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.
Follow the slideshow links for information on fire restrictions, recreation facility/forest road status, camping reservations, wilderness permits, summer recreation and more! Scroll down for Recent News.
Lake Tahoe Basin Trails, Trailheads and Beaches Open, Camping Remains Closed
September 23, 2020 - Emergency Fire Restrictions have been extended and will remain in effect through Oct. 1, 2020, across all National Forest lands in California, including the CA/NV sides of the 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 and all sources of outdoor open flames including outdoor gas appliances, such as pressurized gas fire pits, grills, and portable stoves are not permitted.
National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches and interpretive areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin are open for day-use only, but keep in mind camping and overnighting is temporarily prohibited and campgrounds remain closed. Additionally, some National Forests across California will re-open, while others remain closed. For details, please visit the Pacific Southwest Region website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r5.
Recreational Fires, Charcoal Banned in Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region
September 4, 2020 - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team reminds residents and visitors that recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are not permitted on public or private property including residential properties, vacation/short-term rentals, campgrounds, resorts and other recreational areas throughout the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region until the end of November or until rescinded. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xGjq7.
Keep Tahoe Bears Wild! Agencies encourage use of bear resistant canisters
August 11, 2020. -- As a reminder, backcountry visitors should practice proper food and garbage storage and behave appropriately when hiking and backpacking in Bear Country. This summer, wilderness rangers report bears are successfully taking down food-hangs in Desolation Wilderness. Once bears become habituated to human food and garbage they will return and seek it out. Agencies highly recommend using bear resistant canisters when visiting the backcountry. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xfATS.
Forest Service cancels Taylor Creek Visitor Center programs
July 30, 2020. -- After much discussion and deliberation, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has made the difficult decision to cancel planned interpretive programs and visitor services at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center through the end of October, including second- and third-grade conservation education field trips. In addition, we have made the decision to cancel the Fall Fish Festival this year, an event that typically draws up to 12,000 visitors over the weekend. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xfPen.
Campground Concession Prospectus Update
July 23, 2020 - Applications for the Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions are due by the close of business on July 31, 2020. Follow the link below to read the Post Site Visit Letter and view the Prospectus webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xvrg2.
July 1, 2020 - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is promoting Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Month during July. This year’s theme is “Fight fire with a plan” to encourage residents and visitors to prepare their family, property and possessions now before a wildfire starts by creating a plan. Read how you can fight fire with a plan at https://go.usa.gov/xfxcj.
Forest Service Recommends Responsible Recreation
June 30, 2020 - Most National Forest developed campgrounds and beaches have reopened. Visit https://go.usa.gov/xwXAf to view the list under the "Recreation Conditions Report" heading.
Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including the following:
Practice Social Distancing. Provide space of at least six feet at all times during your visit.
Do Not Gather in Groups. Follow the latest guidance from officials.
Share the Trail. Alert other trail users of your presence and step aside to let them pass.
Pack Out Your Trash. Leave with everything you bring in and use.
From crystal blue waters to snow-capped peaks, Lake Tahoe is a special place. Part of what makes it special are the unique plants and animals that call the lake home. Tahoe Yellow Cress (Rorippa subumbellata) is one of these organisms. Follow the link above to learn more about Tahoe Yellow Cress.
Prescribed fire operations are a key component of active forest management and are carried out whenever weather, staffing and conditions allow in order to reduce excess vegetation that can feed unwanted wildfires. During active operations, prescribed fire notifications are sent out and a map with project locations and details is posted at http://tahoe.livingwithfire.info/get-informed/. Sign up for email notifications by sending an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.
Whether you are going out for a day hike or an extended backpacking trip follow the safety tips found at the link above to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
National Forests provide a variety of fun and exciting activities, but visitors must avoid hazardous situations. For information on staying safe in the forest, visit the link above.
Lake Tahoe West is an interagency collaborative effort to restore resilience to the west shore's forests, watersheds, and communities. Follow the link above for more.
