Camp Shelly

Nestled amidst the whispering pines near the south shore of Lake Tahoe, Camp Shelly offers a delightful escape for Californians eager to connect with nature without sacrificing essential comforts. This intimate and family-friendly campground, managed by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD), provides a serene and well-maintained environment, making it an ideal destination for your next outdoor adventure in the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains. If you're a local seeking a clean, welcoming, and conveniently located spot to pitch your tent or park your RV, Camp Shelly presents an excellent choice.

What sets Camp Shelly apart is its unique blend of natural beauty and practical amenities. It's a place where you can truly unwind, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the tranquility of a forested setting, all while being just a short distance from the vibrant attractions of South Lake Tahoe. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Camp Shelly, from its advantageous location and accessibility to the thoughtful services and features that make it a favorite among those who cherish California's great outdoors. Get ready to explore why Camp Shelly is more than just a campground; it’s a gateway to unforgettable Lake Tahoe experiences.

Camp Shelly boasts a truly enviable location on Mt Tallac Rd A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA. Tucked away in a beautiful pine forest, it offers a sense of seclusion and natural immersion, yet remains remarkably accessible to the broader South Lake Tahoe area. This strategic placement provides campers with the best of both worlds: the peace and quiet of a natural setting, combined with convenient access to a multitude of attractions and services.

The campground is situated just a few miles from the bustling hub of South Lake Tahoe, placing you within easy reach of restaurants, grocery stores, and various recreational opportunities. Furthermore, Camp Shelly is uniquely positioned between Fallen Leaf Lake and the magnificent Lake Tahoe, with both being approximately half a mile away. This proximity means that opportunities for bicycling, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking are literally minutes from your campsite. While the campground itself does not offer direct Lake Tahoe views or access, its close vicinity to both major lakes ensures that water-based activities are always a convenient option. The main roads leading to Camp Shelly are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey for all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers. This excellent accessibility makes Camp Shelly a stress-free choice for Californians planning a getaway, allowing them to spend less time on logistics and more time enjoying the natural splendor of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Camp Shelly is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience with a range of thoughtful services and facilities. These amenities are meticulously maintained to ensure visitors have a pleasant and hassle-free stay.

• Flush Toilets: The campground features a brand-new central restroom facility equipped with modern flush toilets, offering a significant upgrade from more rustic camping options.
• Hot Showers: For those who appreciate the ability to freshen up after a day of outdoor activities, hot showers are available, providing a welcome comfort in the wilderness. The restroom and shower facilities are also mobility accessible.
• Washbasins: Convenient washbasins are provided, making it easy for campers to take care of personal hygiene.
• Potable Water Faucets: Faucets with potable (drinking) water are strategically located throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to fresh water for all campers.
• Bear Boxes (Food Storage Lockers): Each campsite is equipped with a bear-proof food locker. These "bear boxes" are crucial for storing all food items and scented products securely, helping to keep both campers and the local wildlife safe by preventing unwanted bear encounters.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Every campsite includes a metal fire pit with a grill, perfect for cooking delicious meals over an open flame and enjoying cozy campfires (subject to local fire restrictions).
• Picnic Tables: Each site also comes with a picnic table, providing a dedicated space for dining and socializing outdoors.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is conveniently available for purchase at the campground, eliminating the need to bring your own or forage.

Camp Shelly offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for campers looking to enjoy the South Lake Tahoe area.

• Intimate 25-Site Campground: With only 25 campsites, Camp Shelly provides a more intimate and less crowded camping experience compared to larger facilities. This creates a peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy their surroundings.
• Spacious Campsites: Despite its intimate size, the campsites themselves are spacious, offering ample room for tents, and several sites can accommodate tent trailers or motorhomes up to 24 feet in length and 10 feet in height.
• Paved Campground Loop: The campground features a paved loop, which is ideal for children to ride bikes safely and for easy navigation around the sites.
• Recreational Amenities Onsite: Campers don't need to leave the campground for entertainment. Onsite amenities include a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a ping pong table, providing fun activities for all ages.
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: Beyond the campground, a wealth of outdoor activities awaits just minutes away. This includes extensive paved bike paths, swimming at nearby lakes, fishing, horseback riding at Camp Richardson Corrals, and numerous hiking trails.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The campground is specifically designed to be family-friendly, with amenities and a setting that caters to both adults and children, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
• Managed by LARPD: Camp Shelly is managed by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD) through a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. This ensures professional management and adherence to safety and environmental standards.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is typically open from mid-June to early September, allowing campers to experience Lake Tahoe during its most favorable weather conditions. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity.
• Bear Awareness: As bears are present in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Camp Shelly emphasizes bear safety. Each campsite provides a bear box, and visitors are educated on proper food storage to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife. This proactive approach contributes to a secure camping environment.

For all inquiries, reservations, or additional information about Camp Shelly, please use the contact details provided below.

Address: Mt Tallac Rd A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

Phone: (925) 373-5700

Mobile Phone: +1 925-373-5700

For Californians seeking a refreshing and well-rounded camping experience, Camp Shelly in South Lake Tahoe offers an unparalleled opportunity. Its location strikes an ideal balance: nestled in a peaceful pine forest, it provides the tranquility of nature, yet it’s incredibly close to the vibrant attractions and essential services of South Lake Tahoe. This means less time commuting and more time enjoying what truly matters.

The campground's focus on essential amenities like clean flush toilets, hot showers, and dedicated bear-proof food lockers elevates the camping experience, ensuring comfort and peace of mind. The presence of a welcoming ranger like Mae, as highlighted in customer reviews, underscores the friendly and supportive atmosphere that makes Camp Shelly so inviting. For families, the onsite recreational facilities like volleyball, horseshoes, and ping-pong, combined with the paved loop for biking, offer endless entertainment for children, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Moreover, the unique opportunity to encounter local wildlife, such as bears (from a safe distance and with proper food storage practices in place), adds an exciting, authentic touch to the wilderness experience that many Californians seek. It’s a chance to truly connect with the natural environment of Lake Tahoe. Camp Shelly’s commitment to safety, cleanliness, and providing essential comforts makes it a highly suitable and sought-after destination for locals. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a community-oriented space where you can create lasting memories, whether you're embarking on a challenging hike, enjoying a swim in the lake, or simply unwinding by a campfire under the stars. For a memorable and conveniently located outdoor escape, Camp Shelly stands as a prime choice for your next Lake Tahoe adventure.

Camp Shelly

Mt Tallac Rd A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA