DL Bliss State Park Campground California
D.L. Bliss State Park is closed for the summer of 2023 to replace the main waterline in the park. Effective immediately, the campground and day-use areas of the park will be closed to visitors and no services will be provided.
DL Bliss State Park Overview
DL Bliss State Park Campground is adjacent to one of the best beaches on Lake Tahoe and has 165 campsites. Campground roads and campsites are on the small side (including the parking spurs). Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers (up to 15 feet) and RVs (up to 18 feet). Each campsite also has and has a picnic table, fire ring/grill and food storage lockers. There are no hookups. Each campsite can accommodate up to 8 people and two vehicles. Group camping and 20 ‘boat-in’ primate campsites are also available.
Overflow (extra vehicle) parking is permitted in the Balance Rock overflow parking area (about .7 miles from the campground).
The campground is usually open mid May to early September (generally closes after Labor Day weekend). However, you should check directly with the campground as weather conditions (snow) may close the campground earlier. The campground also has a picnic area, dump station, flush toilets and hot showers.
D.L. Bliss State Park Area Recreation
D.L. Bliss State Park borders Emerald Bay State Park to the north and has one of the prettiest beaches of Lake Tahoe. D.L. Bliss also has popular hiking trails, such as the Lighthouse Trail and the Balancing Rock Nature Trail. Visitors can also enjoy tons of outdoor recreation here including biking, swimming, fishing, backpacking, hiking, boating, kayaking, canoeing and wildlife viewing.
Make a Reservation for DL Bliss State Park
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Comfort Station
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Food Storage Locker
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Iron Ranger
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Ranger Station
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- Showers
- Visitor Center
Activities
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Lake
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Scuba Diving
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Visitor Center
- Walking Trails
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Sports
South Lake Tahoe, California 96150
530 525-7277
Lat / Long:
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DL Bliss State Park Availability Alerts
DL Bliss State Park sold out? Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at DL Bliss State Park!
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
165
Season:
Mid May – Early September
Elevation:
6,200
DL Bliss State Park Comments & Reviews
Visited DL Bliss State Park Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to DL Bliss State Park?
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Does mid sept. Mean the campgrounds will be open until sept 15 th?
Hi Kent,
Actually – this year – D.L. Bliss State Park campground closes right after Labor Day weekend (Sep 3). Some years it may close earlier due to snow.
Hi camp ranger,
when is the best time to book for first week of July?
thanks!
HI Viv,
Good question! We’re actually going to be posting an article about when to make reservations (and some tips). For California State Parks you’ll want to make your reservation six months prior to the day of our arrival. You can reserve consecutive nights up to the # of nights the campground allows. So if you want to arrive July 2, then reservations become available on Jan 2 (8:00 a.m. PST) at the ReserveCalifornia.com site. I would recommend checking out the D.L. Bliss campsite photos to find a few sites you like, then clicking on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button and it will direct you to ReserveCalifornia. Be sure to be at ReserveCalifornia site about 15-20 minutes prior to 8:00 a.m. to get all ready. Then – right at 8:00 a.m. – click the check availability to get your campsite. Campsites will sell out within minutes over the 4th of July weekend. Good luck!
Is Lester Beach at DL Bliss a good spot to view fireworks for Fourth of July?
Good question Jinny! The folks at CampsitePhotos have not been up at DL Bliss on the 4th of July to watch fireworks. Anyone else?
Is it 1 tent per site so if we have a group of 5 families, we should book 5 sites? Also, how many people does the 1 Group Site hold?
Hi Kara,
Generally the campsites can accommodate up 6-8 people and have two vehicles. We did some searching and can’t find a confirmation on the # of people (or the # of tents) per campsite. In most cases you can put two tents per site if the site has enough room. I suggest you call the park directly at:(530) 525-7277
I’m trying to book May and I get error message:
“Your selection was not permitted according to the restriction below:
Facility Season Booking Restriction”
Hi Boris,
CampsitePhotos.com is not associated with the campgrounds on our site. We provide the photos, some campground info and a link to make a reservation. For D.L. Bliss State Park – that is through ReserveCalifornia.com and their reservation system has had some problems. I’d recommend keep trying our you can contact them directly at (800) 444-PARK (7275)
Hi,
I am wondering if you are able to see any fireworks for july 4th from the shoreline at DL Bliss campground?
