USDA Forest Service · California
Kit Carson Campground
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 12
- Hookups
- 12 no hookups
- Season
- April 23 to September 26
- Max RV length
- 45 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 6,926 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- KIT CARSON CAMPGROUND (NFSR 31022) · bituminous surface treatment · moderate degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
- Nearest town
- Markleeville
- Address
- P.O. Box 104 , Markleeville, CA, 96120
- Phone
- 530-694-1002
- Activities
- Biking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking
12 numbered sites are mapped one by one - the site map below shows each with its facts and pictures.
Site map
12 numbered sites are mapped one by one on the imagery, with the operator's own facts and pictures for each site where it publishes them. Tap a site to rate it, keep a note and add your own photos; press and hold the map for a pin of your own. Your ratings, notes, pins and photos are kept with the campground on your Saved list, the same list the camping map and the drive page keep.
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About
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38° | 25° | 3° | 53° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 38° | 22° | 8° | 54° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 39° | 26° | 8° | 65° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 45° | 28° | 8° | 59° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 58° | 35° | 20° | 71° | 8 of 11 |
| June | 70° | 45° | 29° | 86° | 2 of 11 |
| July | 82° | 54° | 42° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 80° | 54° | 47° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 71° | 48° | 37° | 81° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 62° | 38° | 25° | 75° | 7 of 10 |
| November | 47° | 32° | 9° | 68° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 39° | 24° | 7° | 57° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Trails nearby
- Big Meadow · 5.7 mi as the crow flies
Tahoe Rim Trail 111 mi Hike · Drive there - Echo Lakes Trailhead · 9.0 mi as the crow flies
Pacific Crest Trail 51 mi Hike · Drive there - High Meadows Trailhead · 9.0 mi as the crow flies · Drive there
All 2,896 trails in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest · All 152 trails in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Trailheads the Park Service and the Forest Service map, within 10 miles as the crow flies; each trail's page has its length, climbing and the Service's description.
Nearby campgrounds
- Crystal Springs · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 17 sites
- Hope Valley · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi · 21 sites
- Luther Pass Overflow Campground · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi
- Indian Creek Campground (Ca) · Bureau of Land Management · 6 mi · 32 sites
- Grover Hot Springs State Park · California State Parks · 6 mi · 76 sites
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.