Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe is open Monday through Friday, 8-4:30 p.m. excluding federal holidays. Customers may also call 530-543-2600, during business hours. If you reach the recording, we're helping another customer. Leave a message with your name and phone number and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You may also email us.
National Forest Roads and Facilities Closed for Winter
The annual process of closing national forest recreation facilities and forest roads around Lake Tahoe is nearly complete. Seasonal closures apply to forest roads and buildings, restrooms and parking areas at many recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, interpretive sites, picnic areas and resorts.
2025 Prescribed Fire Information
Prescribed fire operations continue this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through fall and winter as conditions and weather allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. View the Prescribed Fire Map.
Winter Recreation in the Lake Tahoe Basin
Popular winter outdoor activities at Lake Tahoe include skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, sledding and much more! Follow the link for more information about winter activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Fall Salmon Viewing at Taylor Creek
The most popular question this time of year is, Where are the Kokanee? In recent years, the salmon are known to travel upstream in late October into November, and can successfully spawn as late as February based on and triggered by environmental cues like colder water temperatures and rain events that result in increased stream flow rates that support spawning activity.
Current Conditions
Helpful links for current road and weather conditions, Daily Burn Status, prescribed fire activity, live web cams and more!
Camping & Cabins
Whether you enjoy the convenience of a full service cabin or campground, or the secluded primitiveness of backcountry and wilderness camping, National Forest lands at Lake Tahoe have something for everyone!
Beaches & Picnic Areas
National Forest beaches and picnic areas at Lake Tahoe are generally open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. The length of the open season depends on conditions and snowfall and may vary from year to year.
Bear Canisters
Hard-sided bear canisters are required for overnight visits to Desolation Wilderness and bear-resistant containers are required in all other areas.
Tahoe Rim Trail Thru Hike Permits
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 mile backcountry trail that circles Lake Tahoe and includes amazing vistas, high alpine lakes, meadows and peaks. Visit the Tahoe Rim Trail website for information on thru hike permits, trail conditions, guided hikes and more!