Campground staff was very friendly and check-in was easy. The campground was all dirt and pine needles, and there were many pine trees for shade. The setup of the sites lent well to letting our young children explore a bit, although it was not filled up when we were there. We were in site 33 which was a bit tight, but there are more roomy sites available (obvious from the map on their website). The bathrooms are rustic but clean and bug-free, and the free shower had great water pressure. The walk to Lake Tahoe was less than 10 minutes, but you do need to walk across the 89 freeway (which is not incredibly busy) to get there. The beach area associated with the Camp Richardson Resort is long and sandy with a beautiful view and offers fun water activities for all. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Camp Richardson is nice in that it provides easy walking access to the facilities at the site including a restaurant, bike rentals, beach bar, etc. Also, the salmon viewing facility is about a mile away and is worth the short walk. The campground is well kept. The only complaints is that the sites are dirt and expect to do a significant amount of leveling. The staff was friendly and helpful. We camped here in a Tent Trailer.
We stayed in the “RV Village” at Camp Richardson and had a very poor experience. The camp kiosk attendant allowed her family to occupy a space near us. Although Camp Richardson’s stated rules are no more than six people and two vehicles at a campsite, they had at least five vehicles and ten or more people, with five tents crammed on one tiny site. They partied until well after midnight, and our small child learned some new four-lettered words to share with his pre-school class. The bathrooms and showers were horribly filthy…even by dirty campground standards. While the location is good, the poor facilities and horrible camp management cannot be overlooked. Skip this place unless you don’t mind filthy facilities and loud, obnoxious partying until the early hours of the morning. We camped here in a Tent Trailer.
This campground would get a higher rating if the bathrooms were ever clean and had a soap dispenser. Also no sewer hookups- this is an older campground that looks like it might have been an old Forest Service campground, with a fire tower, so facilities are dated.Very popular with families in the summer; they were playing ball in the streets but quiet at night. Lake is across busy street and you'll hear the traffic if you're stuck in a site right there. Otherwise, location is great. Free WiFi (didn't use) and some stations on tv antenna; Verizon aircard worked okay. Too bad they charge $31- it's not worth that except that it's Tahoe and there are private RV "resorts" nearby that cost $45-55 and are a really bad value. If you can get a quiet site, this is a good place. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This very shaded park is operated by the City of South Lake Tahoe. Beautiful with views of Lake Tahoe in the distance. Lots of rules by snippy people, but for what it is, where its located, it was a good value. There were a number of large 32 feet plus fifth wheels and motorhomes in the 34 plus feet, but a lot of huge pine trees to negotiate. Electricity in only 50 of the spaces, which costs $8 more. Base rate is $23 plus $8 for electricity. We camped here in a Motorhome.
If and when they get this family park up to snuff, it might earn a higher rating, but when we were there, it was in a state of neglect. The pool was closed due to a problem; the tennis courts need work and the laundramat is fire hazard! They do have activities for the kids on weekends, which is a nice feature, but unless you want to feel as if you're living with and on top of your neighbors, pay the extra amount for a premium site. The standard sites are a mish mash of rigs facing in every direction, on top of each other. We didn't use the restrooms much, but the few times we did, they seemed clean enough, although they look as if they came from another era. The office staff is extremely courteous and helpful, although there was one gentleman that was a bit rude when we were trying to shop in the store. Seemed like we were "interfering" with his plans to close up. He told us to "Hurry it up!" Needless to say, we put our souveneirs down and bought them elsewhere. Overall, I'd say this is one of those campgrounds who has seen better days and needs to bring its amenities up to its current fees. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Review Rating
[ 2 / 10 ]
June 2008
$46
TOTAL RIP-OFF, even for Tahoe. Will never waste money here again. Perhaps the high rates at this "Encore" facility are because TT and C2C members get an affiliated deal, so the park jacks up the rate for the rest of us. They had the nerve to charge their standard "resort fee" of $3 even though the pool was closed for repairs, there's no exercise room, and the courts are run down. Very narrow roads, all sites are dirt and many are short & unlevel. Electric pedestal was rusty &and unsafe-looking,sewer was out of the way. Dump station was good though. Premium sites in back area might be better but are $50+. Old, tacky bathrooms are cleaned once daily, and quickly dirtied by kids. Cable tv is a joke, just a dozen stations. Wifi is Tengo, costs extra, of course. Dryer in laundry room burned some of our clothes. In short, there is no good reason to stay here unless you have money to burn and are gone all day. We camped here in a Motorhome.
