Fallen Leaf Lake Car Camp

Sample trip — replace with your own write-up.

Three nights basecamped at Fallen Leaf Lake, a stone's throw from the south shore of Tahoe but a world quieter. Days were for the water — kayaks out to the far end, swimming off the rocks — and one morning we did the easy loop up toward Glen Alpine and the edge of Desolation Wilderness.

Campfire every night, s'mores, and the kids asleep by nine. This is the trip the whole family votes to repeat.

• Highlight: sunrise paddle with the lake like glass.
• Note: reserve early — Fallen Leaf books out months ahead for summer weekends.