OutReserve

Kit Carson Campground

Nearby river
KIT CARSON CAMPGROUND
KIT CARSON CAMPGROUND
River access
KIT CARSON CAMPGROUND

Featured amenities

Parking
Restrooms
River Access

About Kit Carson Campground

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.

Number of accommodations: 7

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 15 to Sep 7

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Restrooms
River Access
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

7 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 02, Loop: Lower Loop
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 05, Loop: Lower Loop
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 06, Loop: Upper Loop
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 08, Loop: Upper Loop
No Hookups
Price not available
09, Loop: Upper Loop
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: Upper Loop
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: Upper Loop
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (107)

What Guests Are Saying

Kit Carson Campground is praised for its beautiful setting with pine and aspen trees and excellent access to the Carson River, making it ideal for fishing. Camp host Mark is highlighted for his cleanliness and attentiveness, ensuring well-maintained facilities. While there is some highway noise and limited space for larger tents, visitors find the campground to be a hidden gem offering privacy and a cozy atmosphere.

Review Summary

4.5
107 reviews
5
68.2%
73
4
16.8%
18
3
11.2%
12
2
1.9%
2
1
1.9%
2

Christopher C

Verified

June 28, 2021 Stayed at: 05, Loop: Lower Loop

5

While the campground is pretty remote, the highway sound and proximity to Hope Valley Cafe provide a touch of civilization. Conveniently located next to the Carson River - great swimming hole to beat the heat! We were lucky enough to snag Site #5 - it is located on its own and closest to the river. Camp host was very knowledgeable and friendly. We did not encounter any wildlife, but we were informed site 5 is a popular trailway for bears and mountain lions - so lock up your food and stay alert! We didn't have any cell service with T-mobile. We were in an RV, but we did use the facilities which were clean and well maintained.

Colleen W

Verified

June 15, 2021 Stayed at: 08, Loop: Upper Loop

5

Beautiful aspen! Noise from highway during daytime but quiet river sounds at night. Campsite 8 very private.

Highlight---The kindest, most responsible and maybe the most intelligent camp host I have ever met! She was equally committed to her job, the land and the safety of the campers. Cleanest facilities ever, no trash. KEEP her--a good camp host is a treasure.

thanks for asking

Colleen W

Verified

June 15, 2021 Stayed at: 08, Loop: Upper Loop

5

Beautiful aspen! Noise from highway during daytime but quiet river sounds at night. Campsite 8 very private.

Highlight---The kindest, most responsible and maybe the most intelligent camp host I have ever met! She was equally committed to her job, the land and the safety of the campers. Cleanest facilities ever, no trash. KEEP her--a good camp host is a treasure.

thanks for asking

Michael W

Verified

June 11, 2021 Stayed at: 05, Loop: Lower Loop

5

This is a great little campsite. Camp Host this season is doing a great job keeping the place clean.

Michael W

Verified

June 11, 2021 Stayed at: 05, Loop: Lower Loop

5

This is a great little campsite. Camp Host this season is doing a great job keeping the place clean.

paola B

Verified

September 14, 2020 Stayed at: 02, Loop: Lower Loop

5

The host was great and the campsite and bathrooms were clean. It was great to have the river nearby. We really enjoyed our stay.

paola B

Verified

September 14, 2020 Stayed at: 02, Loop: Lower Loop

5

The host was great and the campsite and bathrooms were clean. It was great to have the river nearby. We really enjoyed our stay.

Russell S

Verified

September 10, 2020 Stayed at: 02, Loop: Lower Loop

4

We stayed here early in September and had a good experience and stay over for 3 nights. The camp host was helpful and friendly but gave us our space. I would give him a 10 rating on supervising and maintaining his campground.
The camp itself is close to the highway so road noise is noticeable.
Up the road, just past the Luther Pass road junction, is a fishing platform site. From there, a mountain bike trail can be ridden up the old Luther Pass road to the summit.

Russell S

Verified

September 10, 2020 Stayed at: 02, Loop: Lower Loop

4

We stayed here early in September and had a good experience and stay over for 3 nights. The camp host was helpful and friendly but gave us our space. I would give him a 10 rating on supervising and maintaining his campground.
The camp itself is close to the highway so road noise is noticeable.
Up the road, just past the Luther Pass road junction, is a fishing platform site. From there, a mountain bike trail can be ridden up the old Luther Pass road to the summit.

Trevor S

Verified

August 9, 2020 Stayed at: 02, Loop: Lower Loop

5

I stayed in site 2 and it was wonderful. The campground is beautiful, easy to get to, and has a useful bear box. The site is perfect for a small tent or a camper (or both) and the camp host is friendly and helpful

Location Kit Carson Campground

Address:
P.O. Box 104
Markleeville, CA, 96120
United States

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Hwy 88, which connects to Hwy 395 approximately 19 miles to the east.

Latitude & Longitude: 38.7768 / -119.895

Elevation: 2092 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • Caution: this bear country. Be prepared to keep your camp clean and food stored in appropriate storage containers.
  • This campground has small parking spurs. Please verify your vehicle size before making your reservation.
  • A per day, per site, daily fee will be collected for extra vehicles on-site.
  • Opening and closing dates are subject to change due to existing weather conditions.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

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Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service