The campground was nice enough. I had called in advance to assure they had everything we wanted; fire ring, WiFi, etc. We arrived late at night due to snow over the mountains. Our first disappointment was when the water on our site didn't work. Second was there was no place for a fire. Third that the WiFi wasn't functioning. Since it was late we went to sleep to resolve the issues in the morning. When we arrived at the check-in desk I said I had a few complaints. I was promptly told the complaint department was on the other side of the campground (bad joke). After not laughing, we were informed that fire rings cost extra, WiFi was broken and cost extra, but they did get the water fixed right away. For the amount this place charged compared to other places in the area, I would have expected better service without the nickel and diming. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
We have friends who live in South Lake Tahoe, so this was the perfect location for us. Restaurants (breakfast/lunch at Bert's) and markets are within a mile. Casinos, shopping and entertainment at Stateline are 10 minutes away. The park is a stop for the Tahoe Trolley, so it's easy to get around the area. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Stayed here over Labor Day Weekend, and was not disappointed at all. Our space was only a little cramped, but we stayed until Wednesday, so by the end of Monday, we were practically all alone. Nice office staff, great places to walk. Definitely a family place with lots of dogs. Everyone observed quiet time. We will stay here again for sure, especially since they are open all year. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
I was nervous about staying at this park after reading some of the recent reviews, but we were pleasantly surprised. We were there over the Labor Day weekend, so they were definitely full, but it didn't feel overcrowded. We navigated our 39' motor home into a back-in site with no problems. We did have another unit behind us, but the way the units are angled we didn't feel like they were on top of us. Full hookup site, everything worked fine. I will say that they could use some more leveling of their sites. The sites are dirt, and the dust does blow around when it's windy. We were able to get satellite reception at the site where we stayed, #431, which was fortunate because while they advertise cable TV, they actually only have about 12 channels. As I mentioned, the park was very full, but people seemed to observe the quiet hours and we were never kept awake or bothered by noisy neighbors. There are some long-term residents, but they keep their sites well picked-up. The camp store is nothing to get excited about. There are lots of family activities, including movies, ice cream socials, etc. The playground, basketball court, tennis court, and pool seemed to get a lot of use. This was our first stay in the Tahoe area and we would definitely stay here again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This was the third time we have camped at this campground. The access to South Lake Tahoe is great. The pedestals work well. There is a nice area of ranch land behind the park to take a walk or run your pooch. The draw backs are they don't hop on repairs that need to take place. For instance, the handicapped bath room in the Ladies room was out of service and no one was going to work on the toilet until after labor day weekend. This is the second visit where we had requested a specific campsite, knowing there would be plenty of room. We would find out when we arrived that the site we were told to park at is over 300 yards from the one we requested and too small to fit into. Then at the last moment having to have the campground move someone else who hadn't arrived yet so there was room for us. Why don't they just give us the site we asked for in the first place. No one was able to give us an answer except "We're sorry". We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
We love this place and have stayed here more than once. This park is in a great location - very convenient to amenities of South Lake Tahoe. Ice cream socials, crafts and fun for kids, people in the office are nice and friendly. My only complaint is that park management disappears after hours so no one is around to enforce "quiet time". After dark, large groups of teens converge upon the play areas and get really loud and rowdy. No one is around to tell them to be quiet. We have small kids and like to be next to the playground, but after dark it gets very loud and we wish we were somewhere else! Just don't get a site right next to the playground area and you'll be fine. We camped here in a Motorhome.
