Lakeside Hike-ins and Campsites

Hiking, lakeside lounging, starry night campsites: that’s some California dreamy. From hike-ins to lakes in El Dorado National Forest and Tahoe, to a first-come, first-served campground in the Sierra Nevada's Lakes Basin, here are three ways to enjoy overnight oasis escapes. 

Week: 08.06.2025
Regions: Northern CA

Aloha from California

Hike-in and Camp at Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest

Greater California
Dog Friendly, Water, Overnight Escapes
Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.
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Duck, Duck, Goose!

Camp at Goose Lake in the Lakes Basin, Sierra Nevada

Greater California
Dog Friendly, Water, Relaxing, Overnight Escapes
Camp at Goose Lake in the Lakes Basin
Try to get a first-come, first-served campsite at one of the Lakes Basin’s lakeside campgrounds. We love Goose Lake Campground, where there are just 13 sites and no motorized boats.
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This Is Paradise

Camp at Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest

Greater California
Dog Friendly, Overnight Escapes, Hikes
Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.
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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

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