Talbot Campground
Campground · Lake Tahoe corridor
Talbot Campground sits at 5,640 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's Sierra Nevada. A mid-elevation base with moderate spring-to-fall wind and reliable shoulder-season access.
Wind averages 7 mph over the last 30 days but accelerates to 17 mph on exposed afternoons. Morning calm typically holds until late morning; afternoon thermals drive reliable wind by 2 p.m. Exposed to lake-driven afternoon flows but buffered compared to open ridgelines.
Over the last 30 days, conditions averaged a NoGo Score of 13.0, with temperatures holding around 38 degrees Fahrenheit and wind at 7 mph. The week ahead will test whether shoulder-season patterns hold or transition into early-summer wind. Watch the rolling trend: scores spike when afternoon thermals align with lake circulation.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Talbot Campground
Talbot Campground sits in the Lake Tahoe corridor at 5,640 feet elevation on the Sierra Nevada's eastern slope. It anchors a secondary access zone between Highway 89 and the lake's quieter eastern shore. The campground serves as a staging point for those seeking mid-elevation camping with less foot traffic than the main lake basin; parking typically fills on weekends but clears by early morning on weekdays. Access is straightforward from the Tahoe valley; drive time from the nearest town is 30 to 45 minutes depending on current road conditions and season.
Spring and early summer bring highly variable conditions. The 30-day average temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 7 mph mask a wide range; overnight lows dip to 25 degrees or below, while afternoon temperatures can reach 53 degrees on clear, sheltered days. Wind swings from calm mornings to 17 mph peak gusts as thermal circulation off the lake strengthens. Late September through October offer the most consistent pattern: stable air masses, lower crowding scores, and predictable afternoon thermals. Winter access depends on Highway 89 snowpack; the campground closes or becomes marginal once snow exceeds management thresholds.
Talbot Campground suits campers and day users prioritizing accessibility over remoteness. The elevation and exposure work well for car camping, light day hikes, and anglers working the smaller creeks and lakes in the drainage. Experienced Sierra users pick Talbot for shoulder-season trips when main-lake areas run cold and windy. Skip the afternoon if you're sensitive to wind; head here on calm mornings or plan evening and early-morning activities. The rolling 30-day crowding score of 6.0 suggests moderate capacity; weekends during good-weather windows fill quickly, but Tuesday through Thursday mornings remain open.
Nearby alternatives include higher-elevation sites on Highway 89 that trade wind for colder overnight temperatures, and lower-elevation lake-access campgrounds that experience stronger afternoon thermals but offer more recreation infrastructure. Talbot's value lies in its position between these extremes: high enough to avoid the worst lake-basin wind funneling, low enough to avoid alpine-zone exposure and overnight cold. Plan around the 30-day average wind speed of 7 mph as a baseline; when conditions rise above the 27-point score ceiling reached in the last month, afternoon wind dominates and early starts become non-negotiable.