Budget-conscious wilderness lovers are resting their heads at the recently opened Basecamp Tahoe City.

Tahoe has seen its fair share of classic motels turned whimsical hotels, but Basecamp Tahoe City is one of the only affordable brands to venture to the north side of the lake, where nearby luxury hotels rule the roost—think Ritz Carlton, Hyatt Regency, and The Resort at Squaw.

(Courtesy of Paul Dyer)

At Basecamp, the simple and comfortable rooms have a woodsy vibe, with Wendy MacNaughton stenciled canvas art hung over the beds, small red Igloo coolers serving as ice buckets, and quirky art—such as a hiking boot print that says "All who wander are not lost"—in wood frames. For those bringing kids along, the adorable Great Indoors family room includes a picnic table, leather butterfly chairs flanking a crackling faux campfire, king-size bed for the adults, and bunks tucked inside a separate canvas tent for the littles.

The lobby, which features plenty of comfy, oversize furniture, is a great place to hang out after a long day on the slopes. The bar pours local ale on tap or wine by the glass, and sells s'mores kits ($2) for those who want to sit by the outdoor fire pit. In the morning, fuel up with a complimentary spread of waffles, toast, and DIY oatmeal.

Best of all, a central location means you can walk to the lake and Tahoe City's cluster of restaurants, ski shops, and bike and kayak rentals.

// Rooms start at $76, 955 N. Lake Blvd. (Tahoe City), basecamptahoecity.com