I will be honest and say that upon initial check in I was extremely disappointed in this campground. Our initial site given was so tight and between two VERY large Class A's with multiple slideouts that our site didn't even have enough room to open our awning. VERY much like a parking lot with hookups. Went back to the office where they gave us a roomier site. Couple in the site next to us watched TV outside during the morning and evening hours - and since hard of hearing it was turned up loud enough to irritate at times. Sites are close together and very tight, roads in the campground are narrow. At times we cleared a tree or another trailer by only 6" on either side when driving to our site and when leaving. Backing up was quite tricky in such tight quarters and we could get in due to the occupied campsites across from us and trailers almost sticking out onto the narrow road. Finding that the campsite behind us was still unoccupied we decided to drive the wrong way on the road and make our site a "pull-through". If not for that - I don't know how we would have backed in. It is near the airport - but planes are not taking off or landing constantly and the noise is tolerable and not a big deal. However, know that there is an emergency room next to the campground and you possibly will hear the Life-Flight helicopter at all hours of the night - we had it land and take off 3 times during our 5 days - 10:00pm, 11:00pm and 1:00am. This is a Thousand Trails, Coast to Coast campground (which was why I guess I expected more from it than the parking lot type campground it actually is). In the end, we enjoyed the campground and the activities they provided but will only stay again if any 4 of the sites we scoped out are available - if not, we will camp somewhere else. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Stayed here over the weekend at beginning of Aug. Campground was extremely full, over filled according to the staff at the desk. Had encountered rude younger staff on the phone however ladies at check-in were friendly. Campground had the appearance of a refugee camp due it being full, multi-family set ups, kids running wild, very noisy, firecrackers going off, multiple vehicles parked at many sites, just a zoo. Restrooms extremely smelly and dirty, store poorly stocked, flooring in poor shape, entertainment room had games that looked about 30 years old etc. Very dusty and dirty, no privacy between sites. We were very surprised given the ratings of others and the South Lake Tahoe location, which is what it gets a "2" for. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Stayed one night, would not honor the Coast to Coast rate. Must "black out" the entire summer! Unkept, dusty, not a nice place. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Nice location for South Lake Tahoe. Pool was great, but the bathrooms and showers were sub-par. A little bit on the dusty side with nice treed lots. Not the friendliest employees. Kids loved the Hamster wheel in the playground! We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is our favorite spot when visiting Lake Tahoe. We have enjoyed this camping spot during the hot summer months, as well as the snowy winter season. This park is close to several great restaurants (walking distance to one yummy Italian restaurant) and about a couple of miles to the beautiful lake. Clean pool, nicely spaced sites, and friendly staff are a plus. I think that it is very important to make visitors feel welcome. Tahoe Valley Campground does just that. I highly recommend this campground. We camped here in a Motorhome.
We stayed here over Memorial Day weekend in 2007. Our site was directly behind the pool and playground. We had full hook-ups, picnic table, and fire pit. Plenty of shade trees. The kids had so much fun using the pool and playground but also just riding their bikes down a large dirt hill. On Saturday we took a family hike led by the administration. Very low key and enjoyable. Can't wait to go back in 2008! We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Nice campground with friendly staff. Sites were roomy and easy to access. Although we stayed here during the off-season and weather was wet and cold, the site drained well with no standing water. Will definitely come back during the summer months as this resort will be an excellent vacation destination. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Great place to stay, especially during ski season. We were almost the only ones there! Very quiet. Good location for skiing Heavenly and Sierra at Tahoe. There was a $3 per day resort fee, that the website had no mention of. Would stay here again. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Very wide spaces for Big Rig. Restrooms and showers need "sprucing up". Lots of activities and friendly staff. Only lack of paved or gravel pads keep me from rating higher. Too much dirt and guests drive a little too fast. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Very nice campground, family friendly, fun place to stay among the trees. The shuttle bus which stops right at the entrance takes you all around South Lake Tahoe. There are a number of family activities, and the staff is very helpful and friendly. Resort just got Wi-Fi as of 7/5/06 (which I am using to write this), for a reasonable fee ($6 per day or $13 per week; monthly rates available). Lots of desert residents up here escaping the heat. The pool is a bit dirty, but understandable considering the day after the holiday. Pay a couple extra bucks for the premium sites, you won't have another rig behind you. We camped here in a Motorhome.
