sound heavenly?
Matt Grundtish/GoogleMaps
All of the sites come with an ample amount of privacy and include picnic tables, fire pits, bear boxes, and a nice flat area to pitch a tent.
Lucyan/TripAdvisor
At this campground, you're far away from the sounds of cars and crowds. In fact, when evening descends the place transforms into a tranquil paradise. There's nothing but the soft sounds from the lake's calm waters and wildlife in the distance.
Bernard Wee/Flickr
During the daytime, you'll find that there is plenty to do and explore around the campground. The Rubicon Trail is just a stone's throw away, and you could spend all day traversing all that this epic hiking trail has to offer.
Eli Duke/Flickr
The Emerald Bay Boat Camp is the closest thing you can get to your own private slice of Lake Tahoe. You'll probably find yourself returning to this spot year after year.
Kevin M/TripAdvisor
The campground officially opens on May 24th for campers on a first-come-first-served basis. However, they will be taking reservations starting on June 7th. For more information, you can visit the website.

Get an aerial view of this gorgeous area:

What do you think about this boat-in campground? It looks so serene. Northern California is full of hidden gems like this one. Did you know there’s a state park here that is only accessible by boat? You absolutely have to see it. If you’ve been to Emerald Bay boat camp in Northern California, let us know all about it in the comments.

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty of Northern California

William Suphan | April 17, 2023

What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Northern California?

The most beautiful natural wonders in Northern California include:

  • Point Reyes National Seashore. This is a natural sanctuary with amazing ocean views from stunning oceanside cliffs. 
  • Lake Tahoe. This is a nationally famous lake and people have been taking trips here for generations. 
  • Redwood National Park. The trees here are massive giants and are the tallest trees on the planet. Taking a drive through this area will be something to remember. 
  • Trinity Alps Wilderness. This is an area that looks as though no human has ever set foot there. While many do, it has a pristine beauty that can’t be overstated.

Find out more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Northern California. 

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Northern California?

The most incredible natural attractions in Northern California include:

  • Castle Crags State Park. The jagged granite peaks of this rugged mountain range were formed millions of years ago by glaciers.
  • North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. The rolling meadows and fields here contain vibrant wildflowers like lupines and poppies.
  • Mount Shasta. This stunning mountain is replete with majestic natural scenery and is a favorite place for hiking, swimming, boating, seeing waterfalls, and more.
  • Burney Falls. Located in the McArthur-Burney Memorial State Park, these lush waterfalls with bright turquoise waters are quite a sight.

Learn more about the most incredible natural attractions in Northern California. 

What are the most peaceful places in Northern California?

The most peaceful places in Northern California include:

  • Nisene Marks State Park. There are 30 miles of trails from the sea cliffs into the redwood forests and it’s utterly gorgeous.
  • Stillwater Cove Regional Park. This is a 210-acre preserve with forests, meadows, and a secret beach. Come here to get away from it all.
  • Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Located in the Klamath Basin near the Oregon border, this vast expanse of wetlands is quite serene.
  • Drakes Beach. This is a secluded beach set against limestone cliffs where you can see elephant seals frolicking about.

Discover more about the most peaceful places in Northern California.   

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