If you’ve ever driven up Highway 88 past the Kirkwood madness and felt that sudden, sharp pull to pull over near Silver Lake, you’ve probably seen the sign for Kit Carson Lodge. It isn’t flashy. Honestly, it looks like a place time just sort of forgot to update, and that is exactly why people fight over reservations here like they’re gold nuggets.
We are talking about a resort that has been sitting at 7,300 feet for nearly a century. It’s a place where the Wi-Fi is basically a rumor and the "lobby" is a cedar-built room that smells like fifty years of woodsmoke and pine needles. For some, the lack of a spa or a fitness center is a dealbreaker. For others? It's the only way to actually hear yourself think.
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The Reality of Kit Carson Lodge in Kit Carson, CA
Most people get the location a bit confused. They hear "Kit Carson" and think of the historical figure’s house in Taos, but this is the high Sierra. Kit Carson Lodge Kit Carson CA is tucked right on the north shore of Silver Lake, roughly 45 minutes south of Lake Tahoe. It’s far enough away from the Tahoe neon to feel like a secret, but close enough that you aren't totally off the map.
The setup is pretty straightforward. You’ve got 18 housekeeping cabins and eight hotel rooms.
The cabins are the real draw. Built from cedar with knotty pine interiors, they’re the kind of places where the floors might creak a little, but you have a kitchen, a charcoal grill, and a deck that usually looks straight at the water.
The hotel rooms are a different beast. They’re strictly for the "no-cook" crowd. If you stay there, you’re eating at the onsite restaurant or packing sandwiches. A quick heads-up though: they don't allow kids under 10 in the hotel units because the walls are, well, thin. Sound travels. If your neighbor is snoring, you’re going to know about it. Families usually stick to the standalone cabins for everyone's sanity.
Why the "Rustic" Tag Isn't Just Marketing
People throw the word "rustic" around a lot. Usually, it’s code for "we haven't cleaned since the 90s." At Kit Carson Lodge, it actually means something specific. You won't find TVs. You won't find phones in the rooms. Cell reception is spotty at best—usually, you have to stand near the main lodge and hold your phone at a weird angle just to get a text through.
It’s an intentional vibe.
The lodge is a seasonal operation, typically open from early June through the first week of October. By the time November rolls around, the snow in the Carson Pass gets serious, and the place shuts down. Even in the summer, it’s chilly. You’re at over 7,000 feet. The mornings are crisp, and the lake is bracing.
Living on Silver Lake Time
Life here revolves around the water. The lodge has a general store that’s surprisingly well-stocked and an art gallery featuring local Sierra artists. But the real action is at the small marina.
- You can rent motorboats, kayaks, or those big, slow-moving peddle boats.
- Pontoons are available if you have a group.
- Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are a big thing now, even up here.
One of the best moves you can make is packing a lunch and paddling over to Treasure Island. It’s the biggest island in the lake. If you get there early enough, you can snag a spot and feel like you own the place for an hour or two.
What to Actually Expect (The Good and the Gritty)
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re expecting the Ritz-Carlton, you’re going to be disappointed. Recent guest reports from the 2025 season mention that the roads around the lodge can be a bit rough. There's been ongoing work to keep everything up to state and federal regs, which means you might see some construction clutter or "stuff" lying around the service areas.
The staff is generally praised for being cheerful, but they’re working in a remote wilderness setting. Things break. Sometimes the water pressure acts up.
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Chef Jacob has been getting rave reviews for the food at the restaurant lately, which is a big deal because, for a long time, the dining was considered "just okay." Now, people are actually making the drive from Kirkwood just for dinner. The restaurant has these massive floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the lake and Thunder Mountain. It’s hard to have a bad meal with that view.
Logistics and the Fine Print
Booking a spot at Kit Carson Lodge Kit Carson CA is a bit of a sport. Many families have been coming here for five generations. They book their same cabin for the same week every single year. If you want a weekend in July, you better start looking at the calendar in January—or earlier.
The Pet Situation:
Dogs are welcome in most of the cabins, but they'll cost you an extra $25 a day. They aren't allowed in the hotel rooms or on the private beach (unless they’re heading straight to a boat). And honestly? They’re strict about the barking. It’s a "quiet resort" for a reason.
The Elevation Factor:
Don't underestimate the 7,300-foot altitude. If you’re coming from sea level, you’ll feel it. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. The sun is also way more intense up there, so even if it feels cool, you'll burn in twenty minutes without coverage.
Beyond the Lodge
While the lodge is the hub, the surrounding Carson Pass is world-class for hikers.
- Winnemucca Lake: A moderate hike that is famous for wildflowers in July.
- Frog Lake: Shorter, easier, and great for a quick afternoon trek.
- Thunder Mountain: For the people who actually want to sweat. The views from the top are insane.
If you’re into history, there’s a forest chapel on-site. It’s a popular spot for weddings because of the backdrop. It’s simple—just some benches and the mountains.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip to Kit Carson Lodge, don't just wing it.
- Bring your own K-Cups. They recently upgraded the rooms with Keurig-style machines. They provide some in the hotel rooms, but cabin guests should bring their favorite blend.
- Download your maps. Your GPS will probably quit on you somewhere near Ham’s Station. Download the offline Google Maps for the area before you leave home.
- Pack layers. Even in August, it can drop into the 40s at night. You’ll want a heavy fleece for coffee on the deck and a t-shirt for the afternoon sun.
- Check the grocery list. The general store has the basics (and great ice cream), but for a full week of cooking in a cabin, do your big shop in Jackson or South Lake Tahoe before you head up the grade.
This isn't a place for people who need to be entertained. It's a place for people who want to be left alone by the modern world. There’s a certain magic in watching the light change on the granite cliffs of the Sierra while the rest of the world is busy arguing on the internet.
To get started with a reservation, your best bet is to call their office directly at 209-258-8500. They still do a lot of business the old-fashioned way, and talking to a human is usually faster than refreshing a booking page that might not be updated in real-time. Check their official site for the current season's opening dates, as heavy winter snowpacks can sometimes push the "June 5th" start date back by a week or two.