Hi Claudia,
Nobody here at CampsitePhotos.com has ever been there during the South Lake Tahoe Fireworks shore, but it looks like you should be able to see the fireworks from the shoreline area of D.L. Bliss State Park. Anyone else like to comment?
Hi there,
When are you starting to accept reservation for 2019? We were there 2 weeks ago with friends and had such a fantastic time!
Hi Veronique,
Glad you had a great time at DL Bliss State Park!
California State Parks (including D.L. Bliss State Park) now as a “rolling window” reservation system. In other words, you can reserve a campsite six months in advance from the current date.
Camping and lodging inventory will become available each day for a period of six months in advance at 8AM PST. For example, tomorrow (July 21, 2018) at 8:00 a.m. is when you can make a reservation for arrival on January 21, 2019 – through as many consecutive days as the park allows (usually a 14 day limit). So if you were shooting for a stay on July 1, 2019 – the reservation for that arrival date would be open at 8AM on January 1, 2019. Competition is fierce and popular campgrounds will sell out within just a few minutes (sometimes less)!
Do you have any photos of the Group Campsite?
Hi JuJu,
Sorry, we did not get any photos of DL Bliss State Park group campsites. We will try and schedule a photographer to get those in the future.
How many campers can fit on your group site and what else comes with the group site (fire pit, picnic tables, etc…)?
Hi Maryrachel,
D.L. Bliss State Park group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people and has picnic tables, fire rings/grills and food storage lockers.
Is there extra vehicle parking at D.L. Bliss specifically in the East Ridge Campground?
Hi Lorraine,
Overflow (extra vehicle) parking is permitted in the Balance Rock overflow parking area (about .7 miles from the campground in D.L. Bliss State Park).
Hi,
I , with a few friends are kayaking from Baldwin Beach to Lake Forest campground (first come first serve) and trying to reserve Fallen Leaf Camp, DL Bliss, Sugar Pine, Kaspian, William Kent, and Lake Forest. Tent only sites in that order. Approximately 6 miles per day.
We are going August 7 to August 13. One night in each site.
What are the odds I can get these campsites 6 months out each consecutive days?
I’m thinking not good. HELP?
Maybe snag cancellations….thanks
Hi Jeffrey,
Your trip sounds awesome! In regards to the odds of getting campsite reservations on consecutive nights, I’d recommend you have multiple people attempt to get reservations on the day reservations become available. Fallen Leaf Lake = Feb 7 / for Aug 7 arrival, DL Bliss = Feb 8 / for Aug 8 arrival, etc. The federal campgrounds may be easier to get (Fallen Leaf, Kaspian and William Kent). The reservation window for federal campgrounds (Recreation.gov) is 6 months prior at 11 am EST (7am PST). These campgrounds are popular so make sure you have your campground, date and site picked prior to 7am PST and then click the ‘check availability’ button right at 7am.
And since you’re arriving at Lake Forest on Aug 12 (Mon), I’d say your chances are pretty good to get a first-come, first-served site. That campground isn’t too popular, but will probably be full over the weekend. Probably wouldn’t be worth it to go there Aug 7 and get a site for 6 nights (to assure you have a spot on your last night).
The California State Parks (DL Bliss and Sugar Pine Point) will be the challenge. Given the difficulties using the ReserveCalifornia site and also Bots competing for campsites – you’ll need to be on your game. Again, I’d recommend having multiple people try for reservations (8am PST / 6 months prior to arrival).
Hope this helps. Best of luck!
