There is arguably no place on earth quite like Lake Tahoe. That impossibly blue water, the scent of Jeffrey pines warming in the sun, the sheer granite peaks plunging into the lake, it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. But as any RVer who has tried to visit this paradise knows, beauty comes with challenges. The west shore, in particular, with its narrow, winding roads and limited parking, can be tough to navigate. And finding a place to take care of essential business, like dumping your tanks, can be a real headache, especially on a packed summer weekend. This is where General Creek Campground, located inside the stunning Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, becomes an absolute lifesaver.
We were planning a few days of boondocking and exploring around the Tahoma area, which locals affectionately call "the Best Shore." It’s quieter than South Lake Tahoe but offers what I think are the most breathtaking views, including the iconic Emerald Bay. Before we settled into a spot for some off-grid living, we needed to go in with empty grey and black tanks and a full fresh water tank. General Creek was our planned strategic stop. As a California State Park campground, its facilities are often basic but reliable, and this one is no exception.
Getting there requires a bit of patience. Highway 89 along the west shore is a two-lane road that hugs the coastline, and during peak season, it’s crawling with sightseers. My number one piece of advice is to get an early start. If you try to roll in around 10 a.m., you’re going to be competing with every car heading to the Emerald Bay lookout or the Vikingsholm mansion tour. We aimed for just after sunrise, and it made all the difference. The roads were clear, the morning light on the lake was spectacular, and we pulled into the park with zero stress.
The dump station at General Creek is typical for a state park. It’s a single-lane island located right near the campground entrance, so you don’t have to drive deep into the loops. Payment is handled at a self-pay kiosk, which usually accepts both credit cards and cash. If you’re a registered camper, the service is free. For drive-ins like us, there was a fee, which, given the prime Tahoe location, felt incredibly reasonable. I always keep a stash of ten-dollar bills and some quarters in the glove box, just in case a card reader is being finicky. It’s a simple habit that has saved me a lot of grief over the years.
The facility itself is straightforward. There’s a non-potable rinse hose and a separate, clearly marked potable water spigot. This is crucial. In a place as pristine as Tahoe, protecting the environment is paramount. That means using tight-fitting sewer connectors, double-checking that your valves are closed before you uncap anything, and being meticulous about not spilling a single drop. The health of that crystal-clear lake depends on all of us being responsible. Having access to potable water right there made it easy to top off our fresh tank for the next few days of boondocking.
Since the campground itself is dry camping with no electric or sewer hookups, this dump station is the essential hub for every RVer staying in the park. This means you should expect a line, especially around check-out time. Our early-bird strategy paid off, as we had the station to ourselves. After we were done, we saw a couple of other rigs pulling up. While you're there, be mindful of bear safety. The bear-proof dumpsters are there for a reason. Make sure all your trash is securely bagged and that the dumpster lid can close and latch properly. A fed bear is a dead bear, and it’s our responsibility to keep the wildlife wild.
After our task was complete, we were perfectly positioned to enjoy the area. Sugar Pine Point State Park itself is gorgeous, with historic buildings and beautiful shoreline. From there, it’s just a short drive to some of the west shore’s biggest attractions. We spent the day paddling on Meeks Bay and later explored the growing little foodie scene in Tahoma. The recent addition of a summer shuttle service linking Sugar Pine Point to Emerald Bay is a game-changer. It eases the insane parking situation and lets you explore one of Tahoe’s most popular spots without having to worry about finding a place for your rig.
For fellow dog owners, it’s important to know the rules. Like many state parks, dogs are welcome in the campground and on paved areas, but they aren’t allowed on the dirt trails or the beaches. We were able to give our pup a good walk on the paved bike path before we hit the road. It’s a compromise, but a necessary one to protect the local ecosystem.
So, what's the verdict? General Creek Campground’s dump station is a simple, no-frills facility, but its value is immense. It provides an absolutely essential service in one of the most beautiful, yet logistically challenging, RV destinations in the country. It enables you to enjoy the magic of dry camping on the shores of Lake Tahoe. My advice is to plan your stop strategically. Arrive at dawn to beat the traffic, have your payment ready, and be extra diligent about protecting the incredible environment you’re in. It’s a small price to pay for the privilege of experiencing the jewel of the Sierras.
7360 CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142
(530) 525-7982
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510