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A dark green Toyota pickup with a roof tent parked in tall dry grass as mist closes in.

Forest Service campground

Kit Carson Campground

Forest Service campground in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters, Alpine County, California. 6,860 feet. 11.4 miles from South Lake Tahoe.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
Elevation
6,860 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
12 9 standard non-electric, 3 tent only non-electric
Longest rig
45 ft The longest vehicle any site is listed for
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Alpine County

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 description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • biking
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking

The land around Kit Carson Campground

The ringed pin is this campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated February 25, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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