Hello, We are 3 French families of 5 people who travel with 3 motorhomes (15 people in total). We are looking for 3 motorhome pitches to spend 1 night from 13 to 14 august 2019 in your establishment. We would like to reserve shady pitches with water and electricity connections. Do you have slots available? What would be the price for the 3 vehicles? If so, are the sites equipped with picnic tables and a barbecue? We thank you for your attention and your prompt response. Have a good day,
Bonjour Grimal,
Campsite reservations for August 13-14 at DL Bliss State Park will become available at 8AM PST on February 13th. You will need to go to http://www.ReserveCalifornia.com to make your reservations. The campground will sell out quickly (within minutes of when the reservations become available – 8AM / Pacific Standard Time – on February 13th. I would recommend you go to the ReserveCalifornia.com website at 7:20am PST (Feb 13) and choose DL Bliss State Park. Enter your date and exactly at 8AM PST click to check availability/reserve a campsite. Might be good to have a few people try to get your campsites as it will be competitive. As I mentioned, the campground will sell out within just a few minutes.
Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers (up to 15 feet) and RVs (up to 18 feet). Each campsite also has and has a picnic table, fire ring/grill and food storage lockers. There are no hookups. Each campsite will also accommodate 2 vehicles with your reservation. A third vehicle will have an extra charge. You can get pricing information at ReserveCalifornia.com
If you have a campsite reserved, are you able to bring a boat and park it in the overflow parking lots? And dock nearby?
Hi Chris,
We’re not sure what the policy on parking a boat in the overflow parking lot at DL Bliss State Park. You may want to call the park directly to inquire: 530 525-7277
Hello,
We are looking into sites 122/123 West Ridge. How long is the walk down to the beach approximately? Also, are those sites okay for tent camping?
Hi Ruth,
From DL Bliss State Park Campground it’s about a 1.2 mile drive/walk (on park roads) to Lester Beach. There is a parking lot down by Lester Beach if you choose to drive. And both sites 122 and 123 are good for tent camping.
How’s the campsite# 67 for tent camping? Can two cars be parked easily? Does this have enough shade?
Hi Akhila,
You’ll have plenty of shade in DL Bliss State Park campsite #67. Two vehicles and up to 8 people are allowed at that campsite. The tent pad area is 12×14, so you can get a nice large tent or two small ones there.
Do all the camp sites have picnic table and can park two cars? California reservations show that some of them, e.g., camp site#101, do NOT have picnic table and can only park one car. Is that true?
Hi,
I am looking into renting a pop up camper trailer. Your website says no longer then 15 ft. Does that mean when its popped out or folded up and does that also include the trailer. So, like when it’s popped out it’s 22-24ft but closed 15ft.
Hi Tina, Not sure which campsite you have, but as long as all of the vehicles wheels (towing vehicle and trailer) are on the paved parking service, and there’s no overhang into the street – you should be okay.
Hows campsite #33 is it far from the beach? First time camper with friends we really want to enjoy it! Is there grills and fire ring on our campsite
Hi Danica,
Sorry we didn’t have a picture of campsite #33. We’re going to be reshooting the entire campground later this fall. Campsite #33 is a nice large site and has some good shade from the tall trees. It has a table, fire ring and grate. You can have up to 2 vehicles and 8 people. You’ll need to drive to the beach though as it is a few miles from the campground.
If I reserve at campsite 156 or 158, how far is the walk to the beach?
Hi Emily,
Using the Rubicon Trail, it’s about a 1.2 mile hike from the campground entrance to Calawee Cove Beach and another 1/4 mile to Lester Beach. I’d add another 1/4 mile from campsites 156 and 168. You can also drive down to the beach / day use parking area.
Hi Emily,
Using the Rubicon Trail, it’s about a 1.2 mile hike from the campground entrance to Calawee Cove Beach and another 1/4 mile to Lester Beach. I’d add another 1/4 mile from DL Bliss State Park campsites 156 and 168. You can also drive down to the beach / day use parking area.
We usually plan a group camping trip once a year. We are wanting to all stay at the Beach Camp but reserveamerica only allows us to get 2 sites per login. Is there any way one person can reserve the multiple sites (18 total)?
I’m just afraid with the Group Camping site, it will not be enough to accommodate our large group.
