Campgrounds, Beaches and Forest Road Opening Dates

Emergency Fire Restrictions Extended

Oct. 23, 2020 - Emergency Fire Restrictions have been extended across all National Forest lands in California, including the CA/NV sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Smoking and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited. View the Forest Order at https://go.usa.gov/x7Yh5.

Emergency Camping Restrictions Extended

Oct. 2, 2020 - Emergency camping restrictions have been extended through November. Camping or overnighting is prohibited in all wilderness and backcountry areas including Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds. Hosted campgrounds reopened today, but keep in mind no campfires or charcoal are permitted. View the Forest Order at https://go.usa.gov/xGsFf. 

Forest Service issues closure order for Taylor Creek

October 1, 2020 - Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has issued a Forest Order that temporarily closes Taylor Creek and the surrounding area from Oct. 3 through Nov. 2, 2020. Read more and view the closure map at https://go.usa.gov/xGATc.

Developed Campgrounds

Developed campgrounds offer a range of amenities for the tent or RV camper. All developed campgrounds at Lake Tahoe charge a fee and there are many around the Basin to choose from. Reservations must be made through www.recreation.gov. The open season for campgrounds is dependent on snowfall, but they are generally open from mid-May to mid-October.  For more information on developed campgrounds as well as wilderness camping and campfire permits, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/Campgrounds.

Forest Roads and Gates

Pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51, opening and closing dates are determined by the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the Lake Tahoe Basin. To learn more about the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) or to download a copy, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/TravelManagement. Free copies of the MVUM are available at the Forest Supervisor's office at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe.  

The schedule for forest road and gate openings/closures is below.

Designation of a road, trail or area for motor vehicle use by a particular class of vehicle under 36 CFR 212.51 should not be interpreted as encouraging or inviting use or implying that the road, trail, or area is passable, actively maintained, or safe for travel. Motor vehicle designations include parking along designated routes when it is safe to do so and when not causing damage to National Forest System resources. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render designated roads and trails impassable for extended periods. Designated areas may contain dangerous or impassable terrain. Many designated roads and trails may be passable only by high-clearance vehicles or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Maintenance of designated roads and trails will depend on available resources, and many may receive little maintenance.