Hazel Area
Campground · Lake Tahoe corridor
Hazel Area is a 3,550-foot campground in the Lake Tahoe corridor's Sierra Nevada, sheltered from afternoon wind funnels that rake the open water nearby. Calmer mornings and lower crowding than eastern Tahoe beaches.
Morning stillness gives way to afternoon crosswinds off the lake by mid-day. The 30-day average wind of 7 mph masks gusts up to 17 mph on unsettled afternoons. Expect 45-degree average temperatures and steadier conditions before noon.
Over the last 30 days, Hazel Area averaged a NoGo Score of 11 with temperatures holding around 45 degrees Fahrenheit and winds averaging 7 mph. The week ahead will track seasonal warming and typical afternoon wind buildup. Watch the chart for score spikes after midday, when lake-driven circulation peaks.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Hazel Area
Hazel Area sits at 3,550 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's western Sierra Nevada, positioned for shelter from the strong afternoon winds that dominate the open lake just east. Primary access is via Highway 89 from the north or south, with the campground serving as a quieter staging point for both car camping and short day excursions into the surrounding forest and alpine terrain. The location sits inland enough to avoid the full brunt of wind-driven spray and rough water that plague exposed shorelines, yet remains close enough to the lake for easy water access on calm mornings.
Seasonal character at Hazel Area divides sharply between wind-protected early mornings and wind-exposed afternoons. The 30-day average temperature of 45 degrees reflects spring transition weather; the rolling 365-day data shows a full range from 35 degrees in winter to 63 degrees in late summer. Crowding averages 6 out of 10 over 30 days, notably lighter than roadside pullouts and developed beaches. Late September through early October, after Labor Day crowds clear, offers the most reliable combination of stable weather, moderate wind (still 7 mph average), and minimal parking pressure.
Hazel Area suits car campers, families with young children, and paddlers seeking a protected launch for early-morning outings on the lake. The 17-mph wind maxima over 30 days tell the story: skip mid-afternoon if you plan water activities or if you're sensitive to wind noise and dust. Experienced visitors plan for Thursday through Sunday mornings as the prime window; weekday afternoons are quieter but windier. The low base popularity (0.3) means parking is rarely a constraint, and the elevation (3,550 feet) keeps snow impact minimal compared to higher Sierra camps.
Nearby alternatives include Highway 89 boat launches to the north and south, which offer more open water access but less wind shelter. Younger campers and mixed-use groups often layer Hazel Area with a day trip to higher terrain via Highway 88 or 395, using the campground as a calm-weather base. The 11-point average NoGo Score holds steady year-round, making Hazel Area one of the more consistent camp spots in the corridor despite spring and autumn wind variability.