Hi Kristina,
Not sure if you have many other options since ReserveAmerica allows two campsites per reservation. You’ll probably just need to get several people involved in trying to get campsites and/or reserve a group campsite. Best of luck!
HI there, how many tents can fit in campsite 99? We have one that needs 8×10, the other prob a little smaller. 2 adults, 4 kids total. Hard to tell from pics. Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth,
DL Bliss State Park campsite #99 can accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 8 people. The tent pad area is listed as 8×10, which is usually conservative, so your 8×10 tent will fit fine. Not sure if there will be any other room for another tent, but you may be able to squeeze a small one in your campsite.
Is there a small site. It’s just me and my truck tent.
Hi James,
You’ll need to click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, pricing and make a reservation. If you’re planning on arriving tomorrow, you won’t be able to make a reservation (required at least 48 hours in advance), but you can check to see if there are any sites available for possible walk-in.
We are staying in sites 68 and 34 and have a Sprinter camper van that is 22 feet long. Is that going to be an issue?
Hi Matthew,
The pad length on both campsites #34 and #68 is 18 feet, but there is a good amount of space/overhang off the back so you should be okay. All wheels need to be on the paved surface though.
We have site #99. What is the length of the paved surface. We have a 21ft Class B camper van and want to make sure our wheels will fit on the paved surface.
Hi Elaine,
I don’t think your 21 foot Class B Camper Van will fit in campsite #99. The site has a pad length listed as 18 feet. Normally there’s some overhang out the back, but site #99 has a big rock right at the end/border of the parking pad.
The width is listed as 10 feet so I don’t think there’s any room to try and park at an angle either.
Hello! Is it possible to place two tents on site 149?
Hi James,
Campsite #149 is one of our favorites! You can have up to 1 vehicle and 8 people in the site. Pad (parking) length is 18 feet. And the tent pad is listed as 13′ x 14′. I’d say you could get two tents in the campsite. Have fun!
Hi! Will site 6 fit three 2-3 person tents? Also, are there trees to hang a hammock?
Hi Sarah,
D.L. Bliss State Park campsite #6 can accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 8 people. The tent pad area is 15 feet x 15 feet. You can fit a couple of smaller tents in that area, but fitting 3 might be pretty tight. However, there are a few other areas in that campsite where you can probably fit a 3rd tent. It doesn’t look like the campsite has any trees to hang a hammock though.
We have site #17 reserved for this July 4th weekend. I just read on the website that trailers over 15’ aren’t slowed, our trailer is 21’ which doesn’t include the length of our Ford Explorer. We also have a cab-over truck camper joining us in site 17. Will we have room or will we be turned away for having a trailer that’s too long?
Hi Cortney,
Unfortunately you probably would not be allowed to have your 21′ trailer park in campsite #17. The parking pad length is listed as 18 feet, but there are large rocks off the back. As a result, you wouldn’t be able to move your trailer all the way back (with wheels still on the paved parking surface). The site width of the parking pad is barely wide enough for a couple of cars. You can have up to 2 vehicles and 8 people in that campsite.
We will be camping the weekend of July 17 on site 24. Is there water and flush toilet availability currently?
Hi Shweta,
Yes there is water and flush toilets at DL Bliss State Park campground. Have fun!
Is the park open at this time?
HI Doris,
According to the California State Park website – DL Bliss State Park is fully open. With that said, the campground usually doesn’t open till later in may. You might try calling the visitor center to confirm at: 530-525-9530.
This is a great service! Thank you. Do you know if site 149 at D.L. Bliss has boulders along back edge of parking space. We’re in a pickup truck a little longer than 18′ but can angle or hang over. Thx
Hi Ginny,
Thanks for the kind comment! And good job on getting campsite #149 – that’s a great site. Your 18′ truck will fit in the parking spur. There are some boulders, but the space has plenty of room. Have a great time!
We have a reservation a couple weeks from now. Are the showers at the campground open? And if not, what’s the best alternative in the area?
Hi Lilly,
Yes – DL Bliss State Park does have hot-water showers ($) available for campers.