U.S. Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Forest Supervisor's Office
35 College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Voice: (530) 543-2600 TTY: (530) 543-0956 Hours: Mon thru Fri
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The north shore of Lake Tahoe is half and half. Half lies in California and the other half in Nevada. Access is via Highway 28, which stretches from Tahoe City, California to Incline Village, Nevada. The landscape also is half and half, half general undeveloped National Forest land and half developed urban areas. Recreational opportunities include water activities, camping, hiking, nearby downhill skiing/snowboarding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Attractions include Carnelian and Crystal Bays, Kings Beach State Park, North Tahoe Regional Park, and just a stone's throw away, Mt. Rose Wilderness.
The south shore of Lake Tahoe is located on the California side of the lake with the main access via Highways 50 and 89. The south shore boasts a spectrum of commercial development intermixed with recreational opportunities that include water activities, camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, downhill skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and gaming. Attractions include one the most photographed areas in the world, Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle. On the south shore you will also find the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Tallac Historic Site, Pope and Baldwin Beaches, Fallen Leaf Lake, Desolation Wilderness, Heavenly Mountain Resort and nearby Meiss Country.
The west shore of Lake Tahoe is located on the California side of the lake. Highway 89 stretches along this side of the lake with access via Highway 50 to the south and Interstate 80 to the north. Recreational opportunities abound on the west shore where you will find water activities, camping, hiking, downhill skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Attractions include nearby Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows, Granite Chief Wilderness, Meeks Bay and Meeks Bay Resort, the Ehrman Mansion and access to the Rubicon Trail, one of the most popular OHV routes in the country.
