Camping at Fallen Leaf Lake with Dogs
Cinnamon-colored black bear at Fallen Leaf Lake
Bear sighting at Fallen Leaf Campground photographed from a safe distance with my Sony 6400 with a 70-350mm Telephoto Lens
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada off Highway 89, Fallen Leaf Lake is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Best of all, it’s dog-friendly! Whether you love to hike, kayak, or paddle board with your dog, Fallen Leaf Lake offers a quieter alternative to the bustling shores of Lake Tahoe. There are over 200 sites, including a handful of yurts (no dogs inside the yurts), flushing toilets, coin operated showers, and a store for camping essentials such as firewood and ice. Of course, like much of California, it can be challenging to reserve a campsite in the summer, especially on weekends. So plan early, go during the week, or be flexible and look for those last-minute cancellations.
HIKING
Fallen Leaf Lake is surrounded by miles of trails, many of which are dog-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a stroll along the lake’s edge or a challenging hike up to the surrounding peaks, there’s something for everyone! The campground is also close to the Glen Alpine and Mt Tallac trailheads, which are part of Desolation Wilderness. Although we come across other dogs and people on these trails, they never feel overly crowded. There are still plenty of peaceful, solitary moments to savor the mountain air and sounds of nature.
Here are a few dog-friendly hikes we’ve enjoyed:
Fallen Leaf Lake Trail-This relaxing, mostly flat trail through the forest starts from the campground and follows the shoreline. It is about 3.5 miles out and back with many spots for dogs and people to dip their toes and paws or go for a swim.
Glen Alpine Trailhead-The Glen Alpine Trailhead is one of the best starting points for dog-friendly hikes near South Lake Tahoe, with access to several moderate to challenging trails. The main parking lot fills quickly on weekends, but there are also pullouts along the road. From this trailhead, you can explore some of the most scenic alpine lakes in the Desolation Wilderness: Grass Lake (a moderate 5-mile out-and-back), Susie Lake (a moderate 8.5-mile out-and-back), and Gilmore Lake (a more challenging 8.7-mile out-and-back). If you and your pup are up for a full-day adventure, the trek to Lake Aloha is a strenuous 12-mile out-and-back hike— but the sweeping Sierra views and crystal-clear swimming spots make it more than worth the effort!
PADDLING
Fallen Leaf Lake is a serene and picturesque spot for paddle boarding and kayaking, especially during the mornings when the water is calm and glassy. In the afternoons, however, the winds often pick up creating choppy waters. Keep an eye on the wind, or you might end up paddling hard to avoid being blown to the far side of the lake!
REACTIVE NOTE
As mentioned, Fallen Leaf Campground is a popular spot for dog-friendly camping near South Lake Tahoe, but there are ways to make it easier when camping with a reactive pup. For Linus, bringing his crate and “place” cot has been a game-changer. Because we’ve worked on crate training and the “place” command at home, he knows his crate is a safe, relaxing spot to check out. Whenever possible, we aim for campsites on the ends or around the perimeter to minimize neighbors. Check out our other tips for camping with a reactive dog.
Luna resting after a long day of hiking and swimming
FINAL THOUGHTS
Fallen Leaf Campground closes in mid-October, so enjoy this dog-friendly gem while you can. If you miss it this season, start planning — reservations open six months in advance. With wildlife sightings, dog-friendly hiking trails, refreshing paddling on the lake, and some of the best camping near South Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake is the ultimate spot for an unforgettable adventure with your pup. We’re already counting down the days until our next trip back!
Early morning at Susie Lake
