Enjoy Your National Forest This Memorial Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., May 21, 2025 – Memorial Day weekend, honoring the heroes who gave their lives in military service to this nation, also marks the start of summer visits to national forests. Some sites with lingering snow, road damage or wet conditions may remain closed. Staff continue to use all available resources to open these areas for the public to safely enjoy.

“The unofficial start of summer is here, and we are excited to welcome visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit this Memorial Day weekend,” said Forest Supervisor, Erick Walker. “Before heading out, please plan ahead, check access, review tips to stay safe and always recreate responsibly.”

With delayed openings at some recreation sites, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit appreciates your patience. Safety is our top priority. Important opening dates are provided below:

 Interpretive Sites

• Inspiration Point – Open
• Logan Shoals Vista Point – May 24
• Tallac Historic Site – May 24
• Taylor Creek Visitor Center - May 24

Campgrounds/Corrals/Resorts

• Zephyr Cove Stables – Open
• Round Hill Pines Resort – Open
• Camp Richardson Corral – Open
• Camp Richardson Resort’s Eagle’s Nest, Badger’s Den campgrounds – Open
• Meeks Bay Resort and Campgrounds – Open
• Fallen Leaf, Luther Pass, Nevada Beach and William Kent campgrounds – May 23
• Echo Chalet – May 25
• Watson Lake Campground – May 30
• Blackwood Canyon and Kaspian campgrounds – June 1
• Angora Lakes Resort – June 7
• Camp Richardson Resort and RV Park – Open Year Round
• Zephyr Cove Campground & Resort – Open Year Round

Beaches/Picnic Areas/Trailheads

• Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle Area – Open
• Baldwin, Nevada, Pope and Secret Harbor beaches – Open
• Sawmill Pond Picnic Area – Open
• Mt. Tallac Trailhead – Open   
• Bayview and Big Meadow trailheads – May 23
• Eagle Falls Picnic Area & Trailhead – May 23
• Kiva Picnic Area – Open
• Chimney Beach – To Be Announced 

Enjoy your visit to the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit by following these tips:

Know Before You Go. Check in with the Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe for closures and alerts. Use our forest website and social media to check for updates on sites and trails for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Water Safety:

• Do not enter cold, rapid water. It may be colder than you realize and dangerous, for you and first responders.
• Never enter the water to rescue a victim. Throw something that floats. Call 9-1-1.

• Do not drive through high waters. Water often moves faster than it appears.

  #RecreateResponsibly | Water Safety

Note your surroundings. Many campgrounds and trails are near lakes and rivers with changing water conditions. 

• Be aware of winds and avoid areas with dead standing trees.
• Look up before you choose a trail, park your car, or set up camp.
• No matter how tempting, do not park your car illegally and block emergency vehicle access.

Pack essentials. Always bring food, water, clothes for changing weather, first aid, lights, navigation aid, and a smartphone (but be prepared for reception to be spotty or unavailable). Hikers, riders and campers – give a detailed travel plan and GPS location upon arrival to someone not on the trip, in case of an emergency.

Observe all posted signs and warnings. There may not be barriers or signs at closed locations. Remember, GPS is not always reliable for current closures and conditions. And gates should never be opened when closed, even if GPS shows the best route through the area. Citations may still be issued even if no signs exist when a forest order is in place.

Additional Weather and Planning Resources

1. Caltrans QuickMap — Current Road Closures
2. Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories | National Weather Service
3. California Office of Emergency Services | Cal OES

For local happenings, follow the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit on Facebook, X.

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