We really enjoyed this park. It is about as close to nature as you can get, with all the luxuries of hook-ups. We were surrounded by pinetrees and had plenty of space for our three kids to roam. We paid for a premium spot and had the entire area behind our trailer open. It is in a terrific spot if you want to explore Emerald Bay, or basically anything on the south, or west side of Lake Tahoe. It has a small store, an arcade room, and a really cool old fashioned playground. I haven't seen these kinds of toys in years. The pool was clean. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Although you can no longer choose your own campsite this is still a wonderful place to go. All sites have shade either part or all of the day. The trees tower over the entire park and the pine smell makes you feel as if you are truly in the woods camping. They are family and pet-friendly. Lots of activities but very quiet at night. AAA members recieve a 10% discount. I gave them a 9 instead of a 10 because I feel for a park this size the store could be better stocked. We will return here again. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
People were friendly. The place was clean. It was located near the airport and not on the water. We would definitely return here. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
We stayed in this park for a month. It is a beautiful location and good amenities. Our only complaint is the loose powdery dirt 2 inches deep at the campsites. It gets into everything. With the high rates charged in campgrounds today they should have cement pads. We would not return because of the difficulty in keeping the dirt off of everything. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Review Rating
[ 10 / 10 ]
2004
$34
Very Clean and large park nesteled amoung the tall pondarosa pines. Many large pull
through and back in spaces. Nice clean pool area. They offer many actitivities for both young and adult. A family friendly park. (They like dogs
too.) We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Review Rating
[ 6 / 10 ]
2004
$27
This was our third year in a row here. This visit was in a tent. It was interesting watching all the rv's registering at all hours. Staff was friendly and helpfull. Restroom and showers were clean. Campground is about one mile from the lake. This has to be the best campground in the area. Hopefully will return in 2005. We camped here in a Tent.
Review Rating
[ 7 / 10 ]
2003
$48
Nice park in the tall trees of So Lake Tahoe. Wonderful ambiance but some poor service while we were there even thought the staff is very friendly. We arrived on July 6th at the end of the 4th of July weekend and obviously they had been very busy. But they were out of ice for three days after we arrived (couldn't somebody have went to a store and bought some for the park?), the pool was an absolute mess (a good shocking with some chlorine could have helped this out) the bathrooms were not very clean, and the trash containers were overrunning all over the park. A nice family style campground however with plenty of activities and facilities for the kids. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Review Rating
[ 9 / 10 ]
2002
$35
Right in town and close to casinos, but tucked back in among trees, so you feel like you are really camping. Quoted a $40 dollar rate, but it was $35 when we got there, plus 10% off for AAA discount. I believe it is worth the price. The staff was wonderful -- very friendly and accomodating. We asked if it was okay to check out late on a Sunday and they welcomed us to stay as long as we needed (without an extra charge). We camped here in a Motorhome.
Review Rating
[ 8 / 10 ]
2002
$38
Our first visit to this rv park. Staff did not know the word "no". Staff whisks you around in a golf cart to select your site. Spent first night in wilderness section, secord night in site with full hookups. Nice playground area, pool, basketball court, ping pong. Arcade was o.k. but games were a bit vintage. Nearby shopping. Fellow campers were nice. Will be back again, but wish the price was lower.
(that is why this park got an 8) We camped here in a camper.
Review Rating
[ 8 / 10 ]
2002
$38
Pretty nice campsites. Lots to do with a swimming pool, tennis court, play area, arcade room, etc. We had some problems with the electical hook up and they attempted to make repairs, but could not do it in a timely maner. Nice shaded sites. Big black ants! Expensive. I would stay there again. We camped